Chapter 7

Junior stood in front of the floor length mirror in his room. He was dressed in a tuxedo and had an expensive Rolex wristwatch on his wrist.

Today was the day his father would introduce him to the company as his heir, he needed to look the part 

After checking his reflection once more and he was satisfied, he dashed out of his room.

His parents were waiting for him when he got downstairs. After exchanging greetings and having a light breakfast, he and his dad hurried off to D'Miller brand

Upon arrival, Junior and Mansion went to the company conference room where all the staff were gathered.

Mansion Miller stood in the middle of the room to address everyone.

"Dear colleagues, It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today. After many years of serving as your CEO, I have decided that it is time for me to retire. This is a decision that I have been contemplating for some time now, and I am confident that it is the right one for me and for the company.

As I prepare to step down, I am pleased to announce that my son, Mansion Miller Junior, will be taking over as the next CEO of our company. Junior may not have been with us for long, but he's a fast learner and he's also very smart. I urge you all to accord him the same respect you had for me.

And another thing, I'm sure you all have read the files in your hands, it is a non disclosure agreement, no one else outside of this room can know my son's identity, whoever breaks that law, will be punished accordingly, that been said, I am proud of the work that we have accomplished together during my tenure as CEO.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and dedication over the years, and I am proud of the work that we have accomplished together," Mansion said and all in the room gave a round of applause.

Afterwards, Mansion introduced Junior to the board of directors and showed him his office.

When Junior was finally alone, he picked up his phone and called Elise. She was supposed to be in that meeting, but she didn't show up.

He tried calling her twice but she didn't answer. After a while he got a text from her, she apologized and said she would explain better when they saw.

 Few hours later

Elise showed up to the Miller mansion with puffy eyes and a bruised face, when asked what happened, she said one word, Xavier.

"How dare he lay his hands on you?" Junior asked, he was furious.

"He wanted to know why I was hanging out with you, when I explained that we're just friends, he didn't believe me, he also accused me of spending his money on you, I told him the money spent in that restaurant was yours and even if I was the one who paid, it was from my own pocket, this annoyed him more and he slapped me," Elise explained.

"I'm really sorry this happened to you. But I promise you, this is the last time something like this is ever going to happen, after tonight, you'll be free from Xavier and his family," Mansion said.

"I'm sorry too. So, you said your father found something, what is it?" Junior asked.

"My father discovered some documents. The Harkins own a stock company" Elise said.

She then brought out her phone to show them pictures of the documents which her father had sent to her.

"Everything here looks legal, there's nothing here that can be used against them," Junior said.

"That's what I also thought, but I decided to check out these shares they're selling" Elise responded.

She brought out her phone and showed them pictures of the so called "companies" the Harkins were selling shares of, they were small start-up businesses which didn't have any prospect of growing bigger.

"Well, legally this cannot be used against them. But if the public they're selling these shares to find out that they would never have any returns on their investments, it's going to be really bad for their business" Mansion said.

"Exactly. I can use this to free myself from their hold, I should send these pictures to Xavier," Elise said excitedly.

"Not yet. We should wait until after my father's retirement party this evening, the Harkins will be there, they need to see that you work for a bigger company now and coupled with the evidence you have against them, they won't be able to do anything to you or your family," Junior said.

"I don't think I can attend the party. I'll feel very uncomfortable with my face looking like this," Elise said.

"That's not going to be a problem, my wife has contacted one of the city's best beauticians, she'll work her magic and there shall be no trace of bruises on your face. You need to look strong and show the Harkins that you're ready to stand against them," Mansion said.

"Thank you sir, I really appreciate it," Elise said.

Few hours later, the garden of the Miller Mansion was packed with people of high caliber, including the Harkins, Banks and MacMatthew family.

Mansion Miller got up and decided to make a brief announcement, when he had everyone's attention, he gave a short speech and proceeded to give an announcement.

"Retirement is a time for reflection and new beginnings. As I enter this new phase of my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family. In conclusion, I wish to announce that my son, Mansion Miller Junior will be taking over my company."

Loud gasps and whispers could be heard throughout the garden, everyone was shocked, they had no idea mansion Miller had a child.

"I'm sure you all are surprised and are curious to meet him, but it's not yet time. My son wishes to conduct business with all of you via a representative, so, ladies and gentlemen, I'll like you all to welcome Elise Chapman." 

Elise walked to where Mansion was and as she scanned the crowd, the look of shock on the Harkins family face was one she was sure she wouldn't forget in a short while.

After the speech, Mansion introduced her to those she needed to be acquainted with. Elise was getting tired and was about to go in to get a drink when someone shoved her into a room. She was trying to regain her balance when the person screamed.

"What's the meaning of this?" 

Raising her head, she wasn't surprised to find out it was Xavier.

"It's exactly what it looks like. I'll be representing Mr. Miller's son." Elise answered.

"You're going to end this charade right now, go back in there and tell him you cannot work for him or else" Xavier threatened.

"Or else what? I work for someone more powerful than your family, you cannot do anything to me and apart from that, I know about your family's little stock company," Elise said.

"What about it?" Xavier asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"We both know that those whom you've sold shares to won't be pleased to find out they've wasted their hard earned money," Elise said.

"You're bluffing." Xavier said.

Elise brought out her phone and showed him the proof she had.

"Now that you've seen that I'm not bluffing, talk to your family and tell them to stay away from mine, or else, you all will regret it, are we clear?" Elise asked

Xavier nodded and Elise walked out. She ran upstairs and went to meet Junior.

"How did it go?" Junior asked.

"I'm free!" Elise said excitedly.

"Good. Now, it's time for retribution" Junior said.