When he saw the two of them arriving, he raised his brows a little. Then, he sat up on the couch, and asked, "I never expected that you were going to pay me a visit. So, what brought you over?" Benjamin asked as he looked towards Jack.
"I have something that I would like to discuss with you about. I don't know if we can talk here?" Jack responded as he looked at the surroundings. Since this was the living room, from time to time, maids would pass by, while dealing with their work.
Looking at the serious expression that was on Jack's face, Benjamin knew that this was something important. After all, this was the first time that Jack had come to look for him, and, he could already guess what it was.
Of course, he did not believe that Jack was here simply because he wanted to join the family. That topic had already been forgotten about, after Jack refused resolutely about the matter of joining the family, as that was going to restrict his freedom.
Additionally, it was not like he needed them, he was currently even way better than they were.
Getting to his feet, Benjamin waved his hand towards Jack and said, "Follow me. If there is really something important that you really want to talk to me about, then, we can discuss in my study room."
Jack nodded his head and followed. Jonathan was just about to follow when suddenly, the old man glared at him and said, "Where are you going? This is a matter between him and I. You are not supposed to be involved in this matter. So, you can busy yourself with something else."
Johnathan: "??!?"
Jonathan was left speechless. At the same time, he couldn't help but think to himself that, 'What can be so important that you want to keep as a secret from me? It is not like there is something that I should not know. After all, I will be taking over the position of the family head very soon.'
But of course, Jonathan simply thought to himself, rather than saying it out loud. He stood in place, watching us his grandfather and Jack disappeared behind a corridor. In the end, he could only shake his head, and decide to go and spend his time together with Wendy.
Anyways, it was not like he was losing anything. He had been planning to go on a date with Wendy, but, the plan had been disrupted by the arrival of Jack. And now, it seemed that he was no longer needed.
...
As Jack stepped inside the door that Benjamin had opened for him, he found himself surrounded by a harmonious blend of contemporary design and timeless aesthetics.
The walls were adorned with opulent wallpaper, featuring intricate patterns in shades of gold, silver, and cream. The soft, diffused lighting highlighted the subtle textures and added a touch of warmth to the room.
Tall windows, dressed in lavish floor-to-ceiling curtains, allowed soft rays of natural light to filter through, illuminating the space with a gentle glow.
At the center, a grand desk made of rich, dark mahogany commanded attention with its sleek lines and impeccable craftsmanship. The polished surface reflected the ambient light, showcasing the ornate silver-plated writing utensils neatly arranged on an exquisite crystal desk organizer. A pristine white leather blotter sat atop the desk, inviting creativity and productivity.
Stretching along one wall, custom-designed bookshelves proudly showcased an extensive collection of leather-bound books. The books themselves, carefully curated and arranged by genre, were arranged in a way that felt like a work of art.
Soft, recessed lighting accentuated each shelf, drawing attention to the vibrant hues and embossed spines of cherished volumes.
In a quiet corner, a plush armchair, upholstered in luxurious velvet, beckoned with its inviting embrace. Placed beside a magnificent fireplace with a mantel of marble, it offered a cozy spot for moments of contemplation. A soft cashmere blanket draped over the armrest, providing both comfort and style.
Jack was surprised to find out that, there was actually a fireplace in this place. After all, considering the level of technology that was present, there was no need for that, even in winter.
But, looking at Benjamin who had just taken his seat behind the desk, he thought that, this might have to be expected. After all, Benjamin was an old man, and perhaps, he relished the past.
Deciding not to focus on the matter, he continued scrutinizing his surroundings. And to say the truth, he had actually been amazed by how this old man kept his study room neat.
Adjacent to the armchair, an elegant bar cart showcased a selection of fine wines and spirits, inviting indulgence while fostering conviviality. Crystal-cut decanters, gleaming cocktail shakers, and polished silverware added a touch of sophistication, ready to serve the discerning connoisseur.
Above the fireplace, an oversized abstract painting that commands attention, its vibrant colors and dynamic strokes creating an air of sophistication and artistic flair.
Intricately designed wall sconces, adorned with delicate crystals, cast a warm glow, illuminating the artwork with an ethereal beauty.
The flooring was adorned with a lush rug, its intricate patterns and vivid colors adding a touch of opulence to the room. An intricately designed chandelier, crafted with crystal droplets, hung from the ceiling, casting shimmering reflections across the room.
Jack had to admit that, in this study room, every detail had been meticulously chosen to create a luxurious haven for knowledge, relaxation, and inspiration.
From the fine craftsmanship to the sumptuous furnishings, the space exuded an aura of refined beauty, offering an exceptional ambiance for intellectual pursuits and moments of utmost sophistication.
"Take a seat. That is unless you don't want to talk to me anymore. And if that is the case, you can allow me to continue relaxing." When Benjamin noticed that Jack was still standing, looking around, he cleared his throat, before pointing towards the seat that was just in front of the desk.
Jack stopped looking at his surroundings, and went ahead and sat on the chair. After that, he looked at the old man and asked, "Just how much are you hiding about to my mother from me?"
Benjamin looked at Jack with a slight frown on his face. And after maintaining silence for a moment, he replied, "I have never hidden anything from you. It is just that, I have never told you, because you have never asked me about it."
Jack got impatient the moment that he realized that, the old man was trying to play the games that he had already gotten used to. It seemed that, he didn't want to talk about the matter, and was just planning to go around the topic.
"Why don't you simply tell me what I need to know, rather than beating around the bush? Or, if you don't want to tell me something, it is way better if you inform me about that, rather than allowing me to continue wasting time here." Jack said impatiently.n0vElusb.C0M
Currently, he had a lot to deal with. Other than the four companies that he was supposed to dominate the entire industry, there was also a matter concerning the shadow organization, Alicia, the Panther's organization, and even the Butterfly organization.
Unknowingly he had gotten himself involved in several matters at the same time. And, now, he had to try and solve as many mysteries as possible, to ensure that, all these things would not try to drag him down.
"Sigh! Okay. So, why don't you tell me what you want to know about?" Knowing that he could no longer keep the secrets from Jack, Benjamin sighed before asking.
Knowing that there was no need for him to continue arguing with the old man, Jack went ahead and asked, "About my mother. There was a time that you told me that, if she really wanted to leave the Alfonso family, then, nobody would have been capable of stopping her. Why don't you explain to me why that is so?"
Benjamin remained silent for a moment, as he looked at Jack's expression. But, no matter how much he looked at it, he did not see any changes, and it did not show any shift of emotions. It was completely indifferent.
Deciding not to dwell on the matter, he began informing Jack about what he knew about. "Initially, this was something that is supposed to be kept as a secret in the family. But, considering that you are not part of the family because you refused to come in, I guess that, I am not informing anyone in the family about the matter."
"Well, scratch that. The family rules also stated that, I am not allowed to inform an outsider about the core secrets of the family that might..." Benjamin was just about to continue, when he was suddenly interrupted by Jack.
"There's no need for you to inform me about the family rules. At the end of the day, I am not part of the family. So, you can simply go ahead and inform me of what I want."
Benjamin looked at Jack, but he did not complain that, currently, Jack was not treating him with respect, unlike Jonathan. Anyway, he could only blame himself for what happened.
At the same time, he thought that, perhaps, this was the result of following the family rules strictly. Perhaps, there was a need to change the family rules that have been there for a long time now.
"The reason as to why I told you that, if your mother wanted to leave that place, then, nobody could have stopped her is simply because she possessed the ability of leaving. With the capabilities of the Jesda family, I do believe that you did not believe the fact that, we actually did not find her after she left home." Benjamin explained.
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