Chapter 3 – Father's Proposal

Mr. John smiled and replied, "My daughter studied Business Administration at the University of Nigeria."

"That's fine. You should submit her CV once she's back home. I'm sure we have more vacancies for newcomers like her. I’ll be expecting to see her," Mr. Taiye responded.

"Father!" Liam quickly interrupted, his frown deepening.

"You cannot just set me up with her yet," Liam said firmly.

His father smiled and replied, "I know, son. I’m only trying to compensate Mr. John Patrick for his goodwill and commitment to working with us for over twenty years."

Mr. John smiled, bowed slightly, and said, "I’ll be taking my leave now, boss. Thank you, and congratulations once again, Liam." He then excused himself.

Liam sighed as he processed Mr. John's last words. He walked with his father to the front of the meeting hall and, standing near the exit door, spoke again.

"Father, I don’t like what you just did. There are many other ways to compensate Mr. John Patrick—ways that don’t come at my own expense."

"What do you mean by that, Liam? Mr. John has been a dedicated worker here. I know you don’t fully understand because you're new to the company, but it's okay. Besides, he only said if his daughter agrees. She might not even be interested in working with us, so there's no need for you to panic," Mr. Taiye replied, turning to leave the hall.

Liam sighed. "I hope she isn’t, Father. Women aren’t my interest right now."

Mr. Taiye paused and stared back at his son. "Liam, don’t say that in front of your mother. Someday, you’ll find a good wife, but that’s a discussion for another time. Let’s focus on business and forget what we just talked about."

"Okay, Father," Liam agreed, watching his father exit the hall, leaving him alone.

Just then, his assistant, Brown, walked back in. "What should I do now, boss?" he asked.

"Prepare the car. I’m going home for today. All official duties start tomorrow," Liam instructed.

"Okay, boss," Brown replied and exited the hall. He went downstairs to inform Liam’s personal driver, Israel, to get the car ready.

"Israel, get the car ready. The boss is about to leave," Brown said.

"Okay," Israel replied, waiting for Liam to step out.

He stood watching the Benson Group headquarters—a five-story building with hundreds of staff.

Liam stepped out of the elevator and walked toward his car in the driveway. Some employees stood outside, chatting about how it was a free day since Mr. Taiye had given them time off to witness Liam’s official introduction as the new CEO.

Liam got into the car, settling in the back seat, while Israel started the engine and drove him home to the Benson Villa.

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At the Benson Villa

Arriving at the estate, Israel parked the car, and Liam stepped out, walking into the mansion.

The living room of the duplex was empty. His mother wasn’t there—she was in the kitchen cooking, despite having maids. Mrs. Juliet Jackson preferred cooking herself, especially traditional African dishes.

A maid stepped out as she heard the sound of the car arriving. "Welcome back, Master Liam," she greeted.

"Thank you," Liam replied, barely glancing at her as he made his way to the kitchen to find his mother. The delicious aroma of the food she was preparing had already filled the entire house.

Mrs. Juliet was cooking Egusi soup, garnished with beef and dried fish.

"Good afternoon, Mom," Liam greeted as he entered the kitchen.

The two maids assisting her immediately greeted him as well. "Welcome back, Master Liam."

"Thank you," Liam replied.

His mother washed her hands at the kitchen sink, dried them with a towel, and walked up to him with a warm hug.

"Welcome home, son. How was your day at the office?" Mrs. Juliet asked.

"Fine, Mother. Hasn’t Father arrived home yet?" Liam asked.

"No, son. He’s probably with his friends. You know he’s happy that you finally returned home and have now assumed the position of CEO."

"I know, Mom," Liam said with a faint smile.

He stepped out of the kitchen while his mother instructed the cook. "Keep an eye on the soup so it doesn’t burn. Once it’s ready, serve it immediately."

"Okay, ma'am," Nora, the head cook, responded.

Mrs. Juliet then walked into the living room, where Liam had already settled on the long couch, stretching his legs.

She wore a brown gown and removed her apron, handing it to a maid. "Take this to the laundry room and wash it."

"Okay, ma’am," the maid responded and left.

Mrs. Juliet then sat across from Liam.

"Mom, why do you insist on cooking when you have maids and cooks?" Liam asked, watching her sit down.

"I know, son, but cooking is a form of exercise, and I enjoy it. I can’t leave all the work to the maids—I might end up getting lazy. Besides, I retired this year from the nursing home before you returned."

"Hmm," Liam hummed. "As long as you’re not stressed, I’m fine with it."

"Not at all, Liam. Now tell me, how did the event go?" she asked.

"Fine, Mother. It was just an introduction meeting, but I didn’t like how some of the female staff dressed."

"What do you mean by that, son? Were they not wearing clothes? How did you expect them to dress?" Mrs. Juliet asked, confused.

"Decently, Mother! That’s how female staff should dress—professionally, not seductively."

His mother gasped. "Oh, Liam!" She smiled faintly.

"They’re young women, probably hoping to attract a husband. You can’t expect them to dress like married women, covering everything. Besides, maybe they wanted you to notice one of them."

"No, Mother! I won’t allow that. Tomorrow, I will issue a new dress code. Any female staff—old or new—who refuses to follow it will be expected to resign," Liam stated, his expression firm.

"Liam! You can’t do that. You just became CEO. You can’t be harsh toward your workers on your first day!" Mrs. Juliet frowned.

"I’m sorry, Mom, but that’s how I want things done. Starting tomorrow, all female employees will be inspected at the gate before entering the company. Brown will handle the announcement."

Liam stood up, leaving his mother speechless.

"Liam." She finally called out, and he stopped.

"I’m sorry, Mom, but if Father interferes, I will resign. I need to stay focused, and I won’t allow myself to be distracted by any female staff."

Mrs. Juliet sighed. "Alright. If that’s what you want, I just hope it won’t affect the company’s progress."

"Not at all, Mother," Liam replied with a smile, pleased that she didn’t argue further.

"I’ll go freshen up. The aroma of that soup is inviting—I’ll join you for dinner soon," Liam said.

"Okay, son. I’ll be expecting you," Mrs. Juliet replied, watching him climb the stairs.

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Later That Evening

Even though Mr. Taiye had the means to buy a multimillion-dollar mansion, Mrs. Juliet preferred staying in the Benson Villa because it held cherished memories.

She sighed as she stood up to set the dining table with the maids.

Just then, her husband arrived home with a friend, Mr. Tunji Martin.

She walked up to them. "Welcome, honey," she said, hugging her husband. Despite his 68 years, she still called him honey.

"Wow, the aroma of this soup is amazing!" Mr. Taiye praised her, kissing her cheek affectionately.

"Where’s Liam? Hasn’t he returned?" he asked.

"He’s back. He went upstairs to freshen up," Mrs. Juliet replied.

"Okay. Meet my friend, Tunji Martin. We have some business matters to discuss, but that can wait until after dinner—Tunji will be joining us," Mr. Taiye informed her.

"Alright, honey. Welcome, sir," Mrs. Juliet said with a smile.

"Thank you, ma’am," Mr. Tunji greeted warmly.