CHAPTER 2

Grandma Kent called for a meeting as quickly as time allowed. She wanted to understand why York Enterprises has simply cut off all ties with them. Without the partnership, the Kents would soon be over in Creedmoor City. Their business success was a result of the financial backing they had from the corporation.

At the family mansion, Grandma Kent sat quietly waiting for someone to come up and offer a solution. But none of her family members were willing to speak up. To preserve face, James decided to contribute first.

“Grandma, how about we sue York Enterprises for failing to honour their previous commitments? They just can’t do this to us. We have been partners for too long for them not to give us any face.”

Grandma Kent looked at him in anger, “Do you think am foolish enough not to have considered the thought? Even if we decided to sue them, it would only end in our ruin. After all, our net worth is at most 500 million which is simply peanuts in the eyes of York Enterprises. We could receive damages but if they decided to retaliate, we would be bankrupt in minutes. We need to act smart.”

“Grandma, I am willing to make an effort. After all, I am the company’s president.” James announced in the hope that if he succeeded he would be named the heir of the entire family fortune. He would then become untouchable compared to his other cousins who were trying to endear themselves to grandma.

“James, if you do this, I will make you the heir of the entire family fortune. But if you fail, you will have disappointed me to an unimaginable level.” “Thank you grandma for entrusting this to me. I will not let you down.”

James was frustrated knowing what was at stake. He then decided to call one of his best friends, Kurt Jamieson. The Jamieson family previously partnered with York Enterprises and was worth at least twenty billion, so he hoped that Kurt would still have enough connections to get him a face-to-face meeting with the new president.

He called Kurt immediately. “Hello, Kurt. Why didn’t you warn me of the new changes at York? What are friends for? I could have at least presented a gift to give face to the new president.”

“Am so sorry buddy. I would have given you a heads up8 if I’d known. I also found out on social media as you did. The whole deal was discussed, finalized, and announced in less than two hours so I had no idea. My dad did not even tell me the identity of the new president. He is very secretive. No one apart from the old partners of the company knew what he looks like.”

“What should I do? After all, you are my best friend.” “You should find a way to meet with Agnes Jones. She is the vice president of the company and would be willing to put in a good word for you if you treat her nicely..... if you catch my drift.”

He immediately understood what he needed to do and started making arrangements. He had to make sure that everything went perfectly. He made a reservation at the best hotel in the city, Skyview Hotel, and then drove to York Enterprises Headquarters.

After parking his Audi S8, he headed towards the reception area and requested to see Agnes Jones, the vice president of the company.

He was directed to her office by an assistant. At the reception to her office, he was requested to wait for her to finish with her current client. He waited for thirty minutes until he was ushered into the office.

Across the table sat a very elegant woman. She looked about thirty but wore very mature clothes that gave her an authoritative look. The high-back chair served to make her look even more threatening in her capacity.

“Hello, Mr. James. How may I be of service?” She spoke to him in a gentle voice.

“Hello to you too, Miss Agnes. I need assistance to resolve this issue of the terminated contract with the Kent family. We have been long-time partners, so why the sudden attitude turnaround on your part regarding our company? Has any member of our family done anything to offend you or York Enterprises?”

“I am very sorry James but I cannot offer the answers you seek. The decision came directly from the new company chairman and president. He did not offer any explanation to me. So if you need any clarification, kindly seek a meeting with him to discuss your situation.” Agnes replied as a matter of fact.

“Isn’t there anything you can do to plead our case to him? I am willing to treat you very well if you do this for me. I have a suite awaiting us if you agree to intercede on our behalf.” Without any shame or tact, he made her his proposal.

The expression on her face suddenly turned to one of disgust, “Who do you think you are to think you can offer me anything? Do I look like am lacking anything? If I need a man I can have my pick of the very best men in this city. You are not even worthy to wipe my shoes. Get out before I lose my temper.”

“I am so sorry. I did not mean to offend you in any way –

“Just get out before I decide to call security on you. I will not even bother dignifying you with a proper send-off. Try anything like this in my company and I will end your small company in an instant.” And she banged the door in his face.

He had greatly miscalculated by thinking her a loose woman.

He had almost caused the end of his family business. He left and drive back to the family mansion to deliver the bad news to the Kents.

Grandma would surely be furious at him but what could he do? He only hoped that her love for him would stop her from doing anything rash.