Chapter 16

16. A reveal.

Gerald sighs, “I guess we have some things to talk about.”

“Damn right we do,” I step closer to him, “like who the hell you actually are? I thought you were a butler.”

“It is my role at times,” Gerald replied, looking tired, “Young master, perhaps we can talk about this later. Right now, I believe that the lady you accompanied here today has got an interview to attend to.”

We both turn to look at Coraline, who is looking like she had no idea what was happening.

“Of course,” Gerald continues, “that is if the young lady still desires to have a position within the company. I can imagine an experience like the one she had the misfortune of witnessing today might deter her. Miss. Coraline, would you like to have the interview now, after everything?”

The direct address startles Coraline out of her thoughts, “um, yes, sure. If you have me,” she adds quickly, “I can do the interview.”

“Very well, both of you follow me.”

We do as he says and trudge toward the Zelt Technologies building. The whole altercation from before happened outside, and already, there was a group of people gathered at the entrance, whispering amongst themselves. As we enter the building, I hear some of their conversations.

“Who are they?”

“Mr. Manson said they were close associates with Mr. Greyson.”

“Must be some big shots for Mr. Mason to fire Mr. Crane like that.”

“Wait, Mr. Crane is fired?”

“Oh, good, I hated that hard-ass.”

“I heard that he was taking bribes from higher up to get them on the board.”

“Good riddance I say.”

“Those kids look like they’re just college-aged. Must be relatives to Mr. Greyson.”

“Maybe. My. Greyson doesn’t have any children, so that might be the only possibility.”

“Who the heck are those two anyways? The girl and the boy? They look like kids.”

As we leave the crowd, Gerald turns to them and says, “Pray, tell me, why are you not at work? This is a company, not a gossip mill.”

With that, the crowd scurries off like disturbed ants, and Gerald sighs. “God save us from gossiping employees.”

We march to Gerald’s office, and Gerald invites me to take a seat. Coraline remains standing as another man enters the office room. He looks way more pleasant than Mr. Crane the ex-manager, with a friendly smile on his face.

“Mr. Maddock, the head of our interview board, will be having you in a few moments, Miss. Coraline,” Gerald says, settling into his seat, “Mr. Maddock you know the drill.”

“Of course, Miss, please follow me,” Mr. Maddock gestures at Coraline, who sends me a nervous glance. I give her a smile, hoping that it would alleviate her worry. She looks clearly shaken from the incident outside, and I don’t blame her one bit for it.

Had it not been for Gerald, I believe that the security guards would’ve carried out Mr. Crane’s orders without any protests.

Mr. Maddock and Coraline leave the office, leaving me and Gerald alone finally.

“You,” I point at Gerald, “owe me an explanation.”

“Ask any questions you want,” Gerald replies.

“Okay, so this is the company I’m supposed to be the COO, right?”

“Correct.”

“Then why didn’t the manager know who I was?”

Gerald gives me an unimpressed look. “Perhaps it is because you never showed up here to accept your duties.”

“I told you I am not going to,” I point out, “besides, we’re in the twenty-first century, there are such things called photographs.

Could’ve texted him a picture of me saying, ‘hey, head’s up, this is the new guy, or something.”

“Or you could’ve visited the company to formally introduce yourself,” Gerald argues and it takes all my strength not to roll my eyes at him.

“Whatever,” I mutter instead and jumps to the next question, “Who are you?”

“My name is Gerald Manson.”

I really want to tear my own hair off, “Yes, I’m aware of that,” I spit through gritted teeth. “And I thought. you were my butler, but clearly you’re more than that. Tell me the truth, Gerald. These few days had been taxing enough already.”

Gerald sighs, “Fine. I’m actually a partner of your father’s. A minor one, but a partner nonetheless. And a very trusted friend. As of now, I am the CEO of the company and part owner.”

My eyes widen in surprise, “the hell are you following me around then?”

“Because your father asked me to look after you,” he replies. “He knew that your mother wouldn’t let him take care of you, but as his only heir, he wanted you to be safe, in case something happened, having someone to lean onto. Your father trusted me enough to give me the responsibility.”

“My life is a damn fairytale,” I mutter under my breath before exhaling shakily.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell this to you sooner, young master. I was going to reveal the information when you came to accept your position in Zelt Technologies, but you never did come,” In a soft voice, Gerald remarks. “Also, I am very sorry that you had to deal with Crane like that. I never did like him very much, but he was good at his job.”

“Will you be able to replace him? “I ask, worried.

“Of course. He’s not the only talented individual in the field, and plenty of people would be overjoyed to have such a prestigious position in a company belonging to Greyson Consolidated.”

Silence roams the office room for a few moments until I pose my final question, “Is Aiden’s father really a majority shareholder?”

“I’m afraid so. He recently invested enough to get him a position on the board as a partner,” Gerald doesn’t look too happy about this.

“I don’t think it would help us, in the long run, to have a partner like that,” I pronounce, “he let his son gallivant around doing whatever he wished, and also bribed the manager, as far as I could tell. Plus, his own company is about to go under.”

I give Gerald a meaningful look, and he nods, “I understand. I’ll see what I can do, young master.”

“Oh, about that,” I raise a brow at him, “you really should stop calling me that. It makes me feel like a Disney villain or something. Call me Jace, Gerald. God knows you’ve earned it.”