The Vicious Son-in-law

Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

SIX MONTHS LATER

The atmosphere in the boardroom was tense. Warren’s method hadn't worked. Everyone had a worried look on their faces. If word got out, Sterling Heights won't be able to face the shame.

Sam, on the other hand, was ecstatic to watch Warren’s downfall. He hadn't forgotten how Warren disgraced him and his mother in front of the board. He was ready to do the same and more to Warren.

Warren entered the boardroom, calm as ever. Immediately he entered, he was bombarded with a lot of questions.

“Mr. Warren, what do we do now? It seems your technique has failed.”

“Sir, is the company ever going to recover from this blow?”

These were a few of the questions he was asked.

“You have put the company in jeopardy! We could have just gone with my idea. Now, look at what we are all going through because of you!” Sam said.

Warren relaxes on his chair and smiles.

“He did say six months was all he needed. I say we remove him this instant and reinstate me as the CEO,” Sam continued.

“I agree, a lot has been burned already and I’m not ready to lose more,” one of the investors said.

“I just want out. I don't have any more money to gamble with. The management of this company is pathetic,” another investor said bitterly.

“Alright, we'll take a vote. All those in favour of Mr. Warren stepping down from his position, please raise your hands,” Sam said.

About sixty percent of the boardroom members raised their hands. This made Sam very happy.

“It is settled then. I will be re–”

Xavier's sudden entry interrupted Sam.

“Sir… sir… sir…”

One could tell he ran to the boardroom.

“Calm down, catch your breath,” the Chief Operating Officer said.

“What is it young lad? Another loss?” the financial analyst asked.

“No sir,”

“Then what is it?” Sam barked, already losing his cool.

“The stocks are skyrocketing! They received up to 90% profit in five minutes,” Xavier said in excitement.

Choruses of ‘whats’ and cheers filled the air but Sam was not too happy about it.

“But how is that possible?” Sam asked, bewildered.

“That would be because of patience. I told you all to trust me. I knew what I was doing. This was a technique I learnt from the late Master Williams of the Walton Company in Chicago. He said he always sold his losses that way and most of them end up bringing back profits in the long run,” Warren said in triumph.

“Would you like to reinstate Sam now?”

“No, you’ve proven yourself. We have no reason to doubt your techniques in the future,” an investor said.

Sam stormed out of the boardroom in anger earning a chuckle from Warren.

The meeting went on smoothly and immediately it ended, they began to receive calls for partnerships from all over the country.

‡‡‡‡‡‡‡‡‡‡‡

TWO YEARS LATER

The Williams family were at the breakfast table discussing business as usual. Devan and Laurel were engaged in a serious conversation about a company they were trying to bag. They would have had their support if not for Troy who blew the opportunity.

“Is there any way we can salvage the situation?” Laurel asked Devan.

“I really don't know. We’ve sent an apology letter and a request to reschedule the meeting. We’re yet to receive any response. Hopefully they honour our request,” Devan replied.

“Speaking of partners, word just came in that Sterling Heights is hosting a business gala tonight. I also heard that a new Chief Executive officer has been appointed in the company. I wonder who that could be. Anyways, I’ve booked the next flight possible for us. There will be notable businessmen and elites. This is a chance to widen our horizon. After breakfast, preparation for the trip starts,” Lady Williams said.

“A newly appointed CEO? I thought Mr. Easton’s step son was in charge of the company? What went wrong?” Laurel asked.

“Well, according to rumors, he is not as efficient as the media and press claims he is,” Devan replied simply

“Sterling Heights? Good heavens. The Eastons are very influential, we’ll definitely meet potential partners there,” Emily said dreamily.

“Yes, that’s exactly why we're going,” Lady Williams said.

“Imagine closing deals with companies like Winston, Tamorold, Sherling or even Sterling Heights itself,” Troy said.

“It’ll be amazing. As long as you don't mess this one up that is,” Devan said, still angry at him for his costly mistake.

“I said I was sorry. It was an honest mistake,” Troy said, feeling bad.

He had thought the family would have forgiven him by now.

“Enough! Breakfast ends in five minutes. You have two hours to pack,”

And with that, Lady Williams left the table. Looks like they haven't forgiven Troy after all.

★★★★★★★★

LATER THAT DAY

“Hurry up, or we’ll be late for our flight. We have to get there early enough to make potential business partners as well as catch Mr. Easton’s attention,” Lady Williams said as she gathered the Williams family to the car.

“Grandma didn't even let me pack properly,’ Troy whined.

“You’ll get whatever you want in Brooklyn,” Laurel replied to him.

“Speaking of Brooklyn, isn't that where your useless excuse of a husband ran off to?” Emily asked Devan.

“Yes,” Devan replied.

“Imagine running into him while we’re there,” Laurel joked and everyone burst into laughter.

“Seriously though, Devan, what will you do if you bump into him there,” Troy asked, after the laughter had died.

“Ignore him. What else? Why would I be seen talking to a low life? Besides, I’ll soon divorce him and get married to Logan Smith,” Devan replied.

“He might even think you came to look for him,” Troy said.

This earned another round of laughter from everyone.

Soon enough, they arrived at the airport and boarded their plane.

†††††††††††

LATER THAT EVENING

“Wow, this place is exquisite. The decor is giving luxury,” Emily mused.

“I agree. After all, the Eastons are the hosts. Expect nothing less,” Laurel seconded.

“Okay, enough of the drooling. I suggest we split up and make conversations with potential business partners. Use your charm and wits to engage them. There are a lot of influential businessmen and women alike. Cease this opportunity. When we leave here, we should be leaving with at least five new partnerships,” Lady Williams said in a stern tone.

Splitting ways, they all blended in with the crowd, making small talks in the process.

Warren enters the hall with Xavier close by. Troy spots Warren and goes to tell his family. They couldn't believe their eyes. They soon approached him.

“Well, well, well. If it isn't my darling brother-in-law. What are you doing here? You still have the habit of being in places you don't belong, huh?” Emily said.

“He never learns. I wonder what he's doing here, Easton’s gala of all places. He looks so out of place,” Troy said mockingly.

“Why do you always disgrace yourself, Warren? Haven't you had enough embarrassment in your lifetime?” Devan asked, feeling ‘ashamed’ for Warren.

Warren made to speak but just then the MC got the stage, officially welcoming everyone to the gala.

Just then Lady Williams joins them. Surprised couldn't describe what she felt seeing Warren at the gala.

“What's he doing here?” She asked.

“We’re just as shocked as you are grandma,” Troy said.

“Don't stand close to us. I don’t want anyone thinking we are actually associated with a commoner like you,” Laurel said. 

Soon they were interrupted by the loud voice from the speaker.

“...Please welcome on stage, the host of tonight's gala and newly appointed CEO of Sterling Heights, Warren Easton.”

Loud cheers and applauses erupted immediately. Warren made his way to the front and stood until the noise died down. His eyes squarely on the Williams family.

He watched as their faces switched from the looks of confusion to realisation to that of surprise. He had them where he wanted them.

Bingo.