The atmosphere was awkward, each staffs of the board meeting seizing their breath anxiously -they were curious to know the reasons forthe impromptu board meeting. Aunt Elsie stood at the edge of the long table, meant forthe company's head. Her both hands resting on the table, as she stares at the faces of each executive on seat.
The room was deathly silent, as everyone waited forAunt Elsie to speak, with the same questions running through each executives' mind.
'Who is she to have us all assembled like this without formal notice?'
'Why is she here all of a sudden, taking up the seat that was meant for Ms. Fellers?'
Aunt Elsie looked around the table, her expression unreadable and her lips curled up in an almost invincible, unfriendly smirk. Finally, she cleared herthroat and began to speak.
"I'll go straight to the point." She said, her voice strong and clear. "Today, I'm here to inform you all of an important announcement, and I hope you listen attentively and carefully."
They all stared at her, their brows creased tightly and wondering what's taking her forever to hit the nail on its head as she had stated earlier-still, none said nothing but waited patiently to hear her out.
"I'll start by introducing myself first -I'm Mrs. Kent." She began on a strict note, this time, looking straightforward and not at any of the executives. "The new executive owner of The Fellers' Firm."
A collective gasp went around the room. Everyone's eyes widened in nothing else but pure shock, and a few people even jumped to their feet. Aunt Elsie held up a hand to quiet them down.
"I know this comes as a surprise to all of you." Aunt Elsie continued, once the room had fallen silent again. "I'm aware that you're all wondering how this could have happened. Well then, allow me to explain."
She paused, collecting her thoughts. "My niece, Ms. Fellers, has been unwell for some time and her illness with be kept private for now. She'd been struggling with her
health for a week, and things had been getting worse lately. She'd been seeing doctors and specialists, but nothing seemed to help."
Tears started to well up in Aunt Elsie's eyes as she spoke, she needed to spice things up and make everyone believe she's genuinely hurt by Ciara's predicament.
"Gradually, her condition kept deteriorating so much that she might no longer be able to run the company." Aunt Elsie went on, her voice thick with emotion. "So, she decided to pass on the reins to me, as I am her closest living relative. It wasn't an easy decision for her, but it was the right one. She knew I'd be able to carry on her legacy and continue the work she started."
She took a deep breath and looked around the room. "I know this is a lot to take in, and I understand if you have questions orconcerns." She enunciated, but none of the executives said anything in objection, they felt like she had more to add.
"Let me start by saying that my priority is to continue the excellent work my sister started here." Aunt Elsie continued, her voice firm. "I know that this company is a special place, and I want to ensure that it remains so. We will continue to work hard to provide the best products and services to our customers. And we will continue to invest in our employees, making sure they have the resources they need to succeed."
"I also would like to assure you that there will be no major changes to the company structure or policies." She went on. "We're not here to shake things up or make waves, I assure you all."
"How sure are we that you are Ms. Fellers' aunt?" The eldest among the executives blurted out, not pleased with her narration. "Since ouryears of working with her-the only Fellers' relative of hers the public are aware of is Mr. Dwayne."
"Yes, true!" Another charged supporting the first speaker. "The Fellers siblings never made mention of having any close relations. The ones the public knew of-are currently under court trial, with heavy murder charges pressed against them."
Aunt Elsie was about to say something but was beaten to it by another executive.
"-and if a decision like this is supposed to be announced..."He paused his lips as he stared oddly at Aunt Elsie. "...it is Mr. Dwayne's duty to do such and not yours."
"I understand yourconcern." Aunt Elsie replied, hertone calm and measured. "I know that this is a lot to take in, and I appreciate your skepticism. But I can assure you that I am who I say I am."
She took a deep breath and continued. "I have the legal documents to prove my relationship to Ms. Fellers. I also have a notarized copy of herwill, which leaves the company to me." She paused, and looked around the room. "I know this is a lot to process, but whatever I say is nothing but the truth."
She enounced slowly, holding her anger in -she was clearly pissed that they were questioning herwords.
"The truth .?" One of the seated executives asked, irritation laced in his voice. "You can't come here and lay tales here and expect us to believe you like we are toddlers."
"Please, let me explain." Aunt Elsie continued, her hands clasped in front of her. "Ms. Fellers and I were never close as siblings. In fact, we rarely saw each other or even spoke. However, we did have a mutual understanding and respect for each other. And that respect was enough for herto entrust the company to me."
"I understand that this is a difficult situation." She went on, her voice soft and understanding. "But I want you to know that I'm not here to make any changes. My only goal is to continue the good work that my niece started."
"Your proofs and sweet speech aren't enough, woman!" The eldest butted in again, his facial expression was far from friendly. "This company isn't a joke, and you can't just come in, and we accept you with our hands wide open."
"It's eitherthis decision is announced to us by Mr. Dwayne himself since you claim his sister is ill or nothing." Another added, determined to stand by their words. "This meeting will be adjourned until Mr. Dwayne graces us with his presence -we can't believe words from a stranger!"
Aunt Elsie knew it won't be as easy as a cheese on a plate, they've all worked for the Fellers all their lives -giving in to a new owner wouldn't be any easier.
She breathed in slowly before speaking. "Mr. Dwayne can't be here in person." She enounced, earning a questioning look from them. "...this is because he is dead!"