Chapter 0002

Mr. Taiye Jackson is seated in the front row of the conference hall at BENSON GROUP. He is currently leading a meeting with the various boards of members from his other companies, all of which are registered under his name.He quietly instructs his personal assistant to introduce the new head to the group.

The employees gather in the meeting hall, eager to meet the recently appointed CEO. Although his name has been announced, none of them have laid eyes on him yet. Mr. Taiye Jackson served as the CEO, following in the footsteps of his late father, Mr. Benjamin Jackson, who founded the Benson Group of Companies, also known as "Benjamin and Sons Group of Companies."

Observers eagerly await the transition of company ownership to Liam Jackson, the sole heir of Mr. Taiye.There are rumors about his cold and unfilial nature, and the workers are aware of his reputation for arrogance, meanness, and lack of appreciation. However, he is known for his strong work ethic and successful management of private businesses in the states. His father recently asked him to return to the country and take over his multimillion-dollar companies upon his retirement.

Initially, Liam declined due to his reluctance to go back to Nigeria. He doesn't appear to have much interest in anything there, except for his mother, who is a devout Christian. She dresses modestly and always attends church to pray for her husband and him, as he is her only child.

It's important for him to know that his mother faced many challenges in her early marriage to his father. His late grandfather, Mr. Benjamin Jackson, strongly opposed the marriage between Mr. Taiye and Mrs. Juliet. Despite the attention from other women and hurtful comments about his mother's fertility, his father remained faithful and chose to marry only Mrs. Juliet, without any extramarital affairs. 

He remained loyal to his wife, Mrs. Juliet Jackson, despite his family's objections and their belief that she couldn't conceive another child after 10 years of trying. Liam's mother experienced multiple miscarriages, which he believed were a result of her anxiety over his father potentially leaving her for another woman. She lost all the babies she had carried in her womb, except for him. He recently reached the age of 30, while his mother is 60 and his father is 68.

Liam still loves his parents, despite his father's deceit about being sick. He orchestrated a fabricated phone call from a supposed doctor, informing him of his father's declining health and urging him to come back from the United States. Upon his return, he was displeased to find his father in good health, actively participating in business meetings. He is upset that his father deceived him into coming back and is now preventing him from returning to the United States.

Currently, at the Benson group of companies' headquarters, they specialize in oil manufacturing, gas implantation, steel production, and other essential amenities. Their company has gained global recognition. Liam is in a private room on the second floor, adjusting his necktie. He's wearing a white shirt, black trousers, and his suit is on the table. His father had discussed the possibility of introducing him to the various boards and partners involved in their business.

The man takes a deep breath and grabs his suit. Just then, his assistant, Brown Anderson, who was assigned to him by his father on his first day at the company, knocks on the door. He says, "Come in."

"Boss, the introduction is about to start," Brown informs him. He nods and adjusts his black suit. As he exits, his father's spokesperson introduces him as the new CEO of Benson Group of Companies Limited to the prominent individuals in the meeting hall. The audience applauds as he takes the stage and receives the microphone from his father's assistant, Mr. Silas Greystone, to address the staff.

"Thank you for accepting our invitation and witnessing my submission as the new CEO of BENSON GROUP." We should prioritize maintaining our integrity and working diligently to further establish our company as a transparent and reliable provider of quality products. Thank you everyone for being a part of my new endeavor. Thank you." 

After returning the microphone to Mr. Silas, Liam stepped down from the podium. As he made his way to his seat, the applause grew louder. Several important individuals stood up to greet him and shake his hand.

Liam greets them with a handshake before taking his seat. They also return to their seats, while his father, Mr. Taiye Jackson, smiles slightly at him. He then stands up to deliver his own speech before Silas gives the final closing speech.

"I appreciate everyone's presence here today as we celebrate the start of a new chapter with our new CEO, my son Liam Jackson." I would like to express my gratitude to all of our dedicated past employees who have worked tirelessly to enhance our company's reputation and establish our position as one of Nigeria's top production companies. Please respect and work harmoniously with our new CEO. Follow his decisions to help our company grow globally. He has just returned from the States to be with us. Thank you. Thank you all once again. Silas, it's your turn to conclude today's meeting."

After Mr. Taiye passed the microphone to Silas, he proceeded to share a concise update on the latest products and their prices. Following this, he concluded the meeting with a speech, and the attendees and staff then left the meeting hall after the CEO's address.

Liam stayed in the meeting hall with his father as the number of guests and members dwindled. He approached his father, who was engaged in a conversation with his friend, Mr. John Patrick, one of their managing accountants.

Liam approaches his father and says, 'Dad, I need to talk to you.' He wants to finish his conversation with his friend, Mr. John Patrick, who is a trusted accountant responsible for managing their company funds.

"I'll be with you soon," Mr Taiye replied, as Mr John finally turned to Liam. "Congratulations on your new position," Mr. John smiled faintly to Liam.

"Thank you, sir." "It's a pleasure to meet and work with all of you," Liam responds.

"You can always rely on our support, Liam. I am pleased to see you assuming your father's position, as he is both my boss and a close friend. I believe you have the potential to lead us towards significant growth, surpassing the achievements of your father and grandfather.

"Thank you," Liam says with a faint smile. He appreciates kind words from friends, colleagues, and elders, as it motivates him to work harder.

"You're welcome, Liam." Goodbye, Mr. Taiye. Mr. John expresses his regret to Mr. Taiye for not attending his daughter's convocation despite her invitation.

"I cannot miss your son's introduction as the new CEO, so I asked his mother and elder brother to attend her convocation on my behalf. She will likely be annoyed with me for that."

"Apologies for the inconvenience, Mr. John." Mr. Taiye apologizes, hoping she understands.

"Indeed, she will," Mr. John affirmed with a slight smile, eager to depart. 

"What if I make amends by introducing her to my son and potentially expanding our family bond through marriage? "I believe she will be pleased," Mr. Taiye suggested. Liam's expression turned sour as he stood there. He stood next to his father, patiently waiting for him to wrap up his conversation with his friend, Mr. John.

"Thank you, Boss, but I doubt she will accept," Mr. John promptly declines, aware of his daughter's stubbornness and his desire to avoid any conflicts with his boss.

"Why is she refusing?. Liam is considered attractive and is desired by many. What was her field of study in college?" Mr. Taiye inquires, causing Liam's frown to deepen as he gazes from his father to Mr. John.

Liam has no interest in women and is not pleased with his father's attempt to set him up with a lady he hasn't met and doubts he will like, solely because he is friends with her father.