LEGACY RECLAIMED

Chapter 7

The following day, the tension in the conference room was palpable, an evident weight pressing down on everyone present; Adrian sat beside Mr Simon, with his hands clasped together, while Mr Simon leaned on the chair, staring at the faces of the board members.

The board members were seated with their expressions mixed with impatience and a bit of worry.

“What is taking the Doctor so long, must we have to wait all day before we know the actual results?” Amelia said with her voice tingling.

A quiet murmuring erupted from the others, as most of them glanced at the wristwatch.

Mr. Simon looked at her with an unpredictable expression. “The truth will reveal itself in due time.”

The double door creaked open, silencing the murmuring in the room. Dr. Kasper walked in with the men assigned to look after him. His black cases were tucked under one arm and a folder in his other hand. His expression was composed and professional.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Sorry for keeping you waiting, I have to make sure everything is settled before coming out.”

“What is the result, tell us,” Oliver said, cutting the doctor from spilling more words.

Dr. Kasper frowned, he felt disrespectful. He sniffed softly. Pulling the folder on the table and opening it with deliberate precision.

The analysis has been completed with the utmost care, the results confirm that Adrian is without any doubt about. Related to Mr. Simon.”

The words seemed to hang in the air for a moment before the murmuring continued.

Oliver exchanged glances with a few board members; he was unhappy with the news that had just unfolded.

“Now the report is out, we don’t have to prove that I now have a successor, someone from my family.” Mr. Simon taunts. “I trust there are no further doubts.”

The doctor cleared his throat, “If there are no further questions, my part here is done. Congratulations, To Adrian and Mr. Simon.

The doctor exited the conference room, leaving them to murmur.

Amelia who couldn’t hide her disappointment, spoke out. “Adrian, now your uncle has proved you truly are his bloodline but have been the rightful heir of one thing. Proving yourself worthy of leadership is another thing.”

Adrian nodded thoughtfully, “I understand, and I am ready to prove myself.”

Mr. Simon smiled, knowing he had won and had proved them wrong. He placed a hand on Adrian’s shoulder. “This is the beginning. You have been given a legacy, Adrian. It’s up to you to carry it forward.”

The two smiled at each other; the meeting was adjourned. Adrian drew a deep breath, the revelation of his lineage was a pivotal moment, but as he looked at some faces around the room. He knew the battle for trust and respect had only just begun.

When they got to Simon’s office, he called his butler, David March, who brought a document, sliding it towards the table.

Adrian’s curiosity piqued as he stared at the document, averting his gaze to Mr. Simon.

“You can open it; all I want is for you to sign. So everything will be transferred to you. And you will be named the new chairman. You will also be allowed to choose any 3 cars from the garage.”.

“What?” He exclaimed in shock. “What about you, where will you be?”

Mr. Simon shook his head, giving him a smile. “I am getting old, and I need a vacation. I have worked my entire life for this company and it’s time you take over. But don’t worry, I will always be available if you need me.”

“That’s not all,” he paused, “Here it’s yours. The bank card. The access card to the company is all yours now, Mr. Chairman.” He teased, “The card contains a whopping sum of 50 billion dollars in personal funds; the access card can be changed if you don’t like it; you can request another kind of a card or a fingerprint sensor.”

Adrian was left in awe and disbelief; a few weeks ago, he was left at the mercy of his ex-wife and her family members, and now he is going to be the new chairman of Brown Global Empire.

Mr. Simon winked at to get the document signed, he glanced at it for a moment as he felt his stomach churned in excitement. He appended his signature at the designated spot, and just as he signed the document, he received the alert of the money that was deposited into his account.

Adrian didn’t allow that to get into him, as he maintained his composure. “Uncle, I need one more thing from you.” He said, leaning forward.

He wasn’t comfortable with the glare he received from Oliver and a few board members earlier.

“What is it, you are free to ask anything.”

“How do I succeed? I need advice from you. How were you able to handle things here for decades?”

~~~~~

At Delilah's apartment

Mrs Delilah sat at the edge of the cream-coloured sofa, with a wine glass in her left hand, with her leg across the other, as she stared at the television screen. Being the rival of Brown’s global empire has left her with no choice but to know who their next chairman would be.

The moment she saw Adrian standing next to Simon Brown as the new chairman, her mouth agape in bewilderment and shock.

“Adrian,” she called, as her face turned gloomy. “This is unbelievable, How?” She asked in confusion.

Ava, who heard her mom’s voice, rushed downstairs only to find her mother looking pale, with her expression mixed.

“What’s it, Mom?” She asked while holding a small plastic strip in her trembling fingers.

Ava followed her mother’s gaze as she read the write-up displayed on the television screen. She was shocked just like her mother.

“How is this possible? How is he related to Mr. Brown? Why did I not see it? Was he lying to us all these years? How come my dad never told us about him being related to our rival.” Those thoughts ran freely in her head.

Mrs Delilah narrowed her eyes at her daughter when she saw the two pink lines on the test strip staring back at her, undeniable and daming.

“Are you pregnant?” She asked.

Ava tried to hide it, but it was too late, her mother had seen it.

“Who is the father of that baby?” Her voice was loud and firm.