Chapter 12 – The Trial Before the Throne
Author's POV
London, England
The boardroom was completely silent.
Mr. Ryder, Serena Watson's personal lawyer, stood up with a thick file in his hand.
He looked around the room before speaking.
"Good morning, everyone."
"As all of you know, I have been Mrs. Serena Watson's personal lawyer for many years."
"Today, I am here to explain the conditions written in her last will."
Everyone's attention was now on Mr. Ryder.
He opened the file.
"According to Mrs. Serena Watson's will..."
"Mr. Keifer Watson is the only legal heir of Watson Enterprises."
"However..."
"He will officially receive ownership of the company and become the CEO on 28th February, the day he turns eighteen."
The entire boardroom became silent.
Mr. Ryder continued,
"Until then..."
"Mr. Keifer Watson will spend one month inside Watson Enterprises."
"He will work in different departments..."
"Attend board meetings..."
"Learn how the company operates..."
"And prove that he is capable of leading one of London's biggest and most successful business empires."
"If he successfully completes this one-month training..."
"Then on 28th February..."
"I will personally hand over all legal documents, company shares, and CEO authority to Mr. Keifer Watson."
The board members nodded in agreement.
Keifer slowly stood up.
"I accept."
"My mother spent years building this company."
"I won't disappoint her."
Mr. Ryder smiled proudly.
"Your mother believed in you."
"I hope you prove that her trust was never misplaced."
Several directors smiled.
They could already see Serena's determination in Keifer.
Across the table...
Clyde Watson slowly clapped.
"Congratulations, Cousin."
"I'll personally guide you during this one-month training."
Keifer smiled politely.
"Thank you, Clyde."
Clyde smiled back.
But inside...
"One month..."
"That's enough time to destroy your reputation."
---
After the meeting...
Clyde took Keifer and Kegan on a tour of Watson Enterprises.
"This is the Finance Department."
"This is the International Business Division."
"And this floor is where the Board of Directors holds its meetings."
Keifer carefully listened to every explanation.
He asked questions.
He wrote down important notes.
He treated every employee with respect.
Several staff members quietly watched him.
"I expected him to be arrogant."
"So did I."
"But he's actually willing to learn."
"Maybe he'll become a great CEO one day."
Clyde heard every word.
His smile slowly disappeared.
---
Outside Watson Enterprises...
A black SUV was parked across the street.
Scott was sitting inside.
One of Jay's commanders entered the vehicle.
"Commander Scott."
"Our investigation is complete."
"Clyde Watson has been secretly communicating with Keizer."
Scott remained calm.
"Keep watching."
"But don't interfere."
"Boss wants Mr. Keifer to earn his position himself."
"We only step in if his life is in danger."
The commander nodded.
"Understood."
---
Fernandez Mansion – Philippines
The next morning...
Jay came downstairs wearing her school uniform.
She placed her bag on the dining table.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," everyone replied.
Tita Gama placed breakfast on the table.
"Eat first."
"You'll be late for school."
Jay smiled.
"Okay, Tita."
Just then...
Kerian slowly walked into the dining room.
He looked quieter than usual.
Jay noticed immediately.
"Still missing your brothers?"
Kerian nodded.
Jay smiled warmly.
"They'll be back soon."
"Until then..."
"You have me, Angelo, Aries, and Tita Gama."
Kerian smiled for the first time that morning.
"Thanks, Ate Jay."
Angelo watched them from across the table.
"They're really becoming like brother and sister."
Jay simply smiled and continued eating.
But inside...
She was thinking about London.
She silently prayed.
"Stay safe, Keifer."
---
Meanwhile...
Inside a luxurious office in London...
Clyde picked up his phone.
A familiar voice answered.
Keizer.
"How's our future CEO?"
Clyde smirked.
"He still trusts me."
Keizer laughed coldly.
"Good."
"Keep pretending."
"By the time his birthday arrives..."
"He won't have the board's trust anymore."
Clyde looked out of his office window at the towering Watson Enterprises building.
"I'll make sure of that."
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Hello, my lovely readers! 💖
The one-month training has officially begun! 📈
Can Keifer prove that he's worthy of becoming the CEO of Watson Enterprises?
Or will Clyde's hidden plans destroy everything before 28th February? 👀
Don't forget to vote, comment, and support me! ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂✨
Your Author 💕