It was New Year's Eve, but Eddie and his family were all crying and mourning the death of their father. "Sad news!" they called it. Eddie's father had worked as a partner with the Ejabu Group limited, holding significant shares that many people in the firm coveted. He would always say:
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It was a noisy New Year's Eve, with everyone shouting, dancing, drinking, or eating. The celebration was palpable, like rainbows in the sky. Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the door. "Who is it?" Eddie's mother asked, but there was no response. Eddie opened the door to find Mrs. Ejabu and some members of the board.
"Welcome, welcome! What can we offer you?" she asked, but no one replied. The atmosphere in the room shifted from warm to cold and deserted. Eddie noticed the board members were not smiling, nor responding to their messages.
"Mr. Ejabu, sorry to bear bad news this season, your husband is dead," Mrs. Ejabu announced. It was as if the whole neighborhood had heard the news; Eddie couldn't hear anything except the sound of his heart and a sharp pain in his chest.
"Your father was selling company secrets to our rivals and engaging in fraudulent activities. When we confronted him, he had a heart attack and unfortunately died," Mr. Ejabu continued. "As it stands, the banks have frozen all his assets and will collect this house and all your properties. We, the Ejabu Group limited, will take care of his burial, even after he stabbed us in the back. But we recommend you pack your things, as the bank will come tomorrow. Regarding his shares, due to company policy, the group will distribute them among its members."
Eddie, his mother, and two sisters ( Jasmine and Evelyn )were overcome with sorrow and pain. As the man of the house, Eddie helped his mother pack her belongings, while his sisters did the same. While packing, Eddie found a note: "If you find this note, I should be dead. Lately, the head of the Ejabu Group has been asking me to sell my shares, but I don't want to. If I die under suspicious circumstances, know they have made their move."
Eddie showed the note to his mother, who said, "Let's bury your father. We have no money to fight them, nor proof to back the note, so let's leave them to God." Eddie, Edward Dunsin Ayomide, looked at his mother and said, "Mother, hear my New Year's resolution: I will get back my father's properties, even if it kills me." Mrs. Ayomide rebuked him, saying, "You won't die, my son."
Years passed, and Eddie graduated with a degree in corporate law, ranking among the best in his institution. His mother and sisters took on manual jobs to pay for his tuition fees. His mother sold bean cakes at their junction, while his sisters worked as sales-girls. They made a plan for Eddie to graduate first before they would apply.
After university, Eddie attended law school and was called to the bar. Every New Year's Eve, Eddie reaffirmed his resolution: "I will get back what my father worked for." Due to his intellect and connections, Eddie was employed by one of the top law firms in the state. While working there, Eddie investigated the Ejabu Group Limited.
Years passed, and Eddie's sisters pursued higher education; Jasmin became a doctor, and Evelyn a naval officer. One day, Eddie exclaimed, "Yes, I have it – proof!" He took the evidence home and showed it to his mother, saying, "It's time, Mom." His mother was skeptical but had strong faith in her son's confidence.
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On Monday, the head of the Ejabu Group Limited received a court summons. When he arrived, he noticed a familiar face – Eddie and his mother. He knew what it was about and began to shout, "After all I've done for you!" The case was not easy, taking three months to reach a verdict. At every turn, Eddie presented his evidence, waiting for the next hearing.
The final blow came when Eddie's father's secretary confirmed that a board member had spiked Mr. Ayomide's drink at the office when he wasn't looking. He thought no one was watching. When caught and interrogated, he confessed everything. Mr. Ejabu had wanted the majority share and killed Eddie's father, framing him for the crime.
The court ruled in favor of the Ayomides, returning their properties that had not been sold, along with their shares and more. The board members, unaware of the plot, reinstated Eddie as head and compensated him. Mr. Ejabu and his accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment, and their assets were frozen.
Eddie and his family were filled with joy and happiness. He looked at his mother and said, "Mom, remember my New year's Resolution?".
Thanks to @theinkwell these to all hive communities and I wish you a happy new year.
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