Jerry and Mark, however, weren't done for the night. They followed Emily to her room, their expressions serious as they prepared to finish the conversation they'd started earlier. The three of them moved quietly but with purpose, their hushed voices barely audible over the creak of the wooden floorboards.
As they passed by Jacqueline's room, their footsteps grew louder, the tension of the night making them less mindful of their surroundings. The noise caught Jacqueline's attention, pulling her out of the process of settling into bed.
She opened her door slightly, her eyebrows furrowing as she watched them disappear into Emily's room. "What are they still talking about?" she wondered aloud, her curiosity piqued. She stepped out and moved to the door which had just been shut. She leaned against the door, listening to the faint murmur of the voices coming from within.
In Emily's room, Jerry leaned against the desk while Mark sat on the edge of her bed. Emily stood by the window, her arms crossed, gazing out into the darkness as if searching for answers that weren't there.
"Guys," Mark started, his voice calm but deliberate. "I think we should keep this a secret. Let's come up with a convincing story to explain the situation without revealing everything."
Jerry nodded, his face serious. "Agreed. Whatever happens, we need to stick together. No one else should get dragged into this."
Emily turned to face them, her expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. "You're right. I don't want anyone else carrying this burden. It's my family's mess, and I'll handle it. But thank you for standing by me."
Mark gave her a small nod of approval. "We've got your back, Emily," he said.
Jerry offered her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder, his voice softer but resolute. "We're almost there. We've just got to find the remaining 10 million shillings, and we'll be done with this nightmare."
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Jacqueline stepped inside, her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe. "I can get you the 10 million," she said, her voice calm but determined.
The trio turned to face her, their faces a mix of shock and hesitation.
Mark was the first to speak, rising from the bed. "J, what are you doing here? And what do you mean you can get the money?"
Jacqueline walked further into the room, her eyes scanning each of them. "I heard you talking," she admitted. "I couldn't just sit back and ignore it. But if I'm going to help, I need to know what's really going on."
Jerry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before speaking. "Emily's dad owes someone a huge debt—60 million shillings, to be exact. He couldn't pay it, and now Emily is being forced to cover for him. The guy is dangerous, and we need to settle this before things get worse."
Jacqueline's brow furrowed as she processed the information. "And you're short by 10 million?" she asked.
Mark nodded cautiously. "Yeah. But where exactly are you planning to get that kind of money, J?"
Jacqueline smirked, folding her arms confidently. "You're all so busy trying to protect me that you forget I'm not a little girl anymore. Grandpa and mom made me CEO of the company, remember? Part of the agreement was that I'd be entitled to a salary of 120 million shillings a year. Since I haven't officially started yet, Grandpa has been acting so he deposited 60 million into my account for the time he's served as interim CEO."
Jerry blinked, stunned. "Wait, you've had 60 million just sitting in your account this whole time?"
She shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not like I needed it for anything yet. But if it helps you all get out of this mess, then consider it done."
Emily stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion. "Baby girl, I can't let you do that. It's too much to ask."
Jacqueline held up a hand, cutting her off. "Girl, don't be ridiculous. You're family. And family doesn't abandon each other."
Mark exchanged a glance with Jerry, a mixture of pride and relief washing over his face. "J, you're incredible. But are you sure about this? That's a lot of money."
Jacqueline smiled. "I'm sure. Besides, it's not like I'll be broke. After all that's way too much for me."
Jerry grinned, pulling her into a quick hug. "You're the best, lil sis."
Mark placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, J. You've saved us all."
Jacqueline waved them off. "Don't mention it. Just promise me you'll come clean with Dad and Grandpa eventually. Secrets like this have a way of blowing up."
After a few more minutes of discussion about logistics, the boys finally left Emily's room, leaving her alone with Jacqueline.
Jacqueline sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Come here, girl. Let's talk."
Emily hesitated for a moment before sitting down. "You really didn't have to do this, baby girl."
Jacqueline gave her a soft smile. "I know. But I wanted to. You're part of this family, Emily. And besides, I see you're not just my big sister but a potential sister in law."
Emily's cheeks flushed, and she looked away. "Please don't start. He's just another of my kid brothers."
Jacqueline smirked. "Sure, if that's what you want to call it. But seriously, Sis, you've been through enough. Let us help you. That's what family does."
Emily smiled, her eyes glistening. "Thank you, baby girl. For everything."
Jacqueline wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Anytime, sis. Now, get some rest. We've got a lot to handle tomorrow."