Chapter 6: Mysterious Husband is the Richest Man

788 Words
Sizwe Holdings, top floor boardroom. Four established business families dominated Johannesburg's private wealth circles—the Nkosi, Ndlovu, Khumalo, and Mthembu. Their influence came less from titles than from decades of mining services, property development, logistics contracts, energy infrastructure and the networks wrapped around those industries. Then five years ago, Sizwe Holdings seemed to appear out of nowhere. Backed by overseas capital, a tight BEE consortium and a ruthless eye for procurement gaps, it expanded through acquisitions, supplier platforms and renewable-energy infrastructure deals. Its industries were diverse—hotels, financial services, manufacturing, high-tech electronics, artificial intelligence, logistics and mining procurement. Within just a few years, it had become a multinational conglomerate rivalling Johannesburg's established families. But the most mysterious thing about Sizwe Holdings was its owner. Supposedly, the owner never appeared in public. No one knew if they were male or female, young or old. People only knew the public face of the company was a man named Kagiso Dlamini. And today, the legendary boss of Sizwe Holdings had come to the office. "What do you reckon—who is this boss of ours who never shows his face?" "Must be some overseas consortium. From what I've observed, the boss's methods are ruthless and experienced. Conservative estimate—a middle-aged man over forty-five..." "Hard to say. The boss handed so much power to young Kagiso. Maybe it's an old woman, who knows..." In the boardroom, countless senior executives whispered amongst themselves. No wonder—they were all intensely curious about the mysterious boss who'd hired them years ago. Click, click. In the corridor outside the boardroom, crisp footsteps echoed on the marble floor. Swish. The next second, the door swung open. A tall figure in a sharp suit strode in, followed by Group CEO Kagiso Dlamini. The room erupted in gasps of shock. "How can it be him?" "Yoh, this man looks familiar. I think I've seen him at some function..." "You all know him? Who is he?" "Everyone, I'm pleased to meet you all in person. Let me introduce myself. My name is Thabo Nkosi, youngest son of the Nkosi family, and the owner of Sizwe Holdings. From now on, I'll be relying on all of you." Thabo's long legs carried him straight to the head of the conference table, where he sat down elegantly. His posture was refined and noble, a faint smile playing at his lips. But those sharp, hawk-like eyes swept over everyone with an oppressive force. Everyone immediately sat up straight, remembering the rumours about the Nkosi family— Rumour had it that the youngest Nkosi son was a wastrel and a playboy. Six years ago, he'd harassed his sister-in-law and been driven overseas by old man Nkosi in a rage. No one had expected that in just five years, he'd built a procurement and infrastructure empire strong enough to rival the original Nkosi family business. The executives were shocked by this enormous contrast. They all stood and nodded respectfully. "Welcome back, Chairman." Thabo nodded slightly. "I'm very satisfied with the results of the past five years. Please, everyone sit." Only then did the executives dare to sit. Some of the more timid ones realised their backs were soaked with sweat. This mysterious boss was nothing like the legendary youngest Nkosi son. Next, the meeting officially began. Kagiso chaired it, reviewing the past and looking to the future, as well as confirming the company's key annual projects. Two hours passed without anyone noticing. Thabo was decisive and efficient at work. After two-plus hours of focused meetings, everyone's perception of him had completely changed. Finally, Kagiso summarised and reminded them, "Mr Nkosi hopes his identity remains a mystery to the outside world. You all know what to do, right?" "Yes, we'll keep it absolutely confidential." The executives left shakily with their meeting notes. Thabo watched them leave and picked up his water glass for a sip. Kagiso closed the boardroom door and said respectfully, "These people probably never dreamt that the disgraced youngest Nkosi son would transform overnight into the owner of Sizwe Holdings. But the truth won't stay buried. Now that you've shown your face, the Nkosi family will find out sooner or later..." Thabo was unconcerned, cold light flickering in his eyes. "I've been lying low too long. It's time to stretch my muscles." "Then let nature take its course. I believe you'll reclaim everything you lost back then..." Thabo's lips curved. His phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket. Glancing at the number flashing on screen, he looked at Kagiso. Kagiso immediately took the hint and left. Thabo swiped to answer. A woman's slightly nervous voice came through. "Howzit, is this Thabo?" Thabo's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Be good. Call me husband."
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