2024-12-01 23:22:58Jonathan 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, listening, watching, and reading the files. He didn't want to make any mistakes. His first step according to his grandfather's counsel was to consolidate his authority. Seeing as many would challenge his background, his experience, and his skills as he had basically just sprung from nowhere. So he decided to meet with all the leaders and heads of the operations and institutions under him. And he was going to begin with the ones closest to him. The moment finally came and Jonathan did not disappoint. He'd had a complete makeover and as he walked into the conference room filled with executives, he took away everyone's breath. His air of dignity untainted by arrogance, his handsome face, clean-cut appearance, and dominating presence was almost too much for them to take. It was a resounding round of applause as he took his place at the head of the table. He stood and stared intensely at each one of the twenty-five individuals present in the room. His eyes said a lot. Some ladies immediately began to wish for the air conditioning to be increased. “We're absolutely elated to welcome you here today, Master Hazel.” A young lady bowed slightly beside him. He looked down at her. She was beautiful and athletically built, but conservatively dressed in suit pants and a white shirt, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her full red lips were pulled back in a polite smile as she looked up at him. Jonathan blinked, captivated by the lady’s beauty. “And you are?” He requested, his voice resonating as he was still very much on top of his game. “Your hostess.” She replied, not mincing words. “I’m Via Turkey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Turkey and I'll be seeing to your every need while you are here.” Jonathan nodded, though he wasn’t sure why he did. “Glad to hear it,” He smiled, turning his attention to the rest of the board members. He gestured at everyone in the room, “You may have your seats.” Everyone sat. “This isn't going to be a long meeting. I've gone through the summary of the files of all the companies you all here represent. However, I would require a detailed report from each one of you. I have no problems with what's been going on. I'm here to assure you that I'm here to foster continuity. You all worked well with my late grandfather and I'd like for that relationship to continue.” Everyone nodded. “From now on, Via, here will be my means of liaising with any one of you. If you have any issues with my methods going forward, put your messages through to her and she'll reach me. Any questions?” A man raised his hand. “We don't know anything about you at all sir, what's our guarantee that you can run the companies you've inherited effectively?” Jonathan smiled, seemingly unfazed by the man’s question. As a matter of fact, it was one of the few things that his grandfather had told him to prepare himself for. “Well, that's not really your business now, is it? If my grandfather could entrust me with his empire, who are you to question him? And you hit the nail on the head when you said you don't know anything about me, so why not think positive thoughts? Instead of wondering if I'm capable of running the empire, why not wonder how you can help me effectively run the empire?” The man swallowed and squirmed in his seat. “I'm not a tyrant.” Jonathan assured, “I welcome every opinion. I might not agree with you but I want to hear your opinion and see how it can work with mine.” “Thank you, sir.” They all chorused. “In the absence of any other questions, I believe this meeting is over?” There was a murmur of assent from everyone and the entire room emptied in a matter of minutes. Via Turkey hung back, however. “That was an awfully short meeting.” She joked. Jonathan smiled. “I like to keep things short and sweet.” Via smiled. “Interesting.” “So? What do you think about being my personal liaison?” “I have no problem with it at all. As a matter of fact, I believe this would just be a smooth sailing promotion.” “Smooth sailing? In business?” Jonathan joked. Via laughed lightly. “Well as smooth sailing as it could get.” She amended. “Good. I'll take my leave now.” He rose from his seat. Via rose with him. “Please hold on, is it true that tomorrow is the Hazel’s Forbes Initiative ceremony?” Dexter's brows rose. Yes! And I want you to send a special invite to one of the shortlisted families,” Jonathan smirked. “And which family is that?” Via asked. “The Jackson’s family,” a sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
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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
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"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
The Rise Of Jonathan Hazel CH. 13 (Make the rumours spread)
Bernard paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing with the weight of the press accusations that had been flying all over the place against Jonathan that he was mismanaging the Hazel’s assets in satisfying his selfish interests.He clutched the newspaper tightly, his eyes scanning the pages.“All lies!” He exclaimed.He picked up his phone answering the numerous calls coming in, determined to provide explanations and clear Jonathan’s name.“Hello, this is Bernard speaking. I understand there are concerns about the news regarding Jonathan and all that the speculations regarding how he is managing the Hazel’s empire. Let me assure you, Jonathan is doing a good job, and I’d appreciate if you just debunk whatsoever news that is flying all over the place. The press has distorted the facts.”“But Bernard, the headlines are everywhere. How can we trust that Jonathan is really competent enough to manage the affairs of the Hazel’s empire?” The first caller asked, he was desperate to g
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Jonathan adjusted his tie and scanned the crowd, his piercing eyes meeting the gaze of journalists and onlookers packed into the conference room. The flashes of cameras created an almost rhythmic staccato, a reminder that every movement, every word, was being scrutinized.“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs in the room, “thank you for being here today. I want to address the serious allegations that have been circulating regarding my supposed inadequacies in managing the empire which my late grandfather left under my control.The room grew silent, the anticipation palpable.“I categorically deny the authenticity of the rumours flying all over the place,” Jonathan continued, his tone firm but measured. “These claims are baseless and serve no purpose other than to tarnish my reputation and distract from the real issues at hand.”He paused, letting his words sink in. The gravity of the moment was underscored by his commanding presence—broad shoulde
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CH. 54 (The kissing scandal)
The quiet hum of Jonathan’s office was interrupted by the sudden burst of the door flying open.Bernard stormed in without a word, his face flushed with urgency. He held a rolled-up newspaper in one hand, his jaw set, and his eyes blazing with something between anger and disbelief.Jonathan barely looked up from his computer. “Bernard what brings you here?” he asked dryly, not yet sensing the gravity of the situation.Bernard didn’t bother with pleasantries.With a swift motion, he slammed the paper down on the desk, the pages unfolding with a loud flap. “Explain this.”Jonathan blinked at the tabloid before him. The front page seemed to burn with color, shouting its scandalous message at the top of its lungs.There it was—an image captured in vivid detail: Elina leaning forward, kissing him at the café. Jonathan’s expression was halfway between confusion and resistance, but the frame caught the worst possible second. To an outsider, it looked intimate. Intentional.The headline screa
CH. 53 (The Set-up kiss)
CHAPTER 53 Jonathan’s car pulled up to the quiet corner café, its windows fogged slightly from the chill of the morning. He stepped out, adjusting the collar of his coat, his eyes scanning the place warily. Something felt... off. The street was quiet, eerily so—no footsteps, no car horns, no idle chatter from passersby. Just silence and the low hum of wind rustling through leafless branches.He paused for a moment, studying the modest façade of the café. Pale sunlight glinted off the windows, but the interior was shadowed, still. It looked closed at first—until he saw her.Elina.She sat alone at the far end of the café, a porcelain cup cradled in both hands, steam long faded. Her posture was tense, too stiff to be casual. She was dressed simply, but there was an unnatural elegance in the way she sat—as if every movement was calculated.Jonathan pushed the door open. A tiny chime rang out, crisp and brittle like a bell in an empty church. He stepped in an
CH. 52 (An unexpected invite)
CHAPTER 52 "Bernard, I don't know how to handle this situation. Finding out about my dad's death makes me want to dig more into the past, I really want to know about this empire left to me.” Jonathan began as he and Bernard sat alone in the Jonathan’s office staring at the computer screen.They had both been together celebrating Jonathan’s engagement with Via. Other employees had also joined in the celebration each congratulating Jonathan and looking forward to the wedding.It was in the midst of the celebration, that Jonathan received an anonymous email in his computer. “The IAS are monitoring every of your movement, and they hold the missing piece of the puzzle regarding the death of your father.Immediately Jonathan received the email, he dismissed the rest of the employees, and, when he was alone with Bernard, he made him read the email.The two of them remained still wondering who could have sent the mail as the email address of the sender was hidden and couldn’t be trace—enough
CH. 51 (A surprise proposal)
CHAPTER 51The restaurant was bathed in the soft, golden glow of candlelight, its elegant chandeliers casting flickering reflections across polished silverware and crystal glasses. The air carried the delicate aroma of gourmet dishes, blending with the gentle hum of conversation and the occasional clink of cutlery against fine china. It was an intimate setting—one of warmth and understated luxury—perfect for an evening neither Jonathan nor Via would ever forget.Jonathan sat across from Via, his sharp navy-blue suit accentuating his composed demeanor, though his fingers betrayed his nervous anticipation as they subtly drummed against the table. Via, resplendent in a flowing emerald dress that brought out the striking green in her eyes, noticed his slight restlessness but assumed it was merely lingering exhaustion from the past few months of struggle.Despite the troubles surrounding the Hazel’s empire, Jonathan had taken this time out to feel the love that only Via’s presence had to o
CH. 50 (A marriage deal)
CHAPTER 50Elina sat in the dimly lit living room, her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the couch. The muted glow of the television flickered against the walls, but the images on the screen only added to the weight pressing against her chest. Beside her, her mother, Patricia, sat stiffly, her face pale and drawn as she watched the news unfold. It was a grim scene—headlines flashed across the screen, painting a sordid tale of betrayal and justice.Elina had tried to prepare herself for this moment, but no amount of preparation could soften the brutal truth. Her father was alive. Alive. After all those times of mourning him, believing the tragic lies fed to her, she now knew the truth. And not only was he alive, but he had been dragged into the headlines, arrested, and publicly shamed. Because of her mother.Feeling the walls close in on her, she reached for the remote and switched off the TV. The silence that followed was deafening. She turned slowly toward Patricia, her voice
Chapter 49 (Uncle Philip is back)
Jonathan parked his car in front of his house, his mind still preoccupied with the IAS and the secrets that seemed to be buried beyond his reach. The weight of his father’s mysterious death, the hidden agendas surrounding Hazel Empire, and the silent war waged in the shadows gnawed at him. He knew he was on the verge of something huge, but at what cost?As he stepped inside, an unusual sight greeted him—his cousins, Ryan and Peter, sat in the living room, deep in conversation with a man he had never seen before. The air was thick with tension, and every instinct in Jonathan's body screamed that something was off.His eyes locked onto the stranger, who leaned back on the couch with an air of practiced ease, sipping what appeared to be whiskey from an expensive-looking glass.“Hey, guys. What's going on here?” Jonathan asked, his gaze shifting between his cousins and the man who had made himself at home in their house.Ryan barely spared him a glance, his expression unreadable, while Pe
CHAPTER 48 (Dropping charges)
Elina anxiously by her mother's side at the hospital, relieved that she had regained consciousness. Wanting answers, she mustered the courage to ask her mother the burning question that had been haunting her. Why had she heard her dad's voice on her phone?With a mix of concern and confusion, Elina looked into her mother's eyes, waiting for an explanation. The room fell silent, the air heavy with anticipation, as her mother took a deep breath and began to speak.“I had only found out a week ago, Elina. I got a strange call from a number and it turned out to be your dad, I was surprised but then he asked me not to reveal this to anyone. He didn't tell me anything about his plan Elina, trust me.” She said her eyes teary, her voice cracked as she talked.Elina paced back and forth, her mind racing to process the shocking revelations. As she tried to gather her thoughts, her ringtone pierced through the air, snapping her back to reality. Startled, she quickly rummaged through her bag, ret
CHAPTER 47 (A cryptic message)
Jonathan looked at Jacob, his eyes wide with disbelief. "How... how are you alive?" he stammered, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.Jacob smirked, avoiding the question entirely. "Well, well, well, look who we have here," he said, his voice dripping with a mix of amusement and triumph. “You've finally found me, Jonathan."Jonathan's heart raced as he tried to process Jacob's words. "Found you? What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.“Yes you have, you found a dead man.” Jacob said, a grin across his face. Jacob's gaze hardened, and he took a step closer to Jonathan. "You think you can just come out of nowhere, take everything I have labored for all my years?" he spat, his voice laced with bitterness. "I'm the mystery man, Jonathan. I am the one behind everything that has befallen you, behind Via's gunshot, the rumors surrounding the Hazel Empire, and those cryptic messages you’ve been receiving."Jonathan's eyes wid
CH. 46 (Back from the dead)
CHAPTER 46Peter and Ryan sat in Peter's room, the tension choking in the air. Ryan's frustration was evident as he slammed his hand on the desk, expressing his anger over not being appointed chairman. "I can't believe this! How could they overlook me for the chairman position? I've worked so hard for this company, and they just brush me aside like that!" Peter tried to calm his brother down, speaking in a soothing tone. "I understand you're upset, Ryan, but getting angry won't solve anything. We need to figure out our next steps and move forward from here. Now we know that Jonathan would be wary of us, we need to be cautious.” Just then, Eva, their sister, entered the room. Sensing the tense atmosphere, she inquired about the problem. "What's going on, gentlemen? Why the long faces?" Ryan quickly filled her in on the disappointing outcome of the meeting, his frustration evident in his voice. “It's your god forsaken cousin Jonathan, he bribed the executives to vote for him in his
