THE CEO'S NEW HEIRESS

The venue of the event was located on the grounds of the largest hotel in Los Angeles. The parking lot was occupied by a fleet of luxury vehicles, indicating the attendance of numerous prominent figures. It was no surprise, as this gathering was regarded as the premier business event exclusively reserved for distinguished guests. The presenter, a man in his mid-fifties slowly turned his mouth away from the microphone in front of him. He had just announced the nominees, which was projected for all to see. He then proceeded to gently open the envelope in order to reveal the winner. “Wow! he chanted. Ladies and gentlemen, The 2021 manager of the year award goes to none other than Donald McFarland of McFarland's constructions ”. The auditorium resounded with enthusiastic applause as the young gentleman rose from his seat in the center and approached the podium. Working his way up onto the stage, he cordially exchanged pleasantries as he extended his hand to the respected older gentleman. Following their handshake, the young gentleman gracefully accepted the distinguished award plaque. As he gazed upon the gold plated plaque, his eyes became filled with emotion. His heart felt a weightiness, and in this particular moment, he found himself longing for his grandfather to have waited just a week before his passing. Achieving the honor of Manager of the Year at such a young age was one of Donald's dreams, which his grandfather had encouraged him to pursue. The wise old man carefully outlined a plan to aid Donald in reaching his goals and ensured that he accomplished it independently, without any outside interference, as the award necessitated. The presenter stepped off the stage to allow Donald the opportunity to deliver his speech. In a subtle manner, he reminded Donald that he had a five-minute time limit. Donald nonchalantly shrugged and commenced, "Ladies and gentlemen, this past year has presented me with numerous challenges. From successfully managing the most demanding construction project in the city whilst battling anxiety, to grieving the loss of my beloved grandfather. Overall, I am grateful for the ability to contribute to the growth and success of our company. He added “I want to thank the committee for recognizing my effort with this, my grandfather, who taught me everything I know, my friends and all the workers at the company for their endless effort. I appreciate you and God bless”. The speech was received with enthusiastic applause and support as Donald returned to his seat. After taking his place at the table, Donald experienced a curious sensation of emptiness developing within him. This was surprising, considering that this was a long-awaited and anticipated day for him. To prove he wasn't a spoilt rich brat who was handed everything , He had worked so hard. To the point that his grandfather bragged about him to everyone, describing to anyone that cared to listen about his feat. It seemed he was finally convinced of him being good enough to secure the position as the next CEO of the company. A man in a blue blazers approached Donald 's table, interrupting his thoughts. "Excuse me, Mr. Donald . Can I have a word with you over there?" Donald dropped the glass of wine in his hand followed the man to an isolated corner of the hall. "What's the matter?" he asked. The man' s face was grim. He swallowed slowly before continuing, "I'm really sorry to say this but I have some bad news. I've just received word from your grandfather's lawyer. It turns out that he had changed his will a few months before his passing. You are no longer named the CEO of the company." Donald 's heart sank. "What do you mean? Who is the new CEO ?" "It's a woman. I don't know her boss. Your father had replaced your name with her' s as the CEO. Donald 's heart began pumping more as he tried to connect the news. He had always presumed that he would take over the company, as the CEO. The award he just received was supposed to be a stepping stone. It was his own confirmation that everything had changed."What is the name of this woman ?" Donald asked the man. The man shook his head. "I'm sorry, Sir. I don't have that information. All I know is that she's been named the new CEO. " Donald felt lost. He had dedicated all his time and effort into uplifting the company, and now it was all taken away . "What am I meant to do now?" he uttered. Seeing his despair the man placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I think you should speak to your grandfather's lawyer. He might be able to help you with her details." Donald nodded absent-mindedly, his mind still reeling from the news. He made his way back to the hall section , trying to keep his cool in front of the other people present . But inside, he was really falling apart. The man bade him goodbye. Donald went back to the hall and crashed on the next available chair slowly. It was time for merriment and so every one around him took to the floor . The loud music was now playing, people were laughing as they swung their bodies to it. But for Donald , everything had lost its luster. Donald wouldn't have believed that his grandfather could have turned on him. The old man had always pressured Donald to achieve more than the ordinary in business and had promised him that the company would be his to manage one day. Right now, it seemed that his grandfather had a different plan in mind. As he sat there, brooding deeply , a lady stopped at his table. The lady was in a high split gown which hugged her slim and curvy body, her pixie hair framed her small head. "Donald. What's wrong with you?" she asked, settling to the empty seat beside him. Donald kept quiet. His expression showed how stunned he still was. The woman tugged at his arm,"Congratulations on your award, dear " she said. "Me and the boys are proud of you. " “Thank you Cous,”Donald faked a smile as if to reassure her, his mind still shaky from the news. The woman noticed it and reached out to put her hand on his. "Is everything all right?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Donald hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in her. "Not really ," he answered , his voice a little above a whisper. " My grandpa removed my name as the next CEO. What! "I'm so sorry to hear that," she put. Thinking further she added, "But don't you think this is probably a prank. The old man we all know was a big prankster. Benjamin shook his head. " I wish that was the case, but his will with the lawyer had listed a woman as the new CEO of the company. The lady hugged him gently tapping his back in the process. “ Calm down, this would sort itself out”. “No, it won't. He cried . This has been my life's desire for as long as I can remember. I am not sure if I will ever recover from the shame in the company. The lady gave him a reasurring smile "You got this Donald, you'll be fine " she got up. "Who knows? This is going to be the adventure your life needs.