2024-12-01 23:18:14Jonathan couldn’t comprehend what had just happened; all he could process at that moment was the unexpected journey that he and the police chief had set on immediately after he'd been discharged from the hospital he was rushed to.
His wounds had been treated and he'd eaten a decent meal for the first time in days. He was so confused he was on high alert. What could be going on? Was this going to be another form of torture? Were they fattening him up for the slaughter?
“Young Master Jonathan, do you need anything, and are you in any pain?” The Chief asked, turning away from the steering wheel for a second.
“There will be a doctor on ground immediately we arrive and you will be tended to more closely.” The Chief added.
Jonathan was still trying to adjust to the situation before him so it wasn't out of disrespect that he turned his face away to the window.
“Where are we headed, sir Chief?” He asked cautiously.
“Call me Chief.” The chief replied, trying to be as cordial as possible.
“We are headed to the airport now. The other location will be revealed to you shortly Young Master Jonathan! Why don’t you use this time to rest? We have a long journey ahead of us.” The chief recommended.
It was in that moment that panic struck Jonathan; he had only seen scenes like this in movies; he was being transported to a more advanced prison facility! And for a crime, he had no idea of! His eyes widened and he trembled.
What could that stupid tattoo have meant? Was it the tattoo of a notorious gang?
His head spun as he tried to make sense of everything that was happening to him at that very moment.
Could life be more unfair towards him? Just when he thought he had seen it all, something worse seems to be lingering just near
He wished the chief had believed him after he had told him that he knew nothing about the vandalism on the Hazel’s property.
He shook and trembled, his one good eye darting around, looking for a means of escape.
But there was none. And he soon succumbed to the needs his body had been deprived of for the past few days.
He fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
“Young Master Jonathan, we are here,” was the next thing Jonathan heard.
He blinked his eyes open to see the chief peering at him.
He gasped and sat up straight, as he tried to make a mental note of their possible location, but nothing was coming to his head.
“Wh– where are we?” Jonathan asked, still somewhat groggy.
“We are at the airport and the jet is ready, we need to leave now.” the Chief answered.
Jonathan stepped out of the car only to realize that police escorts had been trailing behind them all this while, panic crept in again.
Could the crime he hadn’t committed be so severe as to require such an escort? It felt as if they were transporting the most wanted criminal in the whole world.
“The private jet is this way, Young Master Jonathan!” the chief directed.
“I thought you said we were going to the airport? Th –this doesn’t look like an airport.” Jonathan inquired somewhat timidly as he and the Chief moved forward.
“I must commend you Young Master, you are observant. This is a private airport. Only the one percent of the one percent can use this place.” The chief replied.
“Now I'm sorry but I must implore you, please do not ask any more questions, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Everything will be made clear to you on your arrival. I am not worthy to give you answers.” He gestured for Jonathan to get on the private jet.
Sooner than expected they landed but this time it wasn’t in a semi-public airport like the last one. It was a completely private airstrip and the name 'Hazel' was emblazoned on the single building and the four jets present as well as the helicopters.
Jonathan could almost feel his urine dropping off his pants as the realization dawned on him that wherever it was that the police was taking him to, it was controlled by the Hazels-the same family he was accused of having vandalized their property.
“So Young Master, we are about to board the helicopter and then we'll arrive at our final destination.” Chief Steve explained.
Jonathan was too shocked and confused to speak, he just stared at the man as he kept wondering what sort of trouble he had gotten himself into. The fact that the chief of police was even referring to him as “young master” was making him even more afraid, interpreting it as an act to take his mind off the punishment that was waiting for him.
They boarded the helicopter and in a matter of seconds, they were in the air once again.
After some minutes they hovered over what looked like a large estate. He noticed the name on the entrance below to be Hazel as well.
“What sort of property could have been vandalized that was making him go through all of these?” Jonathan continued to wonder. What sort of prison was this and how could it have its own airport and look so luxurious at the same time?
A few seconds later, the Chief signaled Jonathan, pointing at a building below that wasn't too far and indicated that was where they were going to. This was no ordinary building; it looked too good to be a prison as a matter of fact.
“That building is the prison?” Jonathan asked, while looking outwardly dumbfounded.
“Oh Young Master Jonathan I am afraid you have gotten it all wrong, we are not headed to any prison.” The Chief looked alarmed. “You know what, it will all become more understandable when we land.” He consolidated.
When they landed at the helipad in the mansion, Jonathan noticed that there were three people who were as young as he was. Two males and a female that stood apart from the plethora of what looked like security guards and home staff. There were about a hundred of them! Standing and waiting for him?
Things took a different turn when he was suddenly enveloped by the three individuals at once.
“Jonathan! We are so glad to see you!” They looked so excited.
Still in shock Jonathan remained silent wondering who the young individuals were and why they seemed to be so happy to see him.
“I think it’s time we all proceed inside.” A man who'd stood apart recommended while gesturing to the large door in front of them.
Immediately they got in Jonathan noticed a man dressed in black who looked like a lawyer.
“Jonathan, we haven’t introduced ourselves yet so let’s get in!” One of the males concurred excitedly.
“I am Peter Hazel, and he is Ryan Hazel. She is Eva Hazel and we are the grandkids of William Hazel, the owner of the hazel Empire!” One of them explained as they took the elevator down.
“So what am I doing here? Have any idea?”
“You’re here because of this,” Peter pulled aside a part of his shirt, revealing the same tattoo which had been found on his shoulder.
“I have that tattoo too,” Jonathan replied, his eyes opening wide in disbelief.
“Yes! It’s because you are one of us, you are a grandchild of William Hazel and also an heir to his empire! So I'll allow the lawyer to take over now.” Peter smiled as they arrived in a large and opulently furnished room with a large screen.
“I am going to play the last wishes and testament of the late William Hazel.” The lawyer explained.
The screen immediately came alive and a resplendent old man filled the screen.
“My dear grandson, Jonathan, if you are watching this it means I'm already dead. So this is my Last Will and Testament for the Hazel Empire.”
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The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 5 (Last will and testament)
“Jonathan it's such a shame that I couldn’t be there to welcome you myself but life has always been so fair to me I don’t mind it playing a smart one on me and making me absent at this time. But enough about me. I’m sure everything still seems very confusing. Especially your identity.”The man cleared his throat.“You are Jonathan Hazel the child of my first son Robert Hazel. I’m sure you are confused as to why you never met me or knew anything of this life before. It is because your mother chose to raise you out of the family.“Your father, my late son died from a tragic plane crash a year after you were born and your mother who had never been a fan of the problems that came with being a member of such a widely known family, more or less blamed the family for his death. She decided to take you far away from us to live out there with the rest of the world where you would be safe.“I didn’t rest, I sent out a search party to find her. We then came to an agreement. I didn’t want the las
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 6 (Final funeral rights)
Elina and Nicholas laughed with her parents as they settled into a chair together, a bowl of popcorn between them, as they sat to watch the funeral program of the late William Hazel on television. Nicholas had eventually secured a spot for the Jackson’s just as he had promised, and the initiative would kick start once the late William Hazel was laid to rest.The funeral procession was nothing like Elina had ever seen in her life before. It was like the whole world had come together to pay their last respect to William Hazel, a testament to the fact that he was indeed, a powerful and influential man who was well known all over the world.The Presidents and Prime Ministers of over 15 countries were all present. Even members of the royal family from Britain along with other royal families across the globe were also present.“Golly goodness!” Elina sat up.“Damn…” Nicholas muttered.The death and burial of William Hazel was for sure going to be the talk of the world for months if not year
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 7 (Settling in to take charge)
Jonathan was settling into his new life quite smoothly so far as he looked forward to the ceremony of his unveiling and the public announcement of the few companies that have been shortlisted to be beneficiaries of the Hazel Forbes Initiative.He'd been very busy familiarizing himself with everything he had inherited. Which was a lot of work seeing as he'd inherited a lot.He didn't intend to be a lazy and passive leader, he was going to be actively involved in everything going on in all of his companies as much as he could.Bernard Lampley had been with him every step of the way. He'd answered all of his questions and was doing an amazing job guiding Dexter on his journey.And Grandpa William hadn't lied, he was truly still with him. The man had left several videos, recordings, and handwritten files to aid Jonathan in his journey.They basically enumerated all the secrets to keeping the businesses thriving and only Bernard knew about them.Jonathan spent all his time in a study, list
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 8 (Humiliated in public)
A shot of applause went up as it did for each family that arrived as Elina and her parents arrived at the entrance of the Hazel’s mansion. They smiled and made their way to their seats, Nicholas in tow with them.“You know, I’m still finding it hard to believe that the heir himself, had sent his limousine over to bring us down here. It feels like a dream come true!” Patricia chipped in as they settled down.“Well, we all Nicholas all of these. It was his influence that got us a spot in the Hazel’s Forbes Initiative,” Jacob grinned and raised a glass in salute.~~~~~~A knock sounded on the door as Jonathan stood before the mirror getting ready for the grand unveiling, and the shock he was about to subject the Jacksons to.“Come in.”It was Via.“Hey. I'm ready. And I just got word that most of the guests have arrived. I believe it's time for you to make your appearance.”“And the Jac–” Jonathan began asking as he turned around to face her but his breath caught in his throat.Via was d
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 9 (A desire to get back)
"I have never been so humiliated in my life!" Jacob Jackson thundered as he and his family barged into the house. He threw his coat onto the floor, his face red with anger and embarrassment. The fact that they had gone to the ceremony in a beast limousine, and then had to return in a cab, had added more to the humiliation they had suffered at Jonathan’s hands."This wasn’t supposed to happen this way not after all the care we gave him, talk more of the support we showed him, your mother went to all lengths to make sure he got a job in that delivery company to show she cared, but he does this instead!" He continued his eyes red with anger and pain from the embarrassment.Elina and her mother sat quietly on the couch, Patricia embittered dried up her tears whilst shaking her head in disbelief. Elina lost in thoughts, her mind occupied as to how the Hazel’s heir turned out to be Jonathan, the man whom she had just thrown out of her house not long. She had never imagined it to be him re
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. "H
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 11 (Plots and Schemes)
Jonathan turned toward the small wooden dresser, where his neck tie lay waiting. Picking it up, he began to loop it around his collar, getting ready for the dinner party which Via had invited him to. Suddenly, the quiet creak of the door startled him. He looked up, just as the door swung open, and Eva stepped in, unannounced. She held a mischievous smile as her gaze swept over him, taking in the scene of his preparation."You look fabulous, where are you going?""Yeah for a dinner party between the Jackson’s and Turkey’s family and I happen to be Via’s date." Jonathan replied turning for her to get a good look at him."Do I look good or it’s too much?" He smiled, even if he already knew he was looking just perfect.“Nothing’s wrong with the outfit Jonathan you look perfect!" Eva replied returning the smile.Since Jonathan arrived at the Hazel’s mansion, Eva was the only one among his three cousins who really shared in the joy of being the heir to the Hazel’s empire. As for Peter and
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 12 (Follow your heart)
Jonathan sat at his desk, the pale glow of his computer screen casting shadows in the dimly lit office. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the desk, betraying the frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. The sales strategy for the head company demanded his full attention, yet his thoughts kept drifting back to Via.They had almost kissed the previous night after the dinner with Via’s mother and the Jacksons. Via had walked him to the car, and was thanking him for agreeing to be his date for the dinner when something mistakenly fell into Via’s eyes. While, trying to help her remove whatsoever it was that had found its way into Via’s eyes, an atmosphere of romance just enveloped them after Via told him that the speck which had probably found its way into her eyes had gone.He was lucky that Roseline came out just that minute, and that prevented the two of them from kissing. He muttered under his breath, “Alright, Jonathan, focus. You’ve got a team counting on you. The success
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CH. 45 (A call from a dead man)
"Nicholas owns what again? How could this happen? What do you mean Elina? Why's he in possession of your all father's property that aren’t part of the properties limited to Skytop?” Patricia's voice had rose in panic, her tone laced with disbelief after she got to learn that the properties which Elina were talking about were not just those limited to the Skytop but everything that belonged to the Jacksons.Elina had reached out to touch her mother's hand, trying to calm her. "Mom, I told you he went to apologize to Jonathan yesterday, didn’t I? This was also part of what he was fighting for Mum. But we need to stay calm and figure this out together. Nicholas will be here tonight, and we can talk to him then."Patricia's panic had turned into anger as she stood up abruptly, her voice now filled with determination. "No, you need to bring him here right now. I need to speak with him immediately."Elina hesitated, unsure of how to handle her mother's sudden urgency. "But Mom, let's wait u
CH. 44 (The tiebreaking vote)
As Jonathan entered the conference room, he could feel the tension in the air. The executives' expressions grim, and their disappointment evident on their faces as they glance in his direction. Jonathan takes a deep breath and tries to maintain a composed demeanor as he takes his seat at the table.The CFO cleared his throat and began the meeting, his voice carrying a weight of disapproval. "Good morning, everyone. We have gathered here today to discuss the recent developments in our company's performance," he says, his tone somber.Jonathan shifts uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the weight of their collective disappointment. He braced himself for what is to come, knowing that he will have to face the consequences of his actions.The assistant CFO speaks next, her voice sharp with reproach. "Jonathan, we had high expectations from you, but since you took over the Hazel Empire, the results have been far from satisfactory. Can you explain what went wrong?"Jonathan cleared his throat
CH. 43 (Angry investors and shareholders)
CHAPTER 43Patricia sat in her room, her voice hushed as she spoke into the phone. The tension in her shoulders was palpable as she listened intently to the voice on the other end. Her words were barely audible, and her expression was a mix of concern and apprehension.Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Elina's voice cut through the room. “Mum, are you in here? I've been looking for you everywhere."Startled, Patricia quickly ended the call and turned to face Elina, her eyes wide with nervousness. "Elina, I didn't hear you come in. What's wrong?"Elina stepped further into the room, her brow furrowed with worry. "I heard you talking on the phone, and you seemed... troubled. Is everything okay?"Patricia forced a smile, trying to appear composed despite the unease that gnawed at her. "Oh, it's nothing, just a work call. You know how it is. Is there a problem?"Elina sat across from her mother, her eyes filled with concern as she relayed the events of the previous day. "Mom, you won't
CH. 42 (Falsified Apology)
CHAPTER 42Jonathan arrived at Via's home after finishing up at the office, eager to check on her and see how she was doing. He had called earlier and was told that Via had been discharged from the hospital.Arriving at the Turkey’s mansion, Via greeted him with a warm smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "Hey, Jonathan! Thanks for coming by. It means a lot to me," Via said, her voice filled with gratitude.Jonathan returned her smile and replied, "Of course, Via. I wanted to make sure you're okay. How are you feeling?"Via sighed and leaned back against the couch, her face expressing a mix of exhaustion and determination. "Honestly, Jon, I'm getting better each day. But I can't help but think about work. I feel like I should be back there already."Jonathan gently placed a hand on Via's shoulder, offering her reassurance. "I understand your drive, Via, but it's important to prioritize your recovery right now. Your health is the most important thing."Via nodded, appreciating Jona
CH. 41 (More problems ahead)
Jonathan drives to the office, his mind still preoccupied with Via's condition. Despite the doctor’s assurance that Via was eventually out of danger, Jonathan still couldn’t help but worry about her.The head injury she had sustained from the fall of the ballroom light at the restaurant was still a mystery to him. If not for the text he had received after the incident happened, he would have sued the restaurant. But then, after receiving the text, he knew it was not the fault of the restaurant’s management, and that someone had done it deliberately.As he hurried to the office, his phone rang. It was Bernard, informing him about the reporters seeking an interview regarding the recent news. Bernard had left him earlier to attend to some of the pressing matters in the office, assuring Jonathan that he would stand by him no matter what it’ll cost."I'm on my way," Jonathan replied, his tone composed but with a hint of concern.As he navigated through the busy streets, his thoughts raced.
CH. 40 (Allegations and threats)
Jonathan sat in the sterile waiting room, his leg bouncing nervously as he clutched his phone, waiting for any news about Via. He couldn’t believe that his enemies had also made Via their target, and it made him really scared. What he feared the most was already happening, and he couldn’t help but wonder who else would be their target. Stepping into the position of his grandfather’s successor, he had thought everything will go just fine, and he wouldn’t have to worry about anything anymore, but he was now realizing just how wrong was.Just when he was still in deep thoughts over everything that was happening, his phone buzzed, and it was a call from Bernard.“Jonathan, what’s this I’m hearing about Via? Who could have tried to kill her?”“I don’t know Bernard,” Jonathan admitted. “At this point, I feel like I’m losing my mind already. How’s your wife and daughter?”“They’re fine Jonathan. I already made them leave the country. They left in the first flight and called me a couple of m
CH. 39 (Have fun, Jonathan!)
Jonathan woke up the next morning feeling groggy and disoriented. His restless night had taken its toll, and the weight of his failure from the previous night still hung heavily on him. But as the morning light streamed through the blinds, he resolved not to let his disappointment defeat him. He had come too far to give up now.After a quick shower, he sat down at his desk, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, and began going through his notes. He spread out the documents he had collected so far—files from his grandfather’s vault, the cryptic papers from Mr. Koeman, and the scant information he’d been able to gather about the IAS. Everything seemed disjointed, like pieces of a puzzle that refused to fit together. But he was determined to find a pattern, a thread that would lead him to the answers he sought.As he sifted through the papers, his mind kept returning to Mr. Koeman. The more he thought about it, the more certain he became that the strange caller was indeed the man who had han
CH. 38 (The Hazel's Empire's vaults)
That same night, Jonathan decided to visit his grandfather’s secret vault within the empire. Having turned around in his bed, and unable to get any sleep, he decided to confirm for himself if what the strange caller had told him over the phone was true.The IAS was beginning to appear more than he had envisaged, and with each new revelation unfolding by the day, he decided he’d look deeper into it, and to find out for real what it had to do with the whole of the Hazel’s empire and how it was connected to the death of his father.Throwing off the blanket which he was using to cover himself, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet dangling in the darkness. The weight of everything that was happening was becoming too much on him, but he knew this wasn’t the right time to quit—not until he has found all the answers to the questions that were bothering him.He dressed quickly and quietly, changing from his pajamas, his hands shaking with uncertainty. He knew he had to be caref
CH. 38 (Unravelling more secrets)
The streets outside were bustling with the usual city energy, but Jonathan couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability as he made his way home. Bernard’s wife had finally been discharged from the hospital, and he had given him time to be with her and their daughter Michelle.With everything that was happening, he decided to take a stroll round the city's street, as a way to clear his mind of all the things that were weighing heavily on his shoulders.It would be the first time in a long while that he'll be taking such strolls since he took over the Hazel's empire. It made him miss the good old days when he didn't have much to worry about—the days when he had nothing to protect and didn’t have to drag other people into his problems.All his life, he had thought that having money and power would make his life better, but only now had he begun to realize that he was wrong. Since he took over the Hazel’s empire, his life had really changed. He had made more enemies within the few mont
