Chapter 126

Grandpa had a grand style entrance that evening, it was always his method of sending a message to all concerning the seriousness of the business. Everyone was expected to eat average so as to avoid sleeping off during the sessions. The usual standing ovation that greeted his entrance took place, this time Mike wasn't taking unawares. When Grandpa had sat down, he asked if Mike was present, this made everyone laugh. He wasn't expecting him in such a casual attire, he was used to how good he was the first time he saw him. Prayer was offered by one of the daughters, it was another area Mike was just getting used to, he was born a protestant, so the Catholic mode and method of prayers was somehow alien to him. 

The meal that evening was superb too, it was another traditional food of the Mexicans called Pozole. A traditional stew that is made from hominy with meat. This meat can either be pork or chicken depending on the family choice. It is garnished and seasoned with chile pepper, onion, garlic if the chef or cook so desire. Other seasoning used are shredded lettuce or cabbage, not forgetting limes, Avacado and salsa. Mike wondered why such diverse meals were not found in his home country, he couldn't help but accept the fact that the kind of food they had been eating were so rich in nutrients and mostly fresh. The rest of the meal was silently enjoyed, Margaret did a good job at helping Mike understand what and how of the food. She also made sure he felt more comfortable by having little conversations in allow tone. 

A break of 10 to 15 minutes was given to all for the food to digest before the commencement of the business of the day. In that few minutes, Grandpa decided to have a chat with Mike and Margaret. He took them aside for a walk around the garden. He paid more attention to Mike while he spoke. He asked him to make sure he made input to whatever that they were going to discuss that night, that he shouldn't see himself as an outsider. He believed strongly that his experience could on one way or the other bring some new innovation into the family business. He concluded by saying that it was possible for a new branch of the company to be opened in Africa and there was only one person that would be designated to man it. 

While he spoke, Mike recalled that Margaret had told him this might happen, he began to suspect that Margaret was behind it. He also felt that these were few of the many ways they had planned to bring him into the family fold via marriage. The position of a branch Manager of such a huge firm in a large community of nations like Africa, wasn't a little gift. In fact it could make one deny his Blood line. Mike could only nod his head all through the little walk and the words that Grandpa said. At the back of his mind was his return to Africa which would determine whether the relax with Margaret would continue or not. When Grandpa didn't get any feedback from Mike, he assumed that he understood and had taking in all he said, this was obvious to him from the way he saw him (Mike) nodding his had all the while.

Margaret called her Grandpa's attention to time, she had looked at her wristwatch and saw it was almost 15 minutes. He knew that her grandpa does not joke with people who he found smart and intelligent. He could spend the entire day discussing from one topic to another, forgetting that there were other appointments. Mike's case was overboard, being that he had already made a huge impression money and business wise. Grandpa was always over impressed when million or hundreds of millions were made, now for the first time, the company handled a business that raked in billions. To him, there was no better marketing genius he had seen one on one except Mike. Others he could recognize having read about them.

By the time they got back to the building, this time in the hall reserved for the meeting, everyone had been seated waiting. Mike observed that some where whispering to themselves, although h couldn't tell what they were saying, he suspected that he must be the topic of discussion. Margaret had earlier informed him of the plans going on, that he wouldn't be allowed to leave without promising them when the marriage would hold. This made Mike a little scared, he had come to love the family so much so that he was beginning to consider Margaret as a second option, peradventure Olivia failed to accept the move for reconciliation. He and Margaret sat together after Grandpa, a paper was passed around to each and everyone. It was the minutes if the last business meeting, this was read by one of the sons, who was the immediate younger to Margaret's Dad. Those in other countries was seen on the big smart screen that hung on the wall at the tail end of the hall. It was so big that the image seen was almost of the same size with reality. 

After the minutes had been read, motion was moved adoption which was immediately seconded. Then came the time everyone was waiting for. The various bench presentations. Each branch would share their performance Indices as typed out on paper to everyone, those online had received theirs via email, so while the presenter took the center stage, the others went through the papers and wait for him or her to end before suggestions and questions were thrown to him or her. It was well planned out by Grandpa that it went on smoothly. Mike noticed that Margaret was reserved to present last. His input to the ones that had presented, although they were excellent and helpful, but it caused more harm than good to him. He was able to spot out various problems and shortfalls that made some of the branches not to make profit and some who made little profit. Each time he spoke, Grandpa would bend towards Margaret and whisper something to her ear. He wasn't able to hear or guess what it was might be saying, because he was busy making input. 

One thing that he took away as a lesson was that everyone understood his input from a business perspective, they never saw him as causing any trouble or bringing them down. He had seen where such gathering and contribution such as his was innocently delivered, but it was misunderstood, thereby caring a huge division and damage to the company. Margaret was exceptionally proud of Mike, this was the first time she had returned home and gained such a huge respect from the family fold. She wished her Dad was present. At least he would have been proud of her for once, who knows, she could get a huge gift from him.

When it got to Margaret's turn, it was a wonderful sight to behold as regards the figures. The multi billion dollar deal was conspicuously seen as the deal that shot the firm to all high profit since inception. The general balance sheet of the company was always placed side by side with the monthly cum yearly performance of each branch. His made it easy to access their input towards the level of increase in percentage profit. That of Margaret huge impact, attracted a standing and clapping ovation from all. No one could ask a question nor suggest anything, their belief being that she had an outstanding performance more than everyone. Grandpa was about to ask her to take a bow, when Miles voice was heard;

I have a question, he said.

Margaret was shocked, if there was anyone she had expected to make a comment on her figures not to talk of asking question, that wouldn't be Mike. She wondered what he was up to. She couldn't remember treating him badly that could warrant a revenge. What kind of question would he be asking she thought. He knew quiet well that she wasn't as good as him, hence any question that she wouldn't be able to respond to, would result to embarrassment. She turned her head towards him to get his attention but it seemed Mike was out to do whatever he had planned without considering her.

Yes Mike, let's hear your question. Grandpa responded.

Mike began by appreciating and commending the outstanding figures on the screen, he analysed then in such a way that got everyone tripping. He spoke as if he was part of the team that built the balance sheet, meanwhile he was just seeing the figure for the first time. The entire hall was silent to the point that had there been a in that fell on the ground, one would hear the sound. Finally after the analysis, came the question.

How would you be able to keep up these figures? He asked. What plans do you have in ground to make a better profit than this in the coming year? He added.

Grandpa could only clap his hands after the questions staying that the question was so brilliantly thought out.