Grass to Grace: Second Chance Wealth

Chapter 4: TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY

With the angry sounds echoing in the background, Alex sensed a commotion brewing. “Where else did you expect me to be?” he replied, his voice laced with irritation. 

“Dad was freaking out after I told him about the divorce and you leaving. I need you to come home and explain everything to him. In return, you’ll get paid for your service and accommodation. It’s already raining, and it’s going to be cold outside,” Rachel insisted over the phone.

As he listened to her, Alex squeezed the phone tightly, his anger boiling over. She showed no remorse for her actions and instead sought to manipulate him for her own benefit. “What a despicable and shameless woman,” he thought angrily. “Leaving your house means I’ve cut all ties with you. Solve your problems yourself, and don’t you dare call this number again, or you’ll regret it,” he warned.

“Are you kidding me right now? Threatening me?” Rachel scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery. “Listen, I’m giving you a chance, but you want to be stubborn. You’re penniless and alone without shelter. I’m offering you one last opportunity—either take it or regret it for the rest of your miserable life,” she said coldly.

Alex couldn’t help but laugh at her audacity. Here he was, being begged to accept an offer worth over 100 billion dollars, and she dared to call him penniless. “I’ll say this warning again: don’t ever call this line again,” he said before hanging up, irritation coursing through him.

“What’s wrong, young master Alex?” Old man Cole asked as he entered the car.

“Nothing,” Alex replied, shoving the phone into his pocket. 

Old man Cole glanced at the old model phone, held together by a rubber band, and shook his head in bitterness. “What kind of life has the young master endured all these years?” he wondered silently.

“Do you have a pen?” Alex asked, looking at Old man Cole.

“Yes, young master,” he replied, handing over a pen.

“Stop calling me young master. Alex is fine,” he said, taking the pen from him.

“Are you sure you’re ready to sign now?” Old man Cole asked, guessing Alex’s intentions upon seeing him pull out the files.

“I’ve been through hell all these years; a little threat from becoming the new head shouldn’t be a problem,” Alex said as he signed his part of the documents.

“Congratulations, young master, on successfully taking over,” Old man Cole said with a genuine smile.

“Old man Cole,” Alex called in a low voice, ensuring only they could hear.

“Do you need anything, young master?” Old man Cole asked.

“I know taking over the business will put me in the spotlight and make me some enemies. Can you be my support? You know the family better than I do since I left,” Alex said earnestly.

“You can rest assured, young master. I promise to do my best to keep you safe, even if it’s the last thing I do,” Old man Cole vowed.

“Thanks,” Alex replied, passing the files to him. 

“I’ll have them reviewed by the lawyer, and the asset will be transferred to you first thing tomorrow morning.” he said to him. “Take us to the mansion,” Old man Cole then instructed the driver.

“Yes, sir,” the driver replied, turning on the engine and driving them home.

By the time they reached the mansion, night had fallen. Alex gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar building, a wave of emotions washing over him. This place stirred feelings he thought he had long buried.

“Young master, I guess you haven’t eaten yet. I’ll arrange dinner for you now,” Old man Cole said.

“Okay, but first, show me to my room,” Alex requested.

“Of course, young master. Please follow me,” Old man Cole replied.

“Just Alex, please. Young master is too formal,” Alex corrected him.

“Okay, I’ll try to get the hang of it,” Old man Cole said with a nod.

As they walked through the mansion, which was divided into three segments, Alex felt a mix of nostalgia and apprehension. The main branch was located in the middle, and it felt both like home and a distant memory.

“Rest well, young master. Tomorrow is another day,” Old man Cole said as he closed the door behind him.

Alex wandered around the room. Though it wasn’t his former room, which had been smaller and more childish, it still felt like home. “My old life is back,” he thought as he lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Exhaustion soon took over, and he drifted off to sleep.

****

The next day, Alex woke up at 6 AM sharp, his old routine kicking in. The day was still young, and the weather was cool. He stepped out of his room and made his way to the sitting room, recalling the layout of the house from memory. He spotted Old man Cole, dressed formally in a suit and gloves, holding a walking stick.

“You’re awake quite early, young master,” Old man Cole remarked.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Alex replied, his stomach grumbling loudly.

“Pardon me, young… Alex. You fell asleep yesterday and missed dinner. The maids will prepare breakfast for you now,” Old man Cole said, turning to leave.

“Wait,” Alex called out. 

“Is there anything you’d like to say?” Old man Cole paused, glancing back. 

“I would like to make breakfast myself,” Alex stated.

“What? I’m sorry, but I cannot allow that!” Old man Cole exclaimed, astonished.

“Why not?” Alex asked, confused. “It’s just cooking. I do it all the time.”

“That’s absurd! The heir of the Wilson company cooking?” Old man Cole replied, wide-eyed.

“What’s the big deal?” Alex pressed.

“Alex, that’s improper. You’re no longer in that life,” Old man Cole sighed.

“What if I insist?” Alex challenged.

“It’s still a no,” Old man Cole said firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

“Okay, when will breakfast be ready?” Alex asked.

“In a few minutes,” Old man Cole replied.

“Alright, then why don’t we have a little chat in the meantime?” Alex suggested.

“What do you want to know?” Old man Cole asked as he settled onto a couch.

“Tell me about the Wilson family,” Alex said, his expression turning serious.

“Okay,” Old man Cole began. “Your family consists of your parents and your little brother Liam. However, it’s more complicated now. Your mother has passed away, your father is in the hospital, and your little brother is mentally unstable.”

Alex felt a pang of sorrow at the news. “How old is Liam now?”

“He’s 27 years old. He got married to Madam Aurora last year before the accident,” Old man Cole explained.

“Is that all?” Alex asked, sensing that Old man Cole was withholding something.

“Yes, Alex,” Old man Cole replied with a polite smile.

Before Alex could ask more questions, a young female maid entered, dressed in a white shirt and black skirt with an apron. She bowed slightly, her professional smile in place. “Welcome back home, young master Alex. Your breakfast is ready. Please make your way to the dining room,” she said, keeping her gaze down.

“Okay, Leah, we’ll be there soon,” Old man Cole said as she turned to leave.

“Alex,” Old man Cole called, noticing Alex was lost in thought.

“Uh, what?” Alex asked, embarrassed.

“Have you taken a liking to her?” Old man Cole teased, grinning. “That Leah Parker? She’s 25 years old and a top-class chef. She only comes here for special events. She owns a restaurant at this address,” Old man Cole added, dropping a business card for Leah on the desk.

“Don’t tease me, old man,” Alex said, waving his hands dismissively.

“Okay, if you say so,” Old man Cole replied, still grinning.

“Remove that grin from your face,” Alex said as he entered the dining room.

The dining area was vast and lavish, with a dining table made entirely of glass, filled with mouthwatering dishes. The aroma wafting through the air was enticing, drawing him in. Alex stared at the table, astonished by the spread. “I can’t finish all this,” he said.

“It’s okay; just eat as much as you want,” Old man Cole reassured him.

“Alright,” Alex said as he took a seat. He picked up the cutlery and began to eat.

“You still remember all the etiquette I taught you,” Old man Cole remarked with a smile.

“Yeah, I do. You drilled it into me almost every day,” Alex replied, wiping a food stain from the corner of his lips. Despite being away for so long, he still recalled all the steps.

After finishing his meal, Alex stood up. “Should we go to the lawyer now?” Old man Cole asked.

“No, I want to visit my mom’s grave first to pay my respects,” Alex said.

“Okay, Alex. I’ll take you there,” Old man Cole said, leading him to a secluded area at the back of the garden where his mother used to plant flowers.

As they reached the spot, Alex felt a rush of emotions. He knelt down at the grave. “I’m really sorry, Mom,” he whispered, tears streaming down his face.

“I’m sure she has already forgiven you. Her last words were for you to have a good life,” Old man Cole said gently.

Alex lingered there for a while, lost in thought, before finally standing up. “Okay, let’s go,” he said, wiping his tears away.

“Are you alright?” Old man Cole asked, concern etched on his face.

“Yeah, I’m good now,” Alex replied.

****

They drove to the courthouse where Lawyer Michael worked. “You need to manage the Sublime Wilson enterprise first. After that, you’ll be qualified to take over the rest,” Lawyer Michael explained.

“Wait, I don’t understand. Isn’t it mine now?” Alex asked, confusion evident in his voice.

“It is, but Mr. Wilson added that to the rules,” Lawyer Michael clarified.

“I guess it’s some kind of test,” Alex chuckled. “Okay, so be it. Old man Cole, take me there,” Alex said as he stood up from the chair.

“Okay,” Old man Cole replied, following him out.

“Alex, don’t you think you need a new look?” Old man Cole suggested.

“Oh, that’s right. Is there a mall nearby where we can get some new clothes?” Alex asked.

“There is one; it’s just a 20-minute drive,” the driver chimed in.