Chapter 4

Chapter 4

“Welcome home young master,” the servant greeted as Alex highlighted from the limousine. It drove off immediately, leaving him standing at the front of his house.

He stood there quietly, savoring the memories of his home. Memories of playing by the fountain with his mother, and running around the field with his brother. They all came rushing in.

“Young master, I've been assigned to your care and service. You are to move into your father's room located at the top floor,” the male's voice said again.

He was probably waiting for a reaction or response, but Alex just stood there, lost in thoughts. 

What if he became like him? What if his newfound wealth corrupts him? This was exactly what he ran away from. He could recall sternly warning them not to look for him because he was done with his family.

Looking at the bright side, as he began walking towards the mansion, this was the perfect timing for him. He was ready to take over his father's fortunes. He was ready to become the unlikely heir. 

Just before he got to the doors of the mansion, they noisily pulled away from each other, and Gerald walked out with a very wide smile.

“Oh Alexander!” he exclaimed, pulling him into a very tight hug. “Welcome back home Alex, father's heir,” he said still with s smile on as he broke the hug.

“Sorry about the changes. They were needed before Father's funeral,” Gerald said.

“Where was he buried?” Alex asked. Gerald sighed, looking toward the garden opposite the Thompson's mansion. 

“The private cemetery across the garden,” he answered. He had noticed the cloud of sadness that hovered underneath his brother's head. He crossed his hands over his shoulder and pulled him to himself.

“Listen, Alexander. I know you want nothing to do with your father's wealth. I know you think it corrupts the mind and emotions. But take this coming from me. You are the perfect one to take over his dynasty,”

Alexander swallowed. Was he thinking of backing out? Never. This was just the beginning of revenge on his in-laws. Mr. Blackwood precisely, who just humiliated him.

“Gerald,” he called.

“Name it, Alex,” Gerald answered.

“Spread the news that the Thompson Dynasty has a new chairman. Keep my identity away from the media,” he instructed.

“Urm..but you'll have to appear before the media to give your speech. Publicity is good. Let everyone know whose son you are,” Gerald said feeling more excited than ever.

“Just do as I instructed Gerald,” he said, then turned to the servant who had been standing a few steps away from them. “Show me to my room”.

_________

Alexander watched as the limousine was surrounded by paparazzi and the media. It was a lot of crowd for him. This was just his first day of taking after his father's fortunes, and he was already feeling the weight on his shoulders.

He looked through the tinted window, waiting for the men employed to hide him as he walked into the company. “Where's Gerald,” he asked the driver.

“You left before him young master, I believe he's close,” the driver said. Alex fell back into his seat. The paparazzi and media team were already tapping on the window, taking pictures even without seeing him.

He had to block the side of his face with his palm. In about three minutes, Gerald's car drove to the side of the road and parked just in front of him. Gerald stepped out majestically. He looked elegant in his black suit.

The media and paparazzi moved to him, throwing several questions at him.

“Mr. Gerald, Is it true you're the next chairman of your father's dynasty?”

“Mr, Gerald, how true is it that the late chairman of the Thompson Dynasty has an heir whom no one knew about?”

“Aren't you the right person to take after the dynasty seeing you have worked side by side with your father for years?”

The questions came in a hurry. Gerald was used to the press. He knew the right way to act, the best thing to say. He knew when to speak and when not to. He adjusted his suit as he was surrounded by the guards from the mansion.

They walked him to Alex's car. Alex quickly put on his dark shades. They served as the best way to hide his identity. The man pulled out several black umbrellas and opened his door.

He stepped out immediately, into the coverage. He could feel the media struggle to get a photo of him. Was this his life now? Trying not to be seen while he took over his father's empire.

“This way,” Gerald said to him. 

They finally got away from the media and the flashing cameras found their way to the elevator, and headed for the top floor.

Alex had instructed they carried out no form of welcome back celebration nor congratulations teamed celebration. He walked out of the elevator with Gerald, stepping into the large office.

He had forgotten what his father's office looked like. How large it was. The ambiance and beautiful set work hanging on the sides. 

Well-decorated and expensive vases are placed by the corners of the walls. The glass aquarium was just a distance away from his father's table. He remembered giving the only fish in it a name.

“Welcome back, Alex,” Gerald said one more time as he watched him look around the office.

“Good morning, Mr. Alex. I'm Ruth. Your secretary,” a tall, slender lady greeted him. She looked stunning in her office attire. “I've looked forward to meeting you, sir,” she added.

“Thank you, Ruth,” Alex responded with a soft smile. 

“Ruth is always here to assist you. Call me if you need anything. My office is right below yours,” Gerald said. They shook hands and he left.

Alex moved to his father's chair. He sat on it, sinking into it's foam. He was still taking everything in. Yesterday he was getting harassed by his father-in-law, and today, he's sitting as the chairman of the Thompson empire. 

Ruth walked back to him holding a file. “Sir, I've scheduled your interview to be held at two in the afternoon. A few hours from now”

Alex didn't reply to her as his attention shifted to the television. He was already being announced as the new chairman. They didn't hesitate to put the news up.

He observed every image and video of his entrance into the building. No one revealed his true identity. A soft smile flashed across his face. “Perfectly done,” he thought to himself.

“Ruth,” he finally turned to her. “You'll take my place in the interview. From today you'll stand in for me whenever I'm needed for a public interview,” he informed.

“But sir, everyone needs to know—”

“No, Ruth. No one needs to know who I am. You should understand how important this position is. It brings enemies who pretend to be friends. So keep it a secret,” he interrupted her.

“No problem sir. Understood,” Ruth replied and walked back to her seat a few centimeters away from his.

Alexander took a breath in before falling back onto the chair. He scoffed, a slow smile engulfing his face. Wasn't this all he rejected when he was little? This was the exact place he rejected them and vowed not to have anything to do with them.

But here he was. Sitting on his father's chair as chairman. Savoring the sweet sense of a level-up. All because he wanted to let Mr. Blackwood and his brothers-in-law know what it meant to have real power.

Mr. Blackwood! What would his faith be, When he realizes his useless son-in-law is the new chairman? What happens to the renewal of his partnership and the future ones?

Alex chuckled as thoughts ran through his head. He sat up and turned to Ruth.

“Ruth”

“Yes, Sir,” she answered from her seat.

“I would like to know more about my father's dealings with the Blackwoods”