Chapter 17: The 50th Annual Celebration: Kick-off and The Jacksons

The clock on the grand ballroom wall struck 7:00 PM, its golden hands gliding over the intricately designed face, signaling the official start of Jackson Corporation's 50th annual celebration. The ballroom was already alive with the hum of chatter and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. Guests in their finest attire, an array of shimmering gowns and tailored suits, milled about under the glow of crystal chandeliers, eagerly awaiting the evening's program.

Prominent executives and influential figures from various branches of the company had already arrived, mingling and exchanging pleasantries. The air was thick with anticipation; everyone knew that tonight was not just another annual celebration—it was the night Simon Jackson, the longstanding CEO, would announce his successor.

Yet, while the room filled with eager faces and excited murmurs, the Jackson family themselves had not yet made their appearance. Each branch of the powerful family remained in their respective private suites, a tradition they upheld to make a grand, unified entrance. The tension was palpable; whispers spread through the crowd as they speculated about who would emerge as the new face of the empire.

Upstairs, in the luxurious suite reserved for Simon and Natalie Jackson, Mrs. Natalie was putting the final touches on her husband’s appearance. She adjusted his tie meticulously, her eyes never leaving his as she spoke with a firm but gentle tone.

“This is it, Hon,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and resolve. “The night we’ve been waiting for. You need to show everyone that our son, Edward, is the rightful heir to your legacy.”

Simon looked at his reflection in the mirror, his face weary from the weight of his position and the expectations placed upon him. He glanced back at Natalie, his expression uncertain. “I know how much this means to you, but it’s not as simple as announcing it. The board needs to see that Edward has what it takes to lead.”

Natalie sighed, still fixing his coat collar to perfection. “Of course, he does, Honey. You’ve been grooming him for this moment for years. He has the charisma, the drive, and the vision. You just need to nudge the board in the right direction—show them that he has your full support.”

Simon turned to face her, his brows furrowed. “I want what’s best for the company, Natalie. You know that. And if Edward is the best choice, then so be it. But I can’t play favorites tonight. Dad and the shareholders are expecting a fair decision.”

Natalie’s smile was tight, her eyes flashing with determination. “A fair decision is one where Edward becomes CEO. You know as well as I do that his leadership would bring stability to the company. All I ask is that you highlight his strengths. Remind them of his successes.” Leaning closer and with a caring voice, she added, "Of course, this is also for us, for our family. I want you to relax completely from work and let's find a treatment for your illness. Let me take care of you, okay?"

Simon nodded slowly, as if he had resigned himself to follow her advice. “Alright, Honey. For Edward, and for us, I will.”

She smiled triumphantly and kissed him. "For Edward... for us!"

Down in the ballroom, the clock had now struck 7:30 PM, and the atmosphere was even more electric. Each passing moment heightened the anticipation. The top executives of Jackson Corporation and its subsidiaries had already made their presence known, each arrival marked by a brief murmur from the crowd. There was a sense of grandeur and importance attached to their presence, yet everyone knew they were merely a prelude to the main event—the arrival of the Jackson family.

Finally, the whispers reached a fever pitch as the master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the esteemed Jackson family!”

The heavy double doors at the end of the grand aisle slowly swung open, revealing the first members of the family.

Leading the procession was Don Arthur Jackson, the patriarch of the family, Chairman of the Board, and founder of Jackson Corporation. Despite his advanced age and walking cane, he exuded an undeniable strength and authority, his posture straight, his chin held high. Beside him was his younger sister, Sarah Jackson Smith, the Board's Vice-Chairman and co-founder of the company, her eyes sharp and calculating as she surveyed the audience. They walked with a stately grace, embodying the power and prestige that came with their names.

Next came the family of Don Arthur and Sarah's eldest sister, the late Cindy Jackson Lopez, who's another co-founder. The late Cindy's husband, Mr. William Lopez and their two daughters together with their own build family entered with a solemn dignity that paid homage to Cindy’s legacy, their presence a reminder of the family’s enduring strength even after her passing.

Behind them were Sarah’s children: the eldest, James Jackson Smith together with his own family, and then, Jason Jackson Smith, the only Bachelor of Sarah's children who wore expressions of both confidence and entitlement, clearly aware of their prominent roles within the company. Walking beside them also was their divorcee sister, Tiffany Jackson Smith, poised and elegant with her daughter.

Then, Dr. Selena Jackson Alvarez who's the President of Brixton's Jackson Medical Hospital and her husband, Ezequiel Alvarez, the CEO of A&A Entertainment Industry, made their entrance. Their teenage twins, Carl and Cali, followed them, carrying themselves with a youthful yet composed demeanor, already showing signs of the future leaders they were being molded to become.

Following them was Dr. Sabrina Jackson Villaren, the President of Dela Vega University, a prominent university in Brixton city that was built and owned by the family of Don Arthur's wife, the Late Doña Victorina Dela Vega Jackson. Alongside with Dr. Sabrina is her husband, Atty. Alexander Villaren. They walked with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes about their influence and stature.

Lastly, the crowd held their breath as Edward Jackson strode forward, his steps exuding self-assurance. Behind him were his parents—Mrs. Natalie Jackson, radiating elegance in her deep blue gown, and Simon Jackson, the current CEO and the evening's celebrant. Simon’s face was a mask of calm, but his eyes reflected a complex mixture of pride, uncertainty, and the weight of his impending announcement.

 

As the Jackson family made their grand entrance, whispers broke out like a wave crashing against the shore.

“Where are the other Jacksons?” a woman whispered to her companion. “Miguel and Marcus are conspicuously absent.”

“And what about Adam?” another guest murmured, a puzzled expression on the face. “I’ve never seen him after so many years. He's the reason why I attended this event, mom.” A dulcet voice from a slender body of the woman complained to her mom.

A composed yet confident voice from within the crowd answered the speculation, “Don’t you know? Since Adam and Miguel’s mom passed away, Adam has never attended this kind of event.”

Heads turned, searching for the source of the comment. The crowd's curiosity only deepened as they tried to identify the speaker, whispering among themselves.

“Who is that woman?” someone asked quietly.

Then, recognition sparked in a few guests' eyes. “That’s Dr. Kelly,” a voice stated. “She’s one of the top dermatologists and cosmetologists at BJM Hospital.”

The crowd nodded in agreement as Dr. Kelly made her entrance, moving gracefully toward a group of fellow doctors present at the event. Her statement added another layer to the intrigue, leaving the guests buzzing with even more questions about the missing Jacksons.

The hall fell silent as the master of ceremonies, a charismatic figure with a deep, resonant voice, returned to the stage. His presence commanded the attention of everyone in the room, and as he raised his microphone, the chatter died down almost instantly.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice echoing through the grand ballroom, “tonight, we celebrate not just 50 years of Jackson Corporation, but the incredible journey that has made this company the powerhouse it is today. From a modest real estate business, Jackson Corporation has grown into a multifaceted empire, leading not only in real estate development but also in education, healthcare, and luxury living. The Jackson family has built an unparalleled legacy, setting the standard for excellence in our city and beyond.”

He paused, letting his words settle in the air, allowing the guests to absorb the magnitude of the moment.

“Tonight, we reflect on that journey—its challenges, its triumphs, and its undeniable impact. And as we celebrate, we also look to the future. The time has come for the next generation to step up and lead us forward. But before we introduce the next future leaders, let us take a moment to revisit the path that has brought us here.”

The lights dimmed, and a large screen descended from the ceiling. The audience’s eyes were glued to it as a video presentation began to play. The film was a masterful montage of the company’s history, narrated with a mix of nostalgia and pride.

The video opened with black-and-white images of a young Don Arthur Jackson and his sisters, Sarah and Cindy, laying the foundation stones of their first real estate project. It transitioned through the decades, showing the expansion into condominiums, penthouses, luxury homes, and skycrapers, followed by the establishment of Brixton's Jackson Medical Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility renowned for its research and patient care, and the partnership of Dela Vega University, which became the pinnacle of higher education.

The audience watched in awe as the film highlighted the key moments—the construction of iconic buildings that shaped the city skyline, the groundbreaking ceremonies, the countless awards, and the charitable endeavors that uplifted the community. It was a visual testament to the empire’s impact, not just as a business but as a pillar of the city’s growth and success.

When the video ended, the hall erupted in applause. The emcee returned to the center of the stage, his face beaming with pride.

Meanwhile, in the audience, Dr. Sabrina leaned closer to her husband, her voice barely a whisper, “Have you heard anything from Marcus? He should have been here by now.”

Atty. Alexander shook his head, his expression filled with concern, "No, I haven't."

“Oh, no! I’m starting to worry. He wouldn’t miss this for the world unless something happened.” Mrs. Sabrina glanced around, hoping to spot her son in the crowd, but his absence only deepened her unease.

Nearby, Mrs. Natalie noticed the worried murmurs between the Villarens. A sly smile crept across her lips as she leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing with satisfaction. "Sorry, but he won't arrive anymore!" she thought to herself. "This is the moment I’ve been waiting for."

Oblivious to the tension simmering in parts of the hall, the emcee continued with grandeur, his voice resonating with authority.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as you have seen, the Jackson legacy is not just about buildings or investments. It is about vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence. And now, we turn our attention to the future. Tonight, we have three exceptional future leaders who will share their vision for the next chapter of Jackson Corporation. Each has been meticulously prepared, and each brings a unique perspective on how to drive this company forward.”