James sat in the dimly lighted room, the oppressive mood hanging on him. The lookout had always been his father's domain, a haven where Richard Reed plotted, strategized, and built his empire. James found it strange and peculiar now that his father was gone. The rich perfume of vintage books, polished wood, and aged leather filled the air, bringing back memories of his formative years, when he could slip into the room, entranced by the fellow who appeared to have the entire world at his fingertips.
But now that international belonged to James, a world he was becoming increasingly aware of.
Across from him was Mrs. Jenkins, his father's dedicated aide. She had been with Richard Reed for as long as James could remember, a constant presence in his father's life. Today, however, she had a different appearance—a calm intensity that worried James.
"James," Mrs. Jenkins began, her voice steady but firm, "it's time you learned the truth about your circle of relatives' legacy."
James leaned forward, his heart beating in his chest. His father's untimely death left a void—not only in his life but also within the carefully formed empire he had built. And, shockingly, there was more to the empire than he had previously anticipated.
"I understand about Reed Industries," James said, his tone defensive. "I know my father worked tough, that he constructed this organization from the floor up."
Mrs. Jenkins' eyes softened, but her face became solemn, which worried James. She shook her head slightly and clenched her lips into a thin line. "James, your father's empire is magnificent. More full-size than you ever imagined. But it is no longer just about business.
James' eyes widened as she said, her voice tinged with excitement and something else, perhaps terror. "Richard Reed became a visionary." He saw opportunities that others did not, sectors that could affect the outcome. Reed Industries isn't really about real estate, generation, or healthcare. Your father played a role in the whole thing. But, James, there are secrets. Secrets that extend beyond the company.
James felt a shiver run down his spine as the room became cooler. "Secrets and techniques?" he inquired, his voice low and almost unbelievable. James felt his father had always been open about his business. What would Richard have kept hidden?
Mrs. Jenkins paused, gazing toward the door as if someone were listening. Her voice dropped to a near whisper. "Your father engaged in immoral activities and alliances. "Matters that, if discovered, should destroy the entire thing."
James felt a wave of horror and rage rise inside him. His father had always underlined the value of integrity, tough paintings, and force. And now we hear there were skeletons in the closet? He was no longer willing to simply accept that. "I don't understand," James said, his tone angry. "What are you announcing?" "What sort of secrets?"
Before Mrs. Jenkins could react, the door to the look flew open unexpectedly. James swung quickly, his heart hammering in his throat, and there was Marcus Blackwood. Marcus, a tall, skinny man with a constant sneer on his face, had always been his father's competitor, circling Reed Industries like a vulture waiting for the right opportunity to strike. And now he looks to have found the second.
"Ah, James," Marcus added, his voice dripping with false sorrow, "I see you're beginning to consider the truth of your expensive antique father. It should come as a pleasant surprise.
When James saw him, his blood rose. "What do you need, Marcus?" he demanded. "this is a non-public communication."
Marcus chuckled and stepped into the room as if he belonged. "non-public? Oh, James. Nothing about your father's life was personal. It is no longer evident. I'm here because I believe it's time you knew what kind of man Richard Reed has become."
"I know exactly what kind of guy my father turned into," James responded, rising to his toes and clenching his fists at his sides. "He established this enterprise via hard work and persistence. "He did the entirety for this circle of relatives."
Marcus lowered his head, his sneer growing deeper. "You believe you understand, but you do not. Your father's triumph came at a cost that I no longer believe you are prepared to bear."
James felt a rush of unease come over him. What did Marcus know that I did not? He stared at Mrs. Jenkins, who stood stiffly, her countenance a mask of threat.
"Get to the point," James ordered, his tone stern. "What are you implying?"
Marcus' eyes were filled with hatred. "I am implying that your father did not become the saint you thought he was. He entered into a few agreements—alliances, James—that crossed lines. Dark traces. He kept things hidden that, if discovered, could harm the whole.
James' heart raced. He turned to Mrs. Jenkins, his mind racing. "Is that true?" he yelled, his voice barely audible.
Mrs. Jenkins returned his gaze, her eyes filled with unhappiness. "Your father did what he felt was necessary. However, some of those options were perilous, James. "Very dangerous."
Before James could respond, Marcus smirked once more, clearly enjoying the turmoil he had caused. "You will recognize easily enough, James. I am convinced that reality will catch up to you. "And while it occurs, well..." He floated away, leaving the thought in the air. Marcus became and walked out of the room with a mocking bow, leaving a deep silence.
James' mind raced with possibilities, resulting in a storm of confusion, wrath, and horror. What did his father do? What could be so dark and dreadful that Mrs. Jenkins was unable to inform him immediately?
James returned to Mrs. Jenkins, his voice raw. Tell me everything. I wish to realize.
Mrs. Jenkins hesitated, her attention shifting to the door, as if Marcus may return at any second. Her voice became hardly heard. "James, there are some things I wasn't supposed to tell you. Your father went to great lengths to keep certain things hidden. However, since that he is no longer alive, "I suppose there may be no preventing the fact from coming out."
Mrs. Jenkins began speaking, and James' heart pounded with each syllable. She discovered a network of deception, corruption, and betrayal that ran far deeper than he could have expected. His father had not only forged questionable deals but had also involved Reed Industries in alliances with effective, risky personalities who operated in the shadows. People who might be likely to destroy James if they felt threatened.
James was stunned by Mrs. Jenkins's death. His father was a wonderful man in many ways, but he had also crossed some lines that James was not sure he wanted to accept. His fingers trembled as he pondered the significance of what he had just learned.
Even in the face of this terrible news, James knew he had to make a decision. He might walk away as if nothing had happened. Or he may confront the darkness head-on, risking everything to find the full truth and decide Reed Industries' future for himself.
As he stood up, ready to face the difficulties that lay ahead, a voice broke through the gloomy silence. "you may by no means be successful."
James turned to face Sophia Patel standing inside the doorway, her naive eyes filled with steely resolve. "Why now not?" he asked, his voice filled with fury and passion.
Sophia's lips twisted into an understanding smile. "Because you don't know the complete truth yet, James. And when you do, you'll wish you hadn't checked out.
Her words hung in the air like a curse, and the moment James opened his mouth to demand proof, the room darkened around him.