WRIGHT MANSION
"Madam rose here's your tea.". The woman on the couch engrossed in the magazine on her hand, lifted her head.
" Butler Yu, why are you the one serving me tea? It's not in your position to do so.
Where is Maggie?
It's not a big deal ma'am. Besides Mrs Maggie went with the servants to the garden. She will be back soon.
I insist you know if Talmadge were to see you doing this he would be upset.
I understand Madam Wright, it won't repeat itself.
It better not. Rose said. Her voice stern.
Rose Wright was not pleased with Butler Yu's actions. Though he worked for the family, they saw him in high regard. He had been with them for a very long time, thus earning their trust and affection. Seeing him serve was horrendous. Butler Yu wasn't getting any younger. He was advanced in age.
Butler Yu didn't think it wasnt in his place to be of help. Infact he saw it as nothing.
Butler Yu was loyal and steadfast in his commitment to the Wrights.
He devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Wright family.
Welcome sir Talmadge. Butler Yu addressed.
Talmadge walked passed the two and headed upstairs. His jaw line tightened.
Understanding her husband, rose got up and followed him.
Butler Yu on the other hand could already tell it was probably the company that made his mood sour.
In the bedroom. Talmadge stood near the floor - to - ceiling window. Though it seemed he was staring at the trees being moved in response to the wind his mind was troubled. Rose saw through it immediately.
"What's wrong?" She said as she walked towards him, hugging him from behind.
"It's your son!" Talmadge's voice erupted.
His earlier suppressed anger now bustling out like a volcano.
Rose lead him to the sofa and they sat down. "He's not willing to take the position. One can't read his thoughts; in the board room he was all out for those scheming men but when we crossed paths after the meeting he said he was not interested in the position." The veins on his neck bulging out.
"Calm down" Rose understood her husband's worry.
"Why can't he be like other son's that are willing to take over the company. You know that company is Wright family's sweat and blood. You know what will happen if it falls into the wrong hands."
Let's invite him over. That's way we'll have a conversation with him and ….
"It's of no use Rose"
He won't listen ever since that incident he has lost face with me. Talmadge said. His voice laced with sadness. Regret washed over his face.
Don't think in that direction. I believe if he hears us out he'll reconsider.
Why don't you freshen up. I want to discuss something with you over dinner.
Rose knew were her husband was headed she had to change the topic.
Rose watched his figure disappear into the bathroom.
Immediately her supressed emotions gave way. Her face tinged with worry. She began to ponder how she would be able to persuade Alex.
You had something to discuss with me, didn't you? Talmadge asked as he took a spoon of broccoli soup.
He raised his hand signaling the servant to leave.
The servant bowed and exited the dining room.
Oh yes. Rose said while using a napkin to clean the corner of her mouth.
I was thinking. Alex needs to have some one by his side. She paused trying to read her husband's expression.
"Go on." Talmadge said still focused on his food.
Noticing his expression hadn't changed she continued, " you know he's not getting any younger. He's twenty six. No wife or children. And we his parents need our grandchildren.
Talmadge straightened his back, drank a glass of water and set it down.
Rose the situation at hand is the company, why bring up marriage all of a sudden.
Because it is important.
I'm not saying it isn't. Once I've sorted out this, we will think of getting Alex a suitable bride.
Rose shook her head in annoyance." What I'm talking about is connected to the company." Rose said with determination in her eyes.
Talmadge eye brow furrowed seeming to give a questioned look.
How?
Rose smiled faintly, leaning forward.
"Because the board doesn't trust him, Talmadge. They think he's reckless, unstable. But a man with a wife beside him, someone steady, someone who grounds him,he becomes… dependable. The kind of man they can vote for."
Talmadge frowned. "You think a woman can change their perception of him?"
Rose's lips curved in a knowing smile. "Not just any woman. The right one. Someone who complements his mind. Someone who can play the role, even if temporarily."
Talmadge's fork paused midair. "Temporarily?"
"Yes," Rose said softly. "If Alex won't fight for himself, then we must make him want to fight. If his position depends on something or someone he values, he'll step up. He always does."
Talmadge gave her a long, curious look. "You already have someone in mind, don't you?"
Rose didn't answer. She simply dabbed her lips with a napkin, eyes thoughtful.
"I only need a reason to bring them together."
"And if he has found someone already." Talmadge interjects.
Rose's lips parted in a faint smile, the kind that carried both warmth and strategy.
" I believe he has someone."
"Rose enough of this how is this connected to the company." Talmadge was agitated. He wasn't use to such tactics but because she was his wife he had to give her a listening ear.
Rose's lips parted in a faint smile, the kind that carried both warmth and strategy
"Talmadge the company isn't just business," she began softly. "It's family. Alex isn't stubborn, he's wounded. You said it yourself: .Ever since that incident, he's been distant. He won't listen to pressure, but maybe… he'll listen to love."
Talmadge gave her a questioning look, lowering his spoon. "Love?"
"Yes." Rose's voice was calm, almost deliberate. "I believe there's someone in his life already. Someone he hasn't told us about. I've noticed, lately he's been slightly calm. Not his usual cold demeanor.
Talmadge leaned back, his brows furrowing. "And you think this woman can convince him to take his place in the company?"
Rose nodded slightly. "Not convince,remind. She might be the only person who still reaches his heart. If he feels supported… if he feels she believes in him, he'll find his fight again. And that's what we need right now. A reason for him to stand tall."
Talmadge sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Rose, you're playing with emotions here. You think dragging a woman into corporate politics will solve anything?"
"I'm not dragging her," Rose said gently. "I'm protecting him. And if this woman truly loves him, she'll want to see him in his rightful place. I'll invite her over—quietly. Talk to her. If she can get through to him where we can't, then maybe we'll have our son back… and a future for the Wright legacy."
Talmadge stared at her for a long moment, the sharpness in his eyes softening. "You're serious about this?"
Rose met his gaze with quiet conviction. "Completely. You once told me Alex has your temper but my heart. Maybe it's time we trust that heart to guide him back."
For the first time that evening, Talmadge's expression eased. He reached across the table, covering her hand with his. "You've always had a way of fixing what I can't, Rose. I just hope… this time, it doesn't break him further."
Rose gave a faint, wistful smile. "So do I," she whispered, though her mind was already spinning with possibilities,faces, names, and how best to reach the woman who unknowingly held the key to her son's destiny.
G.H Corporation:
Why isn't she answering my call? Alex glared at the man at the opposite end while he taped the table in his office. He's thoughts in different angles as to what could have prompted her to not respond to his calls.
Could you have upset her?Diego didn't know how to answer his question. How was he supposed to k iw why she wasn't picking his calls.
Answering me with a question. Alex gave him a cold glare. His statement carried a hint of annoyance.
Yes he didn't know but he expected Diego to be aware.
For some odd reason he didn't know why he was worried. The last time they left on a cool note.
Though he was agitated which was evident his perfectly prominent features stood out.
Is she alright? Alex questiones himself.
Let's go. Alex stood up intending to go visit her.
"Sir" Diego intended to say something but swallowed his words.
Alex halted. Not because Diego called out to him. It dawned on Alex.
He didn't know where she lived!
He knew Darielle for the past how many months yet he didn't know she lived.
This infuriated him. But he was one to keep his emotions in check.
Few seconds past as Alex stood glued to the ground .
Diego from his angle could already see Alex's jawline tightened.
You have thirty minutes. Find her. Alex said his voice stern, devoid of any emotion. His fists at his side clenched.