CHAPTER 90: JACK’S RELOCATION PLANS

[Alexander’s Office]

Alexander came straight to the office after dropping Evelyn home and dove straight into work. He wanted to finish all the pending work before the wedding preparations started.

He had asked Carl to bring over all the necessary documents that needed his reviewing and also prepone all the important meetings.

He grabbed a nearby file and was about to open it when his phone buzzed. Someone had messaged him.

When he saw who it was from, he immediately dropped everything and grabbed his phone.

Evelyn: Mom is asking me to talk to you and fix the date for the wedding.

Before he could reply, one more message popped up.

Evelyn: Don’t you think it’s too early to fix one?

Alexander: I am okay with anything you decide. As long as I get to marry you, I don’t care if the date is tomorrow or ten years from now.

As soon as he sent the message, Carl knocked softly at the door.

"Sir," he said quietly, "your father is here to see you."

Alexander’s hand paused as he looked at him. "Did he tell you to inform me?" When Carl nodded, he knitted his brows.

Whenever his father visited him in his office, he never even bothered to knock, let alone announcing his arrival.

He found it not only strange but also suspicious.

"Send him in," Alexander replied.

Carl nodded and stepped back.

A moment later, Benjamin walked in with the smooth and confident gait he always carried but Alexander’s sharp eyes caught the tension in his father’s shoulders.

"Alexander," Benjamin said, closing the door behind him. "We need to talk."

Alexander gestured for him to sit but Benjamin remained standing, adjusting the cuffs of his suit as if buying himself a second of preparation.

"What is it?" Alexander asked calmly.

"Do you know about the new branch we are starting in Heinberg city?" Benjamin asked.

"Yes," Alexander answered. "What about it?"

Benjamin hesitated only a fraction of a second. "I want Jack to head it."

Alexander blinked as it did not make sense, not even remotely.

"Jack?" he repeated, slowly. "He hasn’t successfully overseen a single major project in years."

Benjamin forced a smile but it didn’t reach his eyes. "He is improving. Coming to the office and showing responsibility."

When Alexander did not say anything, he continued, "Since he is showing efforts, I think we should show some appreciation too."

"It’s been only a week, dad," Alexander frowned. "Don’t you think it’s too early to trust him with something so important?"

Benjamin knew better than anyone that Jack wasn’t capable or ready for such an important project but he had no other choice. He didn’t want to risk another chaos or scandal that Jack was secretly trying to build.

"He is showing sincerity," Benjamin said.

"I know you don’t believe that." Alexander stared at him. "Because I don’t."

Something flickered behind Benjamin’s eyes. Something close to... worry? Fear?

He looked away, pretending to examine the painting on the far wall. "He needs a fresh environment. Discipline. A push."

"A push," Alexander echoed. "Or distance?"

Benjamin’s jaw tightened.

Alexander’s gaze sharpened. "What did Jack do?"

Benjamin’s lips pressed into a thin line. "Nothing yet but when someone suddenly behaves out of character, it’s better to move them out of the center before they do.".

Alexander didn’t look away but he didn’t say anything either. He was right, Benjamin was also suspicious of Jack’s behavior. But something told him it wasn’t that simple.

Benjamin’s rash decision to send Jack away, risking a big project, wasn’t just out of suspicion.

"Is this about Evelyn?" he asked and Benjamin’s silence was answer enough.

Alexander’s shoulders stiffened. "If Jack tries anything—"

"Exactly," Benjamin cut in. "Which is why he should go. I don’t want to wait until he ruins something again before sending him away."

Alexander looked at him carefully. "Is that the only reason?"

Benjamin didn’t blink. "It’s the only one that matters."

Alexander leaned back slowly, his expression unreadable. "You want my approval for this?"

"I want your cooperation," Benjamin corrected. "Jack will listen if he thinks it’s a legitimate business assignment and not punishment."

Alexander’s jaw flexed. He didn’t like being part of anyone’s manipulation, especially not involving his brother who was a nuisance. "And what if he refuses to go?"

Benjamin smirked faintly. "He won’t. He doesn’t know that I know whatever he is planning."

Alexander frowned. "Do you?"

Benjamin finally looked at him fully and there was a hardness there Alexander rarely saw.

"I don’t," Benjamin said. "But I know my son. And sudden goodness rarely comes without a rotten center."

Alexander didn’t answer but his chest tightened with unease because for a first time in months, he agreed with his father.

If sending Jack away would bring peace in his and Evelyn’s life, he didn’t mind being a part of Benjamin’s manipulation.

Benjamin adjusted his jacket. "I will inform Jack after I get back from the hospital." His voice softened only slightly. "I was supposed to visit your grandmother before work but there were a few things I had to take care of first.

He then walked to the door.

Before leaving, he paused. "Alexander."

Alexander looked up.

"Keep your eyes open," Benjamin said quietly. "Your brother is smiling too much."

Then he left.

Alexander remained still long after the door closed, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

Between Jack, his relocation and the new branch, a quiet realization twisted in his chest— His father was hiding something and he had to find out what it was.

Just then Carl entered the office again.

"Sir, the finance team is ready for the meeting," he informed.

"I will be there in a second."

After Carl nodded and left, Alexander picked up his phone again.

He quickly opened the unread message from Evelyn.

Evelyn: Maybe we can pick one which is sooner? I don’t want to make you wait for ten years.

Alexander smiled and the weight he was feeling on his chest lifted a bit.

He sent her a reply before leaving for the meeting.

....