Extraordinary Jackson Ryder

04: Secrets of the Past

Kenneth squinted his gaze. "Paul Ryder died in a house fire and was buried 2 years ago."

Jackson’s heart broke in grief and sadness.

His father had been his role model when he was young, taking him everywhere, teaching him all sorts of things before he suddenly disappeared. Turns out he’d been alive all this while, but only just died 2 years ago.

"It was due to my careless mistake, Master Jackson.” Kenneth lowered his head. “We discovered that the accident was actually set up by some of his long-time enemies, but before we could discover, it was too late! Till now, we haven’t been able to find proper evidence, we hope that with Master’s return. His father’s passing wouldn’t be in vain.”

“You have a suspect?” Jackson was shocked. 

“Yes,” His eyes glinted with fury. “An old-time friend of Master Paul.”

Jackson’s memories could only conjure up one face- Luka Wilson, Miranda’s father, and once his father’s business partner.

Suspiciously, Luka had also gone missing around the same time his father did.

"What date did the fire happen?" Jackson gritted his teeth. 

"February the 2nd, two years ago.”

“Since then, we've been on a search for you, Master. I just happened to be at the bar when you were challenged by Kane. I was so sure you were the one when you came out victorious!" Kenneth gave a deep smile. "The pendant confirms it all, you're exactly like your father."

Jackson stared down at the man in front of him, his heart thumping. Why did he feel like there was a secret meaning to what he just said?

Today alone, he'd lost his wife and found out his father was dead. What else could be in store for him? 

"Thanks for the news, I'll take my leave now."

"Master Jackson." Kenneth stopped him hastily. "Your father willed his entire shipping company to you, you're the next CEO in line for Ryder&Wil Group of Companies!"

"What?"

"With a net-worth of 15 billion dollars, you have several subsidiaries which are named under the Ryder&Wil Empire. The Kitts-Well Corps, Hutton Group of companies, Galaxy Entertainment, Hotel de Lux, Largesse Corporations, Lann Pharmaceuticals and even the Owells Shopping Malls are all subsidiaries under us. Your father planned a lot of expansion and investment, and we need his direct heir to take over ASAP!”

"Really?" Jackson quipped. The big companies this man just mentioned were no jokes. Just being listed was suffocating enough, why does everything feel so weird? 

"Please come with me." Kenneth bowed and led the way to the car.

Suddenly, a black figure whooshed from the road behind them, placing a sharp knife against Kenneth’s neck. The atmosphere suddenly became tensed.

His bodyguards pointed their pistols at the stranger.

"Let him go and tell your men stand back!" the stranger yelled.

"its fine, Slade. They're not abducting me." Jackson patted the stranger, giving him a signal. 

"Boss, are you sure?" Slade let Kenneth go. 

"I'll be back soon." Jackson waved his hand. Slade nodded and whooshed off like lightning. 

He nodded at Kenneth and got into the car, thinking back to his parents. The only relative he had left was his grandmother. 

The car stopped at a luxurious mansion surrounded by a beautiful well-mowed garden, a swimming pool at the center, a tennis court in the yard, and even a large golf field. Jackson had never quite seen anything like this. 

All the helpers bowed, as they made their way up the stairs into a large study. 

Kenneth pulled out a chair for him before walking over to retrieve a picture from the cabinet. "Your father, along with his best friend, Luka Wilson."

Jackson stared hard at his father's face, before shifting his eyes to the grim face of Miranda's father. Even though there was a few years age difference between them, they seemed to have a strong bond. 

A wary sensation filled Jackson’s heart as he stared more and more at Luka’s face. Those eyes held suspicion and a strong intent-

"Luka Wilson is also dead.” Kenneth added coldly. “Although we do not know what really happened, we’re sure he was also in that fire. Mysteriously, we received a news that he is dead, and true he died of an heart attack last year and was buried. His son, Morgan, is next in line as his successor. Morgan is currently abroad taking care of some fundamental company matters."

Jackson rubbed his chin in thought.

He recalled the day that Luka returned home with half of his clothes burnt. Wait! That was on February 2nd! He could recall clearly, as it was the day Miranda fainted from over-working. 

Luka had been in the fire with his father, but how did he manage to escape? 

"We should call Morgan and inform all the stakeholders of your return, Master."

"No. No." Jackson hurriedly muttered. "It's too dangerous to come in the open, let's lie low for a while. I'm sure there are several people gunning for that CEO position."

"Yeah. We have quite a few." Kenneth frowned. "Morgan should know his place."

Jackson stood up abruptly. If his line of thoughts was correct, Morgan might turn out to be an enemy. "I'll take my leave now."

Kenneth bowed deeply again. "Okay, Master. I'll arrange for a driver to drop you off.”

Throwing one last look at his father’s mansion, he headed his base. 

When his father disappeared, he'd met an old man named Adrian living at an abandoned barracks outside the city. Adrian had taken him in as a son, teaching him martial arts, Western and Chinese Medicine, Astrology and even cooking.

And when Master Adrian died, Jackson recruited bandits and homeless men who were ready to learn, teaching them martial arts, astrology and a bit of medicine. 

While at the Wilson’s residence, he made out time every 3 days to visit and check-up on his men as they went on several missions for clients. Jackson had a ring of rich men that would offer to pay them for bodyguard services, or even rescuing a family member. As a doctor, he also provided services to rich clients who had severe medical issues. 

This way, he made a substantial amount of money, and his fame spread through the city under the guise of ‘Grand Doctor Jack’. Over the years, he’d managed to keep such a low profile that no one, not even the Wilson’s could have guessed he was the hidden Grand Master.

When Jackson arrived, it was almost dark but all his men were outside to welcome him back. 

"Welcome, Boss." they bowed. 

Jackson was glad to be back home, away from the drama of the Wilsons. He gave nods of approval and made his way in. 

His 2nd in command, Slade hurried beside him. "Boss. Who was that old man back there?"

"It's a long story, Slade. I'll have you bring some hard liquor up to the study, there's a lot to discuss." Jackson flashed him a smile, then hurried to his room to have a shower. 

He got dressed and headed to the study, flipping through some documents as he waited. 

The door burst open and Slade rushed in with a wary expression. "Bad news, Boss."

"What is it?" Jackson stood up in panic. 

"The matriarch of the Wilson family is here, and she's swearing to bring down the house if she doesn't meet with you!"