He got up and cautiously approached the door, peering through the peephole. He saw a figure he didn't recognize – a tall, imposing man with a stern expression. "Who is it?" John called out, his voice steady.
"Mr. Tyron," came the response, firm and authoritative.
John hesitated, unsure whether to trust the stranger. Just then, the gateman's voice came from behind the door. "Mr. John, it's Mr. Tyron. He's a trusted man and I have confirmed by registering with him his details. You should speak to him and find out because he has said he has an urgent report to deliver by face to face."
John opened the door slightly, keeping the chain in place. "What do you want at this hour?"
Tyron, a man in his late forties with sharp features and an air of confidence, replied, "I'm here on behalf of your uncle, Rohit. There's an urgent matter we need to discuss."
John's grip tightened on the door. "I'm not interested in anything my uncle has to say."
Tyron's expression softened slightly. "I understand your reluctance, but please, hear me out. This is about your future and Francisco's legacy."
John glanced at the gateman, who nodded encouragingly. Reluctantly, he unlatched the chain and opened the door wider. "Alright, come in."
Tyron stepped inside, surveying the modest apartment with a discerning eye. "Thank you, John. I know this is inconvenient, but it's crucial."
John crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "We don't have much time. Start talking."
Tyron nodded. "Fair enough. Your uncle has sent me to discuss the marriage arrangement, but more importantly, to tell you the truth about the past: Your parents' untimely demise."
John's eyes widened, and he felt a chill run down his spine. "What do you know about that?"
"More than you think," Tyron replied, his expression grave. "There are secrets that have been kept from you, and it's time you knew everything."
John took a deep breath, bracing himself for whatever revelation was about to come. "Alright, I'm listening."
Tyron took a seat, his posture rigid and formal. "First, you need to understand that your parents' death was not an accident. It was a planned murder, orchestrated by someone within the family."
John's heart pounded in his chest. "What? Why didn't anyone tell me this before?"
"Because the person responsible had a lot of power and influence of the court," Tyron explained. "They've managed to keep it hidden. But now, with the marriage arrangement and the family's future at stake, it's becoming harder to keep these secrets buried."
John felt a surge of anger and betrayal. "Who did it? Who killed my parents?"
Tyron hesitated, then looked John straight in the eyes. "Your uncle, Rohit. He orchestrated the whole thing to take control of the family's assets due to greediness."
John's world seemed to collapse around him. He had always suspected foul play, but hearing it confirmed was a different matter entirely. "How can I trust you? How do I know you're not just trying to manipulate me?"
Tyron reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folder, handing it to John. "These are documents and evidence that point directly to Rohit. Bank statements, emails, and witness testimonies. It's all there."
John took the folder, his hands shaking. He opened it and began to sift through the papers, each piece of evidence more damning than the last. It was undeniable. His uncle Rohit actually plotted for his brother from the evidence and the people involved were captured.
"Why are you telling me this now?" John demanded, his voice trembling with rage.
"Because you have the right to know," Tyron said. "And because we need your help to bring Rohit to justice. You're the only one who can stand up to him."
John was still grappling with the weight of Tyron's revelations when the latter continued. "But there's more to this than just bringing Rohit to justice. We need to safeguard the family's legacy."
John's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Tyron sighed. "Rohit isn't just a murderer; he's a terrible businessman. The ten big companies that Francisco's family possesses in Golden City are on the brink of being auctioned due to overdue debts. If things continue this way, everything your parents built will be lost."
John's jaw tightened. "I knew he was reckless, but this..."
Tyron nodded. "It's why we need you, John. You're the rightful heir, and you have the chance to save everything."
John's skepticism remained, his anger simmering just below the surface. "And what about my life after being abandoned by him? Do you know what I went through?"
Tyron's expression turned somber. "I do, and I'm truly sorry. When your father, Mr. Faruk, passed away, I lost my job as well. I was his personal assistant. I knew your family well. I was there when you were young, when your mother, Isabella, was still with us. Those were good times, and I cherished every moment working with your father."
John's eyes softened slightly. "You knew my parents well?"
"Very well," Tyron said with a nostalgic smile. "Your father was a brilliant man, and your mother... She had a way of making everything better with her laughter and warmth. I remember one time when you were about eight, you insisted on making a cake for your parents' anniversary. You ended up covered in flour, and the kitchen was a mess. But Isabella just laughed and helped you finish it. It's one of my fondest memories."
John chuckled despite himself. "I remember that. The cake was terrible, but they pretended to love it."
Tyron nodded, his smile fading. "Those were good times, but now, we need to face the present. Rohit's mismanagement is endangering everything your parents built."
John took a deep breath. "Alright, Tyron. What do you need me to do?"
Tyron leaned in, his voice low and urgent. "You need to go back to the mansion. Pretend to comply with the marriage arrangement. Use the time to gather more evidence and build a case against Rohit. But be careful. He's dangerous, and you can't trust anyone there."
John's mind raced. The thought of going back to the place where he had experienced so much pain was daunting. "When should I go?"
"As soon as possible," Tyron said. "But there's something important you must remember. Don't eat or drink anything offered by Rohit or anyone close to him. We don't know the lengths he'll go to maintain control."
John nodded, absorbing the gravity of Tyron's words. "I understand."
Tyron glanced at his watch. "It's eleven o'clock before midnight because I guess his restlessness. I should go and report back to Rohit that you've agreed. But remember, this is just the beginning. We need to take things step by step."
John felt a mix of determination and dread. "Alright, Tyron. I'll do it. But I expect your help every step of the way."
"You have my word," Tyron said. "I'll be in touch. We'll take down Rohit together."
John extended his hand, and Tyron shook it firmly. "Thank you."
Tyron stood up, ready to leave. "I should get going. My family will be waiting for me to wish them goodnight."
John managed a tired smile. "Of course. Thank you for coming."
Tyron pulled out his phone and dialed a short call to John's number, ensuring they exchanged contacts. "I got your contact from Rohit, but now you have mine. I'll call you tomorrow with the next steps."
John walked Tyron to the door, still processing everything. As Tyron stepped out, he turned back one last time. "Stay strong, John. This isn't going to be easy, but I believe in you."
With that, Tyron left, leaving John alone with his thoughts. The apartment felt eerily quiet as he closed the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm his racing mind.
He had just agreed to return to the mansion he had once fled from, to face the uncle who had caused him so much pain, and to unravel the dark secrets that had been kept from him for so long. The weight of it all felt almost crushing, but there was also a glimmer of hope.
John walked back to the couch and sat down, running a hand through his hair. Tyron's words echoed in his mind, bringing back memories of his parents and the life he had once known. He felt a surge of determination. He wasn't going to let Rohit destroy or take part in his life. He would fight for his rights, gather the evidence, and bring the truth to light.
As the clock ticked past midnight, John knew he wouldn't get much sleep tonight. His mind was too full of plans and uncertainties. But amidst the chaos, he felt a strange sense of resolve. He would return to the mansion, he would play along with Rohit's game, and he would find a way to restore his family honor but wouldn't admire to take over one day.
The night stretched on, filled with restless thoughts and fleeting memories. John's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but one thing was clear: he was ready to face whatever came next. And with Tyron's support, he felt more prepared than ever to take on an unexpected U-turn of his minds.
John finally closed his eyes, he whispered to himself, "I'll make you proud, Mom and Dad. I won't let you down."