CHAPTER SEVENTY FIVE - DEMOTING FATHER-IN-LAW

I couldn't, nor did I hide my hostility from the pathetic man who sat wide eyed and opened mouth opposite me in the Boardroom of Lawrence Group of Companies.

Standing up to address the board members who welcomed me, nodding to each one of them, aware that I'll be learning their names, over the Christmas holiday.

Indicating my grandfather-in-law should remain in his seat, I stood beside him. "Thank you, grandfather," smiling I nod at Mr. Lawrence Sen. "Ladies and Gentlemen," smiling politely, I looked at the sea of faces that's staring back at me, anxious and hopeful.

"On behalf of my wife, Ariana and myself." Without looking at Mr. Lawrence Jr. I continued, "I would like to thank you for your support and encouragement upon take up this mantel," turning to Mr. Lawrence Sen. "From a humble man who built this Empire from scratch but he's also a man who never forsook his family while climbing to the top." Bowing my head slightly in respect.

"The first time I walked through this building, I was nineteen and I was here to tell Mr. Lawrence about my future plans, when I return from college, which of course was to marry his granddaughter." Chuckling at the memory of my boldness at that time because even back then, I knew.

Laughing with everyone as they found my confession funny. "The thing I remember most, is Mr. Lawrence's blessing and also his permission to call him grandfather, from that day onwards." Nodding at each other, remembering that warm afternoon and my short meeting with the CEO of Lawrence Group of Companies.

"And you did come back and marry her," a soft female voice acknowledges from the other end of the table.

Nodding, "a bit later than expected but yeah, I came back with an engagement ring I bought for her eighteenth birthday but I was only able to give it to her after her twentyfirst." I admitted, without hiding the hurt I felt when I thought I had lost her.

"What happen during the in-between?" Another member asked and I knew it was out of curiosity but I need her father to know, even if he doesn't care.

Straightening my shoulders, "her stepmother and stepsister blocked her from seeing me," turning to my surprise father-in-law.

"And you've been holding on to that ring, since then?" The first female who first commented after I mention my wife wasn't allowed to call her father, dad, asked.

Averting my eyes downwards, "I never gave up." I confirmed softly, to a hearty round of applause from the board members, expect Mr. Lawrence Jr. who sat unable to shake his surprise off.

When the applause died down, "I'm here to confirm my appointment as your new CEO, co-worker and friend and to let you know that even though I'm the boss, I am also here to learn and add." Staring at the faces, hoping to keep them focus with my dreams for the future of Lawrence Group of Companies.

"Having worked in a different field since I was nineteen gives me extra leverage to continue taking Lawrence Group of Companies ahead of most, where we would be creating more jobs and bringing in more revenues, as our goal will always be, 'to better tomorrow, than we are today,'" I was saying when everyone started clapping.

Sighing with relief inwardly because I'm aware, my opening remarks will be my foundation.

Tilting my head to Bryan, "this is Bryan my PA who'll be working side by side with me and alongside the outgoing CEO's present PA." I introduce Bryan, also assuring the members that we are not in the business to take away jobs but to create more jobs.

"As your new CEO, my wife and I have prepared a token from our home to yours as we prepare for the new year," I tell them, turning to my father-in-law for the first time in the last few minutes.

"Mr. Lawrence, my wife and I, also have a gift for this holiday season," smiling brightly with a light that doesn't reach my eyes.

His cheeks flushed, Mr. Lawrence looks around the room before responding to me, "thank you, Mr. Simmions." He responded graciously and I am fully aware that it's because every eye must be on him.

There were hugs and hand shakes all around as Bryan and grandfather's PA passed around gift vouchers for a prestigious restaurant for each member plus one, added with gold cufflinks for the men and gold necklaces for the women.

Since Ariana had that set back in Washington, I ended up having to place an order from the Jewellery store we were at, for convenience.

As the boardroom emptied, Mr. Lawrence Jr. remained seated in his chair, his mood sullen.

With a gift in hand for him, "this is from Ariana and I," I said, placing an envelope and a small jewellery box in front of him.

As I walked away, "Merry Christmas," I remember to say and turned around, observing a broken man full of fear.

"Ariana made an agreement to sign her inheritance over to Antoinette," Mr. Lawrence says and I paused, nodding for Bryan to leave and walked back to where Mr. Lawrence sat.

Curling my lips, I shrug, "well she hasn't receive her inheritance yet," I informed him, wondering if he heard the part where grandfather mentioned, that I bought the company.

With his eyes downcast, staring at the tabletop, "she already received one of her inheritance," Mr. Lawrence corrected me and I paused to hear him out.

"And from which long lost relative did she receive an inheritance that would interest your stepdaughter?" I probed, unwilling to believe he's speaking about her mothers.

Lifting his eyes, challenging me, "she'll know and she'll remember the promise she made," he said.

I fought an anger that was brewing within me, "I'll make sure to pass your message unto her," I shrugged and walked away, only stopping at the door, to look at him. "If it concerns her mother's then, know there's no f**king way, you, your mistress or your step daughter will be getting their hands on it. Especially in court." Without another word, I nodded as I made my way down to the lobby and into the park vehicle, that awaited me downstairs.