CHAPTER EIGHT- A Family's Reckoning

For months, Mrs. Gwen had been clandestinely adding a paralyzing substance to Mr. Johnson's drinks. The doctor who supplied her with this dangerous concoction had forewarned her about its gradual and ultimately devastating effects, which would fully materialize after a month.

During this ominous period, Mr. Johnson, having not received any communication from Daniel, decided to revisit the secret room where he and Daniel had shared numerous childhood memories.

As he explored the room, he discovered the tangible remnants of Daniel's resilience. Strewn across the space were various business books and audiobooks that had played a pivotal role in sustaining Daniel during challenging times. In a moment of realization, Mr. Johnson murmured, "You're just like me."

Amidst these revelations, he stumbled upon Daniel's diary. Immersed in its contents, Mr. Johnson unraveled the tumultuous journey Daniel had endured. The shocking revelation that Mrs. Gwen had poisoned him, inducing a coma lasting almost a year to prevent him from completing his final high school exam, left Mr. Johnson in disbelief.

The diary further exposed the strained relationship between Daniel and his father, highlighting the emotional void that had fueled Daniel's struggles. It also unraveled the mystery surrounding Daniel's mother's death, adding layers of complexity to the young man's troubled life.

Overwhelmed with guilt and understanding, Mr. Johnson confessed, "I can now comprehend why you harbor resentment towards me. I have failed you, Daniel," acknowledging the gravity of his shortcomings as a guardian and mentor.

This moment of realization became a catalyst for Mr. Johnson's introspection and determination to rectify the wrongs committed against Daniel. Confronting Mrs. Gwen about her malevolent actions led to a tense and dramatic confrontation. Legal repercussions followed as Mr. Johnson resolved to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Gwen has been plotting with Jerry how to take over the company.

"I have been drugging him; sooner or later, he will become paralyzed and bedridden. So we can hold an emergency meeting and seize the company." Mrs. Gwen scoffed.

"Nice! But mom, don't you think we should let Joe know the truth regarding our real father?" Jerry asked.

"He will be shocked and won't be able to handle the truth; he might end up blowing it off, and it will affect our plan." Mrs. Gwen said. I have talked to your dad; once all this is over, we will all live in huge wealth.

Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson had overheard their conversation and barged in.

"What do you just say?" Mr. Johnson asked with shock. "If I am not their biological father, then who is their biological father?" Mr. Johnson asked angrily.

Mrs. Gwen was shocked and started stammering. "Dear le..e..t me exp..p.lain, she said, stammering.

Mr. Johnson, who couldn't believe what he just heard, fell to the floor, and Mrs. Gwen's poison started to take effect. But unfortunately for her, Mr. Johnson is recording their conversation with his record pen.

"What have you done to me?" Mr. Johnson asked, and he collapsed to the floor.

Everything seems to be working out for Mrs. Gwen. She chuckles and advances towards Mr. Johnson.

"Dear, I am so sorry, but I need your wealth," she said. "Yeah! Mr. James, your trusted driver, is the father of my children. I killed your wife to have full access to you." Mrs. Gwen confessed

"I destroyed your son's childhood for my kids to live happily," she said, touching Mr. Johnson's head. Now you have to kneel before me; just rest and watch how far I am willing to go and how I will destroy the life of your kid." she said, guffawing.

"Now I will call the board directors and hold a meeting regarding your health, which I will take advantage of to seize all your wealth and shares." She said it without knowing she'd been recorded.

Mr. Johnson managed to save the record and push it under the chair.

"Have a nice rest on your bed," Mrs. Gwen said.

Mr. Johnson was taken to his room.

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Mrs. Gwen, a formidable presence in the boardroom, called for an impromptu meeting with the key members of the board. The mahogany table, a symbol of power and influence, gleamed as they took their seats, anticipating the purpose of the unscheduled gathering.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your prompt attendance. Today, we have a matter of great importance to address," Mrs. Gwen began, her tone a measured blend of authority and calculated warmth.

"As you are aware, my husband's health has been deteriorating, and concerns have arisen about the distribution of shares within the company," Mrs. Gwen continued, her eyes scanning the faces of the board members for signs of understanding.

She leaned forward, hands resting on the polished table, and continued, "I am here not just as the matriarch of the Johnson family but as a steward of our collective interests. We must ensure the stability of the company and safeguard the legacy my husband built."

"To secure the future of the company and protect my husband's wishes, I propose a plan. I seek your support in ensuring that my two children, Joe and Jerry, are positioned to take on the responsibilities that come with the family legacy," Mrs. Gwen announced, her words carrying a gravity that demanded attention.

She continued, "Furthermore, I am concerned about the potential distribution of shares that might occur without a clear plan. I want to work collaboratively with all of you to ensure that the shares remain within the family, preserving the continuity and stability of our operations."

Unbeknownst to Daniel, who continued his duties within the company, Mrs. Gwen worked behind the scenes to solidify the family's control. Her interactions with the board members became a delicate dance where alliances were formed and

strategies devised to protect the interests of her two children.

Amid this intricate dance of corporate maneuvering, Daniel remained unaware of the strategic currents that ebbed and flowed around him. The familial ties that bound the Johnsons also concealed the behind-the-scenes machinations that would determine the future of the company and the inheritance that awaited its next generation.