The Rise Of Jack Reynolds

Chapter 9

Harry Reynolds was buried the next day just like he had planned in a tomb he built beforehand.

Not many people were in attendance, only a few family friends and well wishers all dressed in black.

Mrs. Reynolds and her son, Declan didn't come despite Jack sending them a message.

The procession was fast and Jack cried as his father, who he just knew about a few days ago, was being lowered to the ground.

Some people who saw him crying began to whisper among themselves.

"Look! It's the illegitimate son. He's shedding crocodile tears."

"What does he know about Harry?"

"This guy is just here for the money. I wonder how he managed to trick Harry."

Others thought his tears were genuine. "Shut up now, don't say what you don't know.”

Jack heard them and ignored them.

Tasha was behind him at all times. "Don't worry, Young master. Your dad wouldn't have wanted you to cry."

Jack nodded and cleaned his eyes with a handkerchief. "I know right? But it's hard. Especially knowing he wasn't even loved by the people he considers family."

Tasha was silent. She didn't know what to say to her young master.

During the reception, Mr. Darwin and some other members of the board who were present came to Jack and consoled him.

"We're sorry this happened, and we want to console you. Although the matter of heir is still not resolved, we still see you as Harry's son," Mr. Darwin said.

"Thank you, Mr. Darwin. My father showed me all the evidence before he passed, and I believe him."

"But the rest of us may not believe you if the evidence is not convincing enough. You should know that this is a legal battle now."

"Is that so?"

"I know Agnes. She's not a woman to be trifled with. She is ready to go to any length," Mr. Darwin said and left.

Other people came to greet him too and everyone mostly talked about Agnes’ retaliation. It was as if Harry was no longer in the picture.

Jack got fed up and decided to go to the poolside for some alone moment.

A few minutes later, a very pretty young lady walked up to Jack and greeted him.

"Hi," she said and startled him.

“Hey.” He looked up at her.

"I'm sorry about your dad's passing, and I want to assure you that you're not alone in these trying times."

"Thank you so much. I'm really grateful for your kind words," Jack said. He didn't know who she was and wanted to ask.

"Bernice, come here right away!" a woman called out to her sternly.

"If you need anything or anyone to talk to, don't forget to let me know," she said and ran off to join the elderly woman in her car.

Jack knew that the woman was not happy with him having a conversation with her daughter and decided to go talk to her.

“Hi.” Jack greeted her but she didn't respond. Only frowned.

“Can I speak with you for a minute?”

“You are not supposed to be here.” She said as she got out of her car.

“I'm sorry, ma’am?”

“How would it feel if a stranger came into your newly built house and drove you out of it?”

“I didn't…” Jack said and trailed off. He was at a loss for words.

“Don't you dare think you can mess with Agnes and come out of it alive. Now if you will excuse me.” She said rudely and got into her car and drove off.

"What she said is true," a man said from behind Jack. "Agnes is not an easy-going woman. She plays all kinds of games to get whatever she wants."

Who's she?" Jack asked him.

"That's Mrs. Raymond and her daughter Bernice Raymond. She's the wife of your father's best friend, Mr. Raymond, who is a very powerful politician. The Reynolds and the Raymonds have always been good friends for years.”

“And where's Mr. Raymond?”

“I'm afraid he is outside the country for a political meeting and couldn't make it so he decided to send his wife in his place.”

“His wife, she is not a friendly person?”

“Yes. She is Agne’s best friend. She is not happy because Harry made you the heir instead of Declan.”

"And who are you?" Jack asked him.

"I'm Peter. Peter Spencer.

A member of your father's board,” the man said and stretched out his hand for a handshake, “And I know Agnes too well like I know my palms. She is vile, but I assure you, if I'm on your side, you'll have nothing to fear."

"I'm sorry, I'm sick of everyone talking about Agnes. It's my father's funeral for God's sake. And you all can wait until it's Agnes's funeral, then you can tell me about her..."

"Hmm," Mr. Spencer laughed. "You are a young man and a novice. You do realize you know nothing about these things? Instead of you making allies, you're just being naive. I can assure you that Agnes has gotten two-third of the board members on her side."

"Enough! I don't want to hear any more," Jack said and left the pool and headed back to the hall.

"Where have you been, young master? I have been looking everywhere for you," Tasha said as she saw him.

"I was by the poolside."

"The funeral is coming to an end. I think you should retire to the HQ for your safety.

“I'll have some guards accompany you," she said, snapping her fingers, and two casually dressed guards stepped forward from nowhere.

Jack wanted to reply to her, but he had too much of the day already. He just obeyed her and followed them. They entered the car and drove off.

On their way back to the HQ, they were intercepted by a black SUV. Jack's driver spotted the car and slammed on the brakes to avoid crashing into it.

Jack panicked, but his security team quickly reached for their weapons.

"Don't shoot," Jack said to his security.

A man stepped out of the SUV and approached their car.

He looked at them sternly, shook his head mockingly, and then tossed an envelope inside the car before returning to the SUV and driving off.

One of Jack's security guards picked up the envelope.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"It's a letter."

"What does it say?"

"It's a lawsuit from Agnes.”