Triumph Of The Belittled Son-in-law

CHAPTER 7

Paul was completely absorbed with Grandpa Leonard’s explanation but he couldn't help wondering how fast his life had changed. Just a couple of days ago, he was chased away by his ex-in-laws for being poor and now he had the biggest responsibility that only the wealthiest of persons could carry.

“It's a tough job finding these informants but I have an idea, Grandpa,” Paul said, causing Grandpa Leonard’s eyes to light up as he got off the couch, his eyes full of hope.

His weak muscles were even more tense in anticipation.

Paul took a deep breath and continued. “Since these informants want to tarnish the image of our companies by producing counterfeit products, we have to assume that they already know our secrets or at least most of them.”

Grandpa Leonard nodded quickly in affirmation. “Uhm, yes, you are very right”

“We will conduct an internal investigation in all of our companies,” Paul explained.

Even though Paul had spent all of his life being poor, he had always been very intelligent. He always had very high grades during his high school days until he dropped out because he couldn't fund his education further.

Grandpa Leonard blinked his eyes, his posture very alert, especially for an 85-year-old man. “But how can we do that in all of our companies? We have hundreds of employees in each of our companies.”

“Yes, I am sure of that but we don't have to conduct this investigation for all the department of employees. We will only do it where they are likely to be, which is the production department. Grandpa, these informants and spies only stay where there is the most important activity.”

Grandpa Leonard opened his eyes widely in excitement as he giggled.

Paul went on with a smile on his face. He was getting fond of his grandfather already.

“We will start from the lowest ranked worker in the production department before moving up but we won't move to other departments. I am convinced that we won't even have to do the same procedure for all the companies because all we need to do is fish out the first two or three informants. They would be forced to snitch on the others.”

A bright glow shone across Grandpa Leonard’s face as he jammed his forehead with that of Paul in excitement. “Yes! You would take our legacy further with this big brain of yours, my boy. I always knew that you were the true heir to our syndicate and all those years used in trying to find you were not a waste after all.”

Paul smiled. “I won't conduct the investigation myself though. I mustn't reveal my identity early on.”

“Anything you say, my boy,” Grandpa Leonard waved his hands in a passionate surrender. 

“But there is something else,” Paul noted.

“Tell me, please.”

“The investigation would be conducted by Miriam if that is fine by you,” Paul informed, scanning Grandpa’s face curiously.

“Miriam? You mean the housekeeper Miriam? Grandpa Leonard asked, his eyes intent.

“Yes Grandpa, I find her very intelligent. I will also make her the Chief Operating Officer of one of the topmost companies in our syndicate.”

There was something about Miriam’s aura that spoke positively to Paul. She seemed smart, calculative, and strong-willed. After all, being a housekeeper at a wealthy family like the Leonards meant that you were quite educated and exposed. To top it off, Paul found her quite attractive. 

“But that's a big change,” Grandpa Leonard furrowed his brows, a feeling of concern on his lips.

“Yes, I know it is a big change but I trust her somehow and I need you to trust me,” Paul responded calmly. “We will find you another capable housekeeper.”

“Of course I trust you,” Grandpa Leonard assured. “Let me request for Miriam so that you can get acquainted with your new home.”

“Don't worry Grandpa. All you need now is to rest and to get the medical care you need as soon as possible,” Paul suggested. “It is already bad enough that you had to wait this long to get treated.”

Paul and Grandpa Leonard embraced each other and he finally ordered his doctors to treat him, having seen Paul.

The next morning, Paul left the living room looking for Miriam. He wanted to propose the new appointment to her.

“Good Morning young master Paul,” Housekeeper Miriam greeted, bowing her head thrice in honor. She was standing just outside the living room.

Paul was a little embarrassed by the extreme show of respect. He scoffed, throwing his arm in the air but realised that this was his new life now. He had to get used to it although he would prefer to have it a little less from Miriam. There was something mysterious about her that he wanted to uncover.

Miriam showed Paul the surroundings of the mansion - the lush landscape, fountains, guesthouses, the golf course, expensive cars, and even the runway for a private aircraft.

“Everything is all yours young master Paul,” Miriam remarked. “Grandmaster Leonard has willed out everything to you as his heir.”

Paul seemed frozen to the spot. He had a struggle with processing everything that was happening to him. Would he actually own such a large empire? He hadn’t even seen his companies yet.

Paul cleared his throat, remembering the proposal he had for Miriam. “I want to talk to you about something, Miriam.”

Miriam stood still like a statue, her eyes focused as she listened attentively. “I am all ears master.”

“I have a proposal for you,” Paul inhaled deeply and then continued. “I want you to be the Chief Operating Officer in one of our topmost companies.”

Miriam's lips moved as if she was whispering to herself. Her eyes drifted away and it was as if her soul had left her body. 

A few moments passed and it was clear that her mind was somewhere else but she finally snapped back to reality, refocusing her gaze toward Paul as she muttered. “Ehh…I humbly accept your offer young master Paul. It is a big honor that you consider me worthy of this position.”

Paul narrowed his gaze, wearing an assessing look, a hint of curiosity in his expression. “Are you sure you are ready to take this position, Miriam?” he asked.

He wondered why Miriam’s thoughts drifted. 

Even though they had barely met long enough to know each other well, Paul was sure that she was the right choice for the position and a key piece in the investigation. She had the right personality. But why did she appear somewhat distracted? Was she having second thoughts?

“Of course Sir, I am ready to take this responsibility,” Miriam assured, this time her gaze focused.

“Now, that’s more like it,” Paul smiled.