CHAPTER 7

Jonathan was taken aback and surprised to see the old man. He recognized the old man instantly—Butler Solomon, the head steward of the Powerful Gray family from the capital. Memories flooded back of a time when he was the young master of the Gray family, living a life of privilege and expectation.

After greeting Jonathan, Butler Solomon's eyes scanned the room, his expression one of barely concealed displeasure. He moved with a dignified grace, each step echoing in the hushed station. His displeased expression made the police chief as beads of sweat started forming on the police chief's brow, hastily speaking, his voice shaky with nervousness. "We are already done, we will release him now."

If the police chief knew Jonathan had such connections, he would never have kept Jonathan here. It was better to offend Williams than to offend Jonathan who had such powerful connections.

"Let's go," Butler Solomon said simply, his tone brooking no argument as he led Jonathan outside the cell.

Outside, the night air was a welcome relief, cool and fresh against the skin. The city around them was alive with lights and sounds, a stark contrast to the suffocating tension inside the police station. Parked at the curb was a sleek but luxurious black car, its polished surface reflecting the city lights.

As they approached the car, Jonathan asked in a simple manner, "Solomon, why are you here?" trying to mask the myriad emotions swirling within him.

Butler Solomon opened the car door for Jonathan, his movements deliberate, measured and calculated.

He said, "The family has always been concerned about you and your affairs even when" he paused, his voice carrying a hint of paternal affection. "Even when you left us for that woman, we never stopped keeping an eye on you. That's how important you are to the family."

Jonathan's heart tightened. He had left the powerful Gray family, abandoning everyone, the wealth and the influence for a woman he believed he cared about and loved.

The decision he made had led him down the path of regret and betrayal. The same family he left was the same family who came for him at his most desperate time. He sighed.

The interior of the car was soft and comfortable. This was the life Jonathan had abandoned to pursue a woman who didn't value it.

Butler Solomon personally manned the steering wheel. Although he had his own driver, he came alone and as such he was the one who drove. As the car drove, the air was riddled with silence.

After a few minutes, Butler Solomon broke the silence as he said in a soft voice, "I've known everything that happened, all your struggles. Do you regret it?"

Jonathan looked out of the window as the car drove, obviously the city lights emitting from buildings or standing lights. Of course, deep down he regretted his choice more than ever but he remained silent as his words got caught in his throat.

Although Jonathan said nothing, the head steward could sense the unspoken answer from him.

Butler Solomon sighed before speaking in a gentle but firm tone, "I am taking you back to the family. Your father is seriously ill with ALS. The doctors said he doesn't have much time left."

A wave of sadness washed over Jonathan. Although he had a complicated relationship with his father and did not like him much, the news still affected him.

Jonathan's father had been a playboy, he enjoyed having many pleasures than carrying out his duties as a parent. His mother passed away when he was young leaving a void that his father never filled.

The thought of his father being near death and very vulnerable brought out emotions he had long buried and never wanted to think off.

Of course, driving to the capital would take a longer time. A private plane was already waiting at the airport which they took to the capital before getting into the car that awaited them.

As they neared the Gray family's estate, Jonathan was washed by a mixture of comfort and unease at the same time.

The Gray family's estate was a true definition of luxury. It had a grand golden gate which was imposing. The gates swung open as they reached it.

Jonathan took a deep breath as he looked out the window seeing the familiar environment. He prepared himself for what lay ahead. His return to the family was not just to face his father but to face his own past and correct his mistakes. Of course, it wouldn't be easy but perhaps this was his chance for redemption.

Finally, the car came to a stop in front of the big mansion. The mansion itself was a sight to behold. Gigantic, powerful and luxurious.

Butler Solomon was the first to step out, then he proceeded to open the door for Jonathan.

Jonathan sighed as he stepped down, all the previous memories began to rush into his head.

Stepping into the mansion, there were no changes, it was just exactly as it had been before he left. It was lavish and had an ancient feeling to it.

The hallways were filled with portraits of the Gray family ancestors. The grand legacy of the Gray family had begun many years ago.

Jonathan paused for a moment as he looked at the portraits. He had strayed away from the family's path. After which, he bowed slightly and followed Butler Solomon through the familiar corridors.

Finally, they stopped in front of a giant wooden door. Butler Solomon turned to Jonathan and said, "Your father is inside." And with that he turned to leave.

Jonathan nodded as he watched Butler Solomon leave. His heart beating seriously, almost beating out of his chest. Thinking of his father brought several memories.

Sighing, he pushed the door open and stepped into the room.

The sight before him made him heavy hearted, it was totally different from what he imagined. A stark contrast to the personality his father had.

What he saw was his father laying on a bed, weak and frail surrounded by several doctors.