17
Chapter SeventeenNôvelDrama.Org © 2024.
The following day, the Elite were gathered at the round table to have a crucial discussion on who was going to lead the table.
“Under normal circumstances, the law states that the leader’s male child would head the table” Xavier was explaining to members seated. “That leaves us with a big issue at the moment, Marco had two sons; Giovanni and Amore. Before his demise, Giovanni ran the affairs of the family and has perhaps been an exceptional leader” Xavier was rudely interrupted by Priscilla who stood up to her feet.
“With due respect to everyone seated at the table, I would have you know that the law is clear and unambiguous leaving my son Amore out of the equation is tantamount to inequality which every member of the table ought to frown upon” Priscilla said with her eyes scanning round the table watching everyone seated.
“If you had allowed me to finish, I would have drawn the conclusion to my explanation” Xavier pointed out to Priscilla who took her seat immediately.
“As the second in command to the affairs of the family, it is my duty to ensure unity and peace amongst us and I want to categorically state that this cannot in any way bring about chaos amongst the two brothers” Xavier explained directing his gaze to Priscilla who didn’t care a bit about what he was saying but waiting for the end result of Xavier’s statement.
“That being said, I hereby declare that…..” One of the bodyguards burst through to the room and headed straight to meet up with Xavier and whispered some statement to him alone.
Everyone looked on as Xavier rose up an eyebrow in surprise after the man had spoken to him.
“Gentlemen and of course ladies, I think we have company in our midst” Xavier announced and everyone’s gaze was directed to the door as it opened revealing a man dressed in a black Armani suit; he had a briefcase in his hands and the way at which he walked was confident, poised and the aura he emitted was that of someone who was well disciplined.
“Greetings to everyone seated here, my name is Anthony Brown, and I am a legal solicitor for the late Sir Marco.” There was murmuring amongst everyone as the man introduced himself.
“Why are you here?” Xavier asked with a straight face.
“A good question indeed; before I go straight to the point, I would have you all know that I am fully aware of the underground business of this family and this is because I myself happen to be a member of the Icons; a group of solicitors which before the media happened to be known for their aid in fighting crime and justice but in the underworld, we have our own shady business. The reason why I decided to give out this information is because I have known Sir. Marco since I joined the Icon and in fact he had on several occasion sponsored our activities in the underworld so it is no surprise that he decided to confide with me about an information which I believe you all would be needing this very moment” Mr. Brown dropped his suitcase on the edge of the table as everyone watched on , he removed a file and broke the seal which had patched it up.
“Here in my hand is testimonial evidence which shows that before the demise of Sir. Marco, he had made a statement on how the affairs of the family should be run.” Brown revealed.
“Excuse me! How dare you come into this place and make gibberish statements and hide under the guise of the late Marco Antonio one of the members of the Elijah enquired.
“First things first, I am not here to start a fight with anybody, second thing is the statement I have just made is backed up by not only one piece of evidence but two pieces of evidence to show that Sir. Marco did make an announcement of who would run the family and thirdly, as you all know, no one, absolutely no one is aware of your penthouse here in Mexico which means one thing; Sir. Marco gave me an immunity permit to have access to the penthouse” Brown explained, unfazed by Antonio’s confrontation.
“It is okay Mr. Brown, you may proceed” Xavier instructed.
“I will use the moment to read out the words of Sir. Marco after which I will also play a visual tape of the moment, to clear all doubts” He opened the file once more and brought out a white piece of paper. Clearing his throat, he adjusted his tie before speaking;
“Gentlemen and ladies of the round table, it is an honor to know that at this point you all have stuck with me and together we have been able to dominate the underworld. I believe my solicitor Mr. Anthony Brown must have briefed you of his activities and how close he is to me. I know it is wrong for me to have confided in a solicitor rather than stick with the law. I must say that regardless of what the law of the Elites says, it is simply subject to change by its leader, thus the reason why Mr. Anthony is here today. I must say that I am simply elated to have two wonderful sons Giovanni and Amore. I know how hardworking both are and I must commend your effort even though most times I don’t usually say it to you all directly, I see everything you do. To my wife Priscilla who has been supportive and has helped me through, after the demise of Giovanni’s mother; my first wife, I say thank you and I will continue to love you always. Having said all this, I wish to let Amore and Giovanni know that regardless of the outcome of my decision, let the peace and tranquility which the family has been known for be upheld religiously. It is at this point I wish to declare that the next leader of the Elites is none other than Marco Amore” There were gasps and shock everywhere as all eyes looked at Amore who was in disbelief himself at the news. Giovanni felt rage like never before.
“Stop this madness at once” Giovanni ordered, standing on his feet and looking at Brown who didn’t mind his intimidating looks.
“How dare you! It is clear that this decision is fake!” He revealed to everyone at the table “My father knows the law and would follow it at all cost, not minding the hurdles it could bring, Marco is a man of integrity” Giovanni further added looking at Brown with so much disdain.
“Excuse me sir, I will have you know this very minute that regardless of everything you have just said, Sir. Marco categorically stated that after his decision, no one should cause pandemonium” Brown explained, causing Giovanni to rush up to him in anger to beat him up but he was stopped by Brown’s escort who had been standing outside all this while.
“Like I said Mr. Giovanni, I am not the type of Solicitor that would be biased in my decision and certainly what I read out to everyone here is the truth and nothing but the truth. If you by any means lay a finger, even one at me, then you would not only have me to contend with, but the entire Icon members” Brown explained in his usual confident tone.
“Giovanni, go back to your seat and let the man continue,” Xavier pleaded. Giovanni took in a huge breath before going back to his seat.
Bianca had been watching the entire scene all this while and was shocked to know that Marco was giving out the entire affairs of the family to Amore. She looked around and saw the joy laced on Priscilla’s face and it only made Bianca suspicious.
“Congratulations Amore, and as a leader, I will want you to know that the responsibility on your shoulders is very heavy, you carry a burden and thus you must be able to deliver. I must at this point highlight the reason why Giovanni isn’t worthy of taking on the affairs. Giovanni, if you are listening to me, I want you to know that you disappointed me a lot and clearly you thought I was dumb to have not noticed that the so-called wife you presented to me is a staged act. I told you categorically what will happen if you do not bring me a suitable wife thus, the consequence you have to pay. As for your beloved wife, the only reason I would accept her into the family is because she is with child. To the rest of the family, I love you all and I will continue to do so even in death” Brown finished reading the envelope. There was silence everywhere as he finished, the atmosphere was so tense that Bianca could feel the heart beat of her husband.
Bianca believed there was something suspicious about this whole announcement and she really didn’t want to cause any more trouble as she was just new to the table and so her presence isn’t acknowledged by all.
“And to back up my evidence, here is the footage of what you have just heard from me” Brown brought out a mini laptop which he had in his suitcase and placed it at the table. Switching the device, he allowed everyone to watch as Bianca spoke.