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, 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.