Chapter 6 The Decisive Will

Michael started sending out invitations for the burial. The burial day arrived and everything was fixed. The whole guests at the burial were surprised at Vanessa's attitude. At the burial ground, Vanessa didn't shed tears nor was she moody. Some of the guests who knew how she has been were very happy to see her being bold and strong. When the preacher asked her to throw sand into her parent's grave, she did that without shedding tears or being moody. After the event, Vanessa was called up by Michael to appreciate the guests for coming.

Vanessa addressed the guests saying "On behalf of my Uncle and I, I want to sincerely appreciate and thank you all for coming to pay your last respects to my parents. As you all know my parents were peace-loving people who loved themselves so much. And I want to promise you all, that the legacy they left behind will never be forgotten. I will make sure that their hard work will not be in vain. In a special way I want to express my gratitude to the Mayor of Venice City, thank you for standing my uncle and me, I appreciate your effort in showing concern about our welfare, to the wife of the major, my mother's very good friend, thank you for always checking up on me. And to every one of you. Thank you very much, your kind gestures will not be forgotten. After the speech, Vanessa began smiling and the guests were pleased with her speech.

Two weeks after the burial, the lawyer of Mr Jude Thompson called Michael and Vanessa in respect to the will Mr Thompson left behind. They were both surprised about the will because they never thought nor did it occur to them that Mr Thompson left a will. He told them to come meet him in his office. His name is Barrister Joel Frogs. He is a well-respected lawyer in Venice City. When they got to his office, he told them about the will and the clause attached to it. That before the will is going to be read, Mr Thomas, the Manager of his company will be present, and the Mayor of Venice City will be present, including, both of them. He then informed the manager, Mr Thomas and the Mayor, and a day was fixed for the reading of the will. The four parties were present in the mansion that faithful day and Barrister Joel read the will which stated that Miss Vanessa Thompson is to take over the leadership of the Thompsons Enterprise, she is to become the Chairman Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. She is to become the Chief Executive Officer of The Thompsons Enterprise. It is her right by inheritance. To Michael his only brother. He is to be given 5 per cent of the Company shares, and the Duplex at Boston Street in Venice City. Mr Thomas, his manager, is to be given 10 per cent of the company shares, the duplex at Williams Street in Venice City. He is to be the Vice chairman of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. He is to be promoted to the position of the Managing Director of the company and to assist Vanessa in the running of the company. Vanessa is to keep and maintain the Thompsons Mansion at Thompson Avenue in Venice City. As for the cars, Vanessa is to make her choice of the cars in the garage, Michael should also make his choice but Vanessa must choose first. To Venice City, his company must make sure that at the end of each year, the Orphanage homes, the Old people's homes and the hospital are been give the sum of 1,000,000 dollars. The Major is to ensure that this is being carried out. The Barrister finished reading the will, thank everyone for their presence and left the Mansion.

One week after the will was read. Michael and his girlfriend, Vera moved into the Duplex that was willed to Michael. The Duplex was very beautiful and gigantic. But, Vera wasn't happy with what Michael got, she wanted Michael to take over the company as the CEO and not Vanessa. She devised a means to convince Michael to disinherit Vanessa and take over the company. When Vera saw that Michael was contented with what he was given, she became angry with him and pick up a fight with him. That same day, she approached Michael, and after apologising for her misbehaviour, she then said to him "Mike my love, don't you think Vanessa is too young to become the CEO of the company? She lacks the experience to lead the company, and I think you have all its takes to lead the company. You should be the CEO and not her". When she finished with her speech, Michael looked at her, shook his head and replied " It is her right by inheritance, we should be contented with what I got. At least, I got something" she retorted " Vanessa is too young to be the CEO, she will ruin the company, don't you see!" He quickly answered her " She has Mr Thomas to support her, I think the company is in good hands, Vera baby, Vanessa is the only surviving child of my late brother, you don't expect me to rob her of her inheritance, and if that's is what this is all about, just remove it from your mind and thinking because it won't work, I will never disinherit my niece for anything, get that into your head!". Vera smiled at his response. Michael then left her and went to the bedroom to take a nap. Vera kept devising means to convince Michael to take over the company from Vanessa. Vanessa and Benjamin remained in the mansion. They celebrated her new position as the CEO of the company. They also decided to throw a small party with some of her friends to celebrate her new position.