Immediately after the meeting, the investors had left, and Jack sat back reflecting on the just concluded discussions. At that instance, a text message came in "Your ambitions have consequences, back off while you still can". Fear gripped him immediately, who was behind this, and what did they want him to back off from?
He tried to brush it off as a prank, but the words lingered in his mind. His instincts told him to be cautious, but his pride and determination pushed him to ignore the warning.
Just then, Imelda came into the meeting room. "You have an interview with journalist Myrtle Lesley about Spectra's latest project."
Jack nodded, his mind already focused on the meeting. But as Myrtle entered, her sharp questions and piercing gaze unsettled him. She seemed to see right through his polished CEO facade.
As the interview concluded, Myrtle lingered, her eyes on his. "Jack, what drives you to push the boundaries for real estate? Is it just about the profit or there's something more? Tell me I'm curious"
Jack's instinct screamed a warning, but he couldn't deny the spark of answering. "Let's just say I'm passionate about commercial spaces and innovative projects in the world. He replied, his words measured.
As Myrtle left, his phone buzzed again. "Look into your company's past. You don't know the truth." Another message from a different unknown number. Jack's grip on his phone tightened. What secrets was his company hiding? And who is behind these messages?
Myrtle caught up with Jack the next day, continuing their interview, as they worked late into the evening, Myrtle turned to Jack "Why do you look unstable?"
Jack hesitated, unsure how much to reveal to a journalist, But something about her demeanor put him at ease, "I guess I just can't shake off the feeling that I've been receiving cryptic messages and it's messing with my mind" he opened up, his voice barely above a whisper.
Myrtle's expression hardened, "you're talking about the company's secrets? Aren't you?"
Jack's eyes widened in surprise, "how did you know?"
Myrtle leaned in, her voice conspiratorial, "I've been doing some digging. I think there's more to your family's past than you're letting on."
Jack's gut tightened, what does Myrtle know? And how far will she go to uncover the truth? He knew at that instant that he needed to act fast so as not to get whatever information about his family out to the public.
Jack was invited to a birthday dinner of one of his company's profound investors.
He saw a familiar face across the hall, it was his father, Raymond Ernolds.
His instincts told him to go over, confront him and demand answers right there. But something held him back. Maybe it was the fear of opening old wounds, the realization that he wasn't ready for the truth or the avoidance of embarrassing himself and family out there.
Raymond disappeared into the crowd, leaving Jack with more questions than answers.
The next day, Jack received a mysterious package at the precinct. Inside a folder containing police records and witness statements from a cold case, This was the case that almost drove his father to jail, and the same case that had torn his family apart.
Suddenly, the past came flooding back, Jack knew he couldn't ignore it any longer. He had to confront his father, Raymond Ernolds and he had to uncover the truth.
The precinct's lights flickered, and the air conditioning unit hummed to life.
Jack's phone buzzed, breaking the tension, he received a text from the usual unknown number "You're close to something".
The next day, Jack set out to meet his father, he had decided that he'd confront him no matter what.
Jack's father, Raymond, sat before him, his expression stern. "Jack I know we have a problem, I know there are issues and mistakes behind our success. But for now, let's not dwell on what it is, we should rather look out for what best we can do to keep it undercover". He paused for a while and looked down. Jack looked deeply at him waiting to hear what next he had to say.
"Myrtle Lesley knows too much about our family's past, and she can be a threat to us unless….."
Jack's gut tightened, "Unless what?"
Raymond's eyes narrowed, "Unless you marry her. We can't let our secrets get out, Jack, our reputation, our legacy, our business, what we have struggled so hard to build over the years. Everything is at stake."
Jack felt a heavy wave of anger and disgust. "You can't be serious. I won't marry someone just to keep our secrets buried. Tell me what it is, tell me everything, I deserve to know!"
Raymond's voice turned cold. "You will do what's best for this family, you will marry Myrtle and keep her quiet, you just have to take that action fast, you will know whatever secret this family holds later, not just now! This is not the time. Or else! " He said harshly.
Jack knew what "or else" meant. He knows his father quite well, he would stop at nothing just to protect his family's reputation.
The marriage intentions were discussed with Myrtle, and she agreed hastily as tho she's always been waiting for it. Preparations were made as they worked towards the wedding.
The wedding was a rushed family private affair.
Jack's heart was heavy as he exchanged vows with Myrtle, who seemed to be hiding secrets of her own under her pretentious kind smile.
As they bounded their union with a kiss, Jack felt a wave of trapped desperation.
He was now locked in with Myrtle, bound by secrets and lies.
Jacks marriage to Myrtle was a facade, a union built on secrets and convenience.
They shared no genuine connection, no passion.
They barely spoke, and when they did, it was strained.
Jack felt trapped like he was living a lie.
They both knew what they were in for, they knew the purpose of their marriage, but it haunted Myrtle more, couldn't they fall in love along the line? She has always liked Jack. But being married to him, just to cover secrets was quite outrageous for her.
One night as they prepared for bed, Myrtle approached him. "Jack, we need to talk".
Jack raised an eyebrow, and locked back his eyes on his laptop. "What is it?"
Myrtle's voice was low. "I know you don't want to be married to me. But I'm willing to make this work…if you are"
Jack signed, looking straight at her "what more do you want from me, Myrtle?"
Myrtle's eyes locked onto his. "I want us to present a united front. For the public, for your family, for your company.. for now"
Jack nodded reluctantly. "It's alright, for the public eyes yeah? So, don't expect me to pretend to be in love with you." He said walking away into his room.
Myrtle's smile was cold. "I wouldn't dream of that" she said, pretending not to be hurt by Jacks words.