The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel

CH. 10 (An invitation to dinner)

"Good morning, Jonathan." Bernard greeted as he entered the office.

"Morning, Bernard! Nice to see you this early morning. What’s my schedule for today, sir? He asked chuckling in between.

"Well, sir you have a meeting with some of the members of the executives, unlike the last time we are getting detailed reports of the companies that each one of them is heading over, after which your schedule is free for the day. If you’d like me to add an activity to the schedule let me know sir." Bernard briefed him as they proceeded to leave for the car.

"I think that's enough for one day. A man also needs his rest," Jonathan replied, and Bernard smiled as he opened the car door for Jonathan to step in.

While in the car, Jonathan watched some clips from his grandfather. He stopped to pick up a call that came into his phone, "Hello Via! Good morning," he greeted, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

He turned to Bernard and noticed he was smiling, and his own smile widened.

"Hello sir, just wanted to call to let you know that members of the executive are already waiting for you."

"I apologize for the delay Via," Jonathan quickly apologised. Just help me inform them that I’ll be there shortly." He said and ended the call.

Arriving at the office, and walking down the long hallway leading to the conference room, Jonathan was just being admired by the staff who bowed as he walked past them. He smiled at them heartily as he entered the conference room with Bernard following him steadily.

Sitting at the head of the long mahogany table exuding an air of confidence as he faced the executives, he gestured at them to sit.

"We can now start the meeting." Via who stood up after everyone had settled down smiled at Dexter who smiled back at her as she sat back down.

The projector came on as a man dressed in black stood up, he was the Chief Finance Officer. He explained the profit statistics by showing graphs to aid his explanation, when he was finished the projector lights went off before he continued by concluding,

"As you can see, Mr. Jonathan, our projects have increased by 30% over the last month, and this was due to the strategic acquisitions we made in the entertainment and hospitality sectors," he said to Jonathan happily.

"This is excellent. I’m pleased to hear that our investments are yielding positive results." Jonathan said nodding his head in approval.

"Sir I must say, it is great to see the impressive numbers you’ve achieved. Our profits have soared by 30% this month, and all thanks to your strategic decisions." One of the men seated by his right hand said.

"That’s fantastic news! I’m thrilled to hear about our growth. Now let’s talk about the projections for the next couple of months, I believe we can aim for a 40% increase in profits." Jonathan said excitedly happy with the little progress made in his few months of arrival.

The conversation shifted to projections for the second half of the year with the executive outlining ambitious plans for expansion and diversification. However as the meeting progressed, Jonathan couldn’t help but notice the subtle glares and whispers exchanged amongst a few of the executives.

"I can’t believe this upstart thinks he can waltz in here and take over everything. He has no idea what it takes to run an empire as vast as the Hazel's Empire," One of the executives seated next to Via whispered to his next partner who also nodded in agreement and said, "It's preposterous! He’s just a rich kid playing at being a businessman." He said.

Jonathan's jaw tightened as he picked up on the undercurrent of hostility from the executives, who still haven't learnt to trust him yet. He's been with them for a month already and even with all he was doing, he still couldn't help but wonder why they were being adamant in recognising him as the ruler of the empire now.

"I understand that not everyone may see eye to eye with me, but I assure you all that my visions for this empire are rooted in long-term success. Let’s focus on the numbers and the opportunities that lie ahead." Jonathan said, hoping to melt down the hostility he was noticing.

Via rounded the meeting saying "Sir, we are with you all the way and we trust your leadership. Let’s continue to work towards our goals and prove the naysayers wrong."

Jonathan smiled at Via amazed at the way she hushed them by proving he was capable, he didn’t regret making her his liaison. He stood up to end the meeting clearing his throat he said,

"Thank you for your unwavering support and insights everyone. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to our collective success. I’m confident that with our combined efforts, we can achieve even greater heights in the coming year. With this I believe I’ve gotten what I want so this meeting is over."

There was a murmur of assent from everyone as everyone dispersed in twos.

After the meeting, as Jonathan walked back to his car he couldn’t shake off the feeling that not everyone in the room was rooting for his success. The stares and whispers lingered in his mind serving as a stark reminder of the challenges he would face as he navigated his new role as the sole heir of the Hazel's empire.

"Sir!"

"Mr. Jonathan!"

"Hey!" A woman nudged him causing him to stop in his tracks and turn to see who nudged him, he smiled as he saw it was Via.

"Any problem dear?" He asked her looking at her in the eyes.

"No, not at all. Got a call from my mother earlier she asked me to come over to the Jackson's for a dinner party just between the two families. Was wondering if you—you would like to be my date or just accompany me as a friend." Via asked Jonathan wanting him to say yes at all costs.

"Alright it’s a date, I’ll pick you up then." Jonathan replied.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Jonathan. I appreciate."

Jonathan gets into the car and drives off.

"You keep giving me opportunities to see those who belittled me and I can’t lie though you know nothing I’m glad I met you."