“IT’S an apology,” he repeated looking up at Jasira and Nathan this time.
“Lucas is apologizing for the trouble he has caused. He says he is really sorry for threatening me and that from now henceforth, he is gonna trouble me no more.”
Elena looked up at him, her expression serious.
“Well that was smart of him, he doesn’t want to die before his time,” she said.
“Wow Boss, that is great!”
Jeremy’s brows furrowed.
“Great? Is that what you think?”
“Of course, that means problem half solved,” he said.
“Oh! Don’t you think he is playing with our intelligence or something?”
“He wouldn’t dare,” Jasira said.
“Huh”, uttered Jeremy as he turned to her and she nodded.
“Yeah he wouldn’t,” she repeated.
“Well Boss, we will stand by you,” Nathan said, “but we will be extremely careful, we can’t afford to let our guard down.”
Jeremy nodded, appreciating the unwavering support.
“Excellent! We shall proceed cautiously. I will set up a meeting,” he said.
Jasira nodded and smiled, a hint of her usual fire returning to her eyes. “That is the Jeremy I fell in love with, always prepared,” she said.
Jeremy smiled, almost blushing. He quickly turned to Nathan.
“You may leave,” he ordered and lowering his head slightly, Nathan left the room.
Then Jeremy leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Jasira’s forehead. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Her eyebrows furrowed.
“For what?” She asked, looking up at him.
“For coming into my life, and being there for me,” he said.
She burst into laughter.
“I see,” she said winking and at that moment, he swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed.
***
The room was bathed in the dim glow of late afternoon light filtering through the tall windows. The heavy, velvet drapes were pulled back just enough to allow a sliver of sunlight to illuminate the grand conference table.
At its head, Jasira stood poised and confident, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
She had finally called the meeting with an air of urgency, summoning her most trusted lieutenants and advisors to discuss a matter of great importance. Each of them knew that when and why she called for a meeting, it was not to be taken lightly.
The team gathered around the table, their expressions ranging from curiosity to concern.
There was Mico, her right-hand man and enforcer, whose loyalty had never wavered. Beside him sat Kylo, the brilliant strategist whose plans had kept them ahead of their rivals time and again, and also, her loyal chauffeur.
On the other side were Nikky, the only girl she had come to take as her daughter, then Vito and Alessandro, brothers who handled the family’s finances and operations with meticulous precision.
Finally, there was Sofia, the newest addition to the inner circle, a sharp-witted lawyer with a knack for finding loopholes and ensuring their legal safety.
Looking into their faces and reading the expressions written boldly on them, Jasira cleared her throat, drawing their attention fully to her.
She had spent days contemplating this moment, rehearsing her words, preparing for the inevitable reactions, but now that the time had come, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” she began, her voice steady and authoritative.
“I have something important to share with you, something that will significantly impact the future of our operations. I am very well aware that you already know, because the walls have ears and tongues have been wagging -.”
She looked at their faces again.
“Well I have decided,” she said, her gaze sweeping across their faces, “that it is time for me to leave the organization.”
The room erupted into a chorus of shocked exclamations and whispered disbelief. Mico’s brow furrowed in confusion, while Kylo’s eyes widened in surprise, exchanging glances with Nikky who only sighed deeply.
Vito and Alessandro exchanged a quick, concerned glance, and Sofia’s normally composed expression showed a hint of astonishment.
Jasira raised a hand, calling for silence.
“I understand this is unexpected, but it is a decision I have not made lightly. There are personal reasons behind my choice, reasons that you will get to find out in due course, but for now, I need you all to understand that this is not the end of the family. Far from it.”
Mico was the first to find his voice. “Boss, are you sure about this? You have led us with strength and wisdom. We are at the peak of our power because of you.”
She nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips.
“I am sure, Mico. And while it may seem sudden, I have been preparing for this transition. Each of you has proven your capability time and again. I trust you all to continue leading this family to even greater heights.”
Kylo leaned forward, his analytical mind already racing ahead.
“How will this transition work, Boss? We just weren’t expecting this from you, yes we heard things but we were just patiently waiting for you to tell us that it was all a lie,” he said and others nodded in concurrence.
Jasira sighed, expecting it.
“I have been distracted lately, I know you guys must have noticed” she said, her voice steady but soft, “and for that, I apologize. Things are changing, and I need your support more than ever.”
Vito stepped forward, his loyalty unwavering, “we are with you, Boss, always, but as for this latest development, I can’t tell.”
She nodded, a small smile touching her lips.
“Well I ain’t asking for your support about this, I’m only telling you guys what I want, and intend to do, okay,” the smiles on her face deepened as she looked into their faces one after the other.
They kept silent.
“So with the recent development, I’m going to start delegating more. Mico, you will take my place.”
“Huh,” Mico gasped.
“Yeah, you would take over my role as the head of the organization,” she said, “your loyalty and strength make you the ideal leader.”
The silence among the team grew more intense as Jasira spoke.
“Nikky?” She called.
“Momma,” she replied weakly and Jasira smiled.
“Nikky you would oversee the shipments and security”.
“Hmmm,” was all Nikky could say.
“Kylo, you will continue as the chief strategist, ensuring all plans remain foolproof. Vito and Alessandro, you will maintain control over finances and operations. And Sofia, you will be the legal shield, protecting the team from any threats.”
The team absorbed her words, the initial shock giving way to a sense of duty and determination. They had been through countless battles together, and while this change was significant, they knew they could adapt and thrive.
Jasira took a deep breath, steeling herself for the final part of her announcement.
“I don’t think I will still be available for guidance and support, I will no longer be involved in day-to-day operations. This is a new chapter for all of us. And I trust you all to make it a successful one.”
There was a moment of silence as the weight of her words settled over them. Then, one by one, they nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. They would honor her decision and continue the legacy she had built, they had no choice than to.
“Does anyone have anything to say? We have just come to the end of the meeting,” Jasira said and without ado, Mico stood. All eyes turned to him.
“Boss J,” he started, his voice shivering, “in as much as we do not expect you to leave the organization someday and do not know the reason you are leaving, we respect your decision, and uphold it -”
Jasira smiled lightly.
“We will make you proud, Boss,” he continued, “no matter what, we will, you have led us, taken us and loved us as family. Thank you for everything you have done for us,” he said and walked up to her, extending his hand for a handshake.
She clasped his hand firmly, a sense of pride swelling within her.
“I know you will, Mico. I believe in all of you.”
As the meeting concluded and the team dispersed to begin their new roles, Jasira felt a mixture of relief and anticipation. She was stepping into the unknown, but she was ready. And she knew that under Mico’s leadership, their family would continue to thrive, stronger and more united than ever before.
“Momma?” A voice called and she turned immediately, it was Nikky, she didn’t go with the others as they left.
A tear escaped her eyes and she ran up to Jasira and wrapped her arms around her.
“I’m sorry Nikky, I wish I could control it,” she said and the duo remained in a tight emotional embrace.