Unexpected Wealth - S01 E03

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Unexpected Wealth - S01 E03

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 3

Unexpected Wealth Episode 3

Chief Eze arrived early that morning and told Temi to dress well. "Today, I'm going to show you what your future looks like," he said, handing Temi a neat blazer. Temi quickly dressed up, feeling both excited and nervous. They entered one of Chief's black SUVs and started the tour. First, they visited a paint manufacturing company. Workers lined up to greet Chief. "This is one of my strongest companies," Chief said proudly. Next, they visited a transport company, then a hotel, a real estate firm, and more. Temi was amazed at how much his father owned. It was overwhelming.

At every location, Chief introduced Temi as his son. "This is Temi, my only child," he would say. Some staff smiled, others looked surprised. Temi greeted them politely.

At the fifth property, a quiet estate with about twenty duplexes, Temi turned to his father. "All these houses are yours?" he asked.

"Yes, and soon, they'll be yours," Chief replied.

Temi couldn't believe it. Back in their car, Chief handed him a document. "These are shares and company details. Read them later. For now, let's go to my head office." Temi nodded silently, his mind trying to absorb everything happening.

They reached a tall glass building in the city center. "This is where I started everything," Chief said as they stepped into the elevator. On the 12th floor, they entered Chief's private office. It was large, with a huge table, shelves filled with books, and pictures from years ago.

Chief sat down and pointed to the seat in front of him. "Sit, Temi. Let's talk business." Temi sat and listened closely.

Chief leaned forward. "I have a company that has been draining me for five years now. Every year, it makes losses. I'm thinking of shutting it down."

Temi kept quiet. "But I have another idea," Chief continued. "I want you to run it. Take it as your first test. If you do well, I'll know you can handle bigger things."

Temi raised his head. "But Daddy, I've never managed anything before."

Chief smiled. "You're smart. You just need to learn fast. And I'll support you." Temi nodded.

"Alright, I'll try." Chief opened a drawer and brought out a file. "I've allocated N50 million to revive the business. Use the money wisely. Make the company work again." Temi held the file tightly.

The next morning, Temi resumed at the struggling company. The building looked fine outside, but inside, it was quiet and dull. Many staff looked unmotivated. The HR manager took him around and introduced him to everyone. They didn't expect a twenty-year-old as their new boss. Temi didn't mind. He asked for the company's accounting records and financial reports for the past five years. "Bring me everything," he said. When the files came, Temi locked himself in his office and started reading. He took notes, did calculations, and compared figures. He worked from morning till night without distraction or breaks.

After reading for two days, Temi found something strange. "Where is the N800 million from the 2022 account?" he asked the accountant.

The man scratched his head. "Sir, I don't know. Maybe it was used for procurement."

Temi frowned. "Then show me the receipts." But there were no receipts. He went through more records. The money had disappeared quietly.

"Someone is stealing from this company," Temi whispered to himself. He returned to his father's house that evening. Chief was in his study, reading newspapers. "Sit," Chief said. "How was your first two days?" Temi dropped the file on the table.

"There's a problem," Temi said. "N800 million is missing from the account."

Chief looked up sharply. "Are you sure?"

Temi nodded. "Yes. I went through all the books. There's no trace of the money. No receipts, no project to show for it."

Chief sat back. "This is serious. I suspected foul play, but I never had the time to investigate. Who do you think is behind it?"

Temi looked down. "I'm still checking. But the accountant and the former manager must know something."

Chief nodded slowly. "Alright. Continue your findings. I'll support you. Just be careful and don't trust too quickly."

The next day, Temi called for a meeting with the top management staff. Everyone gathered in the boardroom. Temi stood at the head of the table. "Good morning. I'm here to revive this company. But first, I want full transparency." Some people rolled their eyes, thinking he was too young. "I've gone through the books," he continued. "And N800 million cannot be accounted for. I'm giving everyone one week to come clean or explain it." The room went silent. One of the senior staff, Mr. Kunle, tried to laugh it off. "It's probably an accounting error," he said. "We'll recheck."

Temi turned to him. "Then recheck quickly," he said. "Because I'm not here to play." After the meeting, he called a private auditor to come in secretly and go through the financial records again. He also installed CCTV cameras in his office and gave instructions to the IT team to track emails and messages within the company network. Temi was not just smart. He was focused. He wanted results.

Over the next few days, Temi's efforts started showing results. The auditor confirmed that the money was withdrawn in bits through fake contracts. The fake companies were traced to someone inside the organization.

Temi smiled. "I knew it," he said. He printed out the report and took it straight to Chief. Chief read everything slowly. "It's Kunle," he said. "I trusted him. He's been with me for years." Temi nodded. "He stole from you. But I'm going to handle it."

Chief looked at him proudly. "I made the right decision. You're ready for bigger things, Temi. Keep going."

That evening, Temi drove to the company and called Kunie into his office. He placed the file on the table.

"Sir, what is this?" Kunle asked.

"Proof that you've been stealing," Temi replied.

Kunle laughed nervously. "You don't understand-"

Temi cut him short. "Save it. Police will be here in ten minutes. You can explain to them." True to his word, police arrived and arrested Kunle. Staff were shocked, but they began to respect Temi. They saw he was serious. Back home, Chief Eze raised a glass of wine.

"To the beginning of greatness," he said. Temi smiled quietly.

To be continued