The morning smelt of freshness as She made her way to the park ready to be driven to work. This is the day for the official handing over and she is more than elated. She was shocked to see the various choice of cars at the park but could not be worried because she knows that her father's love for cars is inseparable. She went for the Pontiac V8, the one that brought her home from the airport. She was about to open the door when she saw the driver rushing toward her with an apologetic look and expression because he was late. She allowed him, after all, he is with the keys. She said nothing and did not see anything unusual because she likes driving herself and he is on instruction. However, as her mother pointed out, she is now chief and it is her right to be driven especially to the office. She sat down and her mind flashed back to the intimate discussion she had with her parents and smiled but the truth is that she does not want to be seen as a spoilt child. This is the fear that her parents have allayed insisting that it was her right as a child. As the driver made a smart turn and moved towards the gate, Adah eased her whole frame into the soft fur seat of the executive car and braced for the huge activities that the day will bring. The security men at the gate waved them to a stop insisting that Mrs. Denson wants to speak to her daughter. Adah heaved a sigh and asked the driver to move back to the mansion. As the car approached the house, Adah caught the sight of her mother and smiled always Knowing that her mother will want to be in absolute control of everything, she is indeed the unseen hand that controls the entire Denson empire and household. The driver came out and Adah noticed her mother seem angry at him. She came out and walked to the scene with much concern.
She was transfixed to notice her mother's slight disappointment and anger. Her mother had wanted the Jaguar V8 because that will give her a grand entry since it was her first day. She with smiles and hugs promised to begin with the car the next day but had to go with the Pontiac V8. Reluctantly, her mother had agreed and that brought everything to an end. Back in the car, the driver again apologized to Adah who waved him off with a knowing smile. The driver later revealed to her that the Pontiac is less than a month old to Adah's great surprise. According to him, her father changed the garage and replaced the old cars with new ones. All the assumed old cars are now parked in the underground garage. Adah laughed it off and sank into the chair playing with her phone and not knowing what will befall her at the headquarters. It was an hour and a half drive and as they entered the huge complex, the driver made it towards the executive car park and parked the Pontiac in the reserved space, and unlocked his seat belt. Adah did the same and together they made it towards the entrance which is only for the top executives. In the lift towards the twenty-fifth floor, Adah could not stop but marvel at the beauty that met her eyes. She loved all that met her eyes and the wealth and splendor that was displayed showcased nothing cut class. She came out of the lift with the driver and together they made their way to her father's office. She observed her mother's office and stopped to have a look at it with much intent. The driver dismissed himself and Adah looked at the wide beautiful desk and seats. She saw the office fittings and her mother's large picture frame and fully examined the picture. She finally observed that the whole twenty-fifth floor was for the Denson's. she loved the space and beauty of the office, the gold-plated Persian curtains, and vases of flowers that lined the corridors. The frames added touches of excellence and the executive library of books. Adah knew her mother for she is a reader of books and no wonder she is well-read with certificates from some of the best universities in the world. She looked away from the office and wondered what her own office will eventually turn out to be. She knew one thing and that is her father's touch of class and excellence. She turned and walked towards the open door that leads to her father's office. From what she gathered, her father left earlier before her and it will be a surprise to her if he is not in the office. She opened the door and entered to meet the front desk officer. The young man smiled and waved her to a seat which she relaxed into looking around the huge office and taking everything in.
The young man after speaking into the phone apologized to Adah and waved her through the closed door. She walked briskly towards it, opening the door she walked into what seemed like heaven. Her father's office shone like a million stars as it beamed in style and beauty. She sat down in front of her daddy who was busy on the phone. He finished his conversation and smiled at his daughter. She was intrigued by the colorful flags she saw and her father was quick to explain the meaning to her. He explained the flags to be countries where Denson's empire is now rooted and fully operational. He also explained other things to her during a ride and smiled on his happy face.
" I think you will be more informed at the general meeting but this little information will help you." He said with a big smile playing on his lips.
" Thanks a lot, daddy but I must commend you, Daddy, this place is heavenly!" She said in surprise.
"All thanks to you my bambino. You have always been my inspiration together with your mother," he said meaning every word.
Adah was about to speak when two men walked in to inform them of the commencement of the general meeting whose venue is just a five minutes walk. They all stood up after Mr. Denson had confirmed everyone's presence as well as the press.
They entered the hall and Adah observed that the meeting had in a way come as a surprise, about thirty executive staff sat around the conference table facing a huge screen. They stood up as Mr. Denson took his seat and sat down when he was seated. The meeting started almost immediately as there was not much time for pleasantries.
Mr. Denson started by thanking everyone present as well as those who linked up from other parts of the world. He thanked the press, especially the international press organizations who came despite the short notice. He thanked the whole staff all over the world for their immense contribution to the Denson's empire and pleaded that their best is still much needed for the next phase of the organization. From her father's speech, Adah was quite surprised to notice especially from the screen in front of her that Denson's empire is fully established in over a hundred and eighty nations of the world. The worth of these investments in each of these nations is in the billions! She felt quite proud of her father's achievements, no wonder he is regarded as one man that can overthrow any government at the snap of his fingers. No wonder he is widely feared, honored, and respected.
The climax of his speech was when he announced his partial retirement. He did not bother to explain the reasons for his decision and this came as a shock to all gathered as well as all those linked through the network. Another shock rents through the air as he announced his successor. Adah felt a stab. of fear and the unknown pierced through her heart as she stood up amidst the clapping and cheers from those present in the hall and from the screen. She sat down next to her father and for the first time looked at everyone that is in the hall. Mr. Denson finished his long speech and exchanged seats with Adah, who felt uneasy as she sat on her father's throne. This exchange made all stand and applause welcomed the new commander of the empire.
In her speech, she thanked everyone and promised to continue the legacy of her father and the founding members. She advocated for everyone's support and prayed that every one of their efforts will lead to more achievements. Her speech was short and with her speech, the meeting came to an end while the press swooped on Mr. Denson and others while Adah tactfully escaped being interviewed by the hovering press. The securities quickly shielded her as she walked the length back to the office and was about to move to her father's office when the lady who greeted her during the dinner announcement at the mansion stopped her with a polite smile.
" Please follow me to your office," she said still wearing her smile and quickly they changed direction and came to the door opposite her mother's office. The lady produced some keys and opened the door and they all entered the office which was perfectly laid out in perfectness and beauty but one thing is certain, it is not cleaned as it smelled of dust. They were still there when Mr. Denson came in and was briefed and sent for the cleaner in charge. the lady came but was accompanied by a young man who was simply dressed in blue jeans and a shirt much to the disgust of Adah and the founding female executive.
"Can you please explain the meaning of this?" The lady asked with a stern look at the cleaner.
"Good morning sir and to everyone. Sorry, it's my fault because there was no check-up after I informed Mrs. Okeh to help with the cleaning of this office since my sick leave begins today." She answered politely.
"I am still disappointed knowing how important today is to this organization. I think it is laxity on your part!" Mrs. Metu fired back.
"I am sorry for this and today, acting on the orders of the chief I brought my replacement to see if he can be absolved," she further explained.
" However, am not expecting this type of incompetence, especially from you. For your information, we have a new chief!" Mrs. Metu said with a note of anger.
" I will want the new chief to act on this but for now let her make use of Lady Denson's office."
Mr. Denson came in with a note of finality. Mrs. Metu quickly led the way to the office, they entered and she left the father and daughter with the visitors. Mr. Denson excused himself to attend another press conference without a word to his daughter who ushered them to the receptive part of the office. They sat down on the executive sofa while Adah heaved a sigh and yearned for a drink. She stood up and. went to the huge office table, pressed the intercom, and spoke into it. She came back and switched on the television. The happenings of the day were on every network already. She listened and wondered how the press could be so busy over nothing. With what she is seeing and hearing, she knew that she is now under the scrutiny of society as far as the Denson's empire is concerned. As they were seated two ladies came in and served drinks on the glass center table where they are seated and left while Adah reached out for the bottled water. She opened it and took a long sip and once again welcomed the visitors.