Aftermath-Room fifty-five 6:30 AM

It was daybreak already and Jace's phone was buzzing with messages from the company, his father and his girlfriend "Malory" all wanting to know where he was.

He woke up and tried getting up when he realised Charlotte had her hands wrapped around him and her head lying on his chest, like he was her boyfriend or something.

"Hey get up, what the f**k is wrong with you" he said as he tried waking her up

"Ohh no daddy, it's too early I want you please don't leave me" she said as she was still clearly under the influence of the deep sleep she had as a result of the sex they had the previous night.

He pushed her without hesitating "This is why I don't fuck with cheap hoes, one taste of my d**k and luxury they fall in love so fast" he said feeling so full of himself.

"I am sorry, I wasn't in my right senses" she apologised.

"Very clearly you weren't, absolute nonsense" he responded.

As he picked up his buzzing phone,

"Ohh shit I have a meeting to be at by 7, damn my Dad called" he said frustrated as he rushed out of bed and immediately put on his tuxedo and Louis Vuitton loafers,

Without saying a word he threw ten thousand dollars at Charlotte, she was shocked as she counted it

"I am confused, you said five thousand dollars, why give me double and by the way you gave me two thousand earlier at the lounge so you are only meant to give me three thousand" she said, confused.

"Nice to see you are good at math, I pay double the price when the sex is double as good as my initial expectation" he replied.

"Wow–, you are insane" she said, still trying to process what he just said.

"I would take that as a compliment considering I am running late."

"So can I at least get to know your name?" She asked.

"No you don't get to know my name, make sure you are out of the room by nine, unless you can afford to pay for another booking which clearly you can't" he said as he walked out slamming the door behind him.

Jace would arrive at the office, where he would be greeted by staff members and business partners.

It was the 20th of April the grand opening of "The Sovereign Galleria"

A two-million square feet six-story building

Owned by Edward Norman "Jace's father."

The entire office team was meant to arrive at the location of the event together, which is why Jace had to arrive at the office on time.

"Son, where have you been? I was going crazy looking for you, going missing on a big day like this is unethical and you must adjust to the requirements" Edward said as he finally found Jace in the company's hallway.

"I went out for a drive, before I was time-conscious it was already late so I decided to pass the night at a hotel" Jace replied to his father's caution.

"okay that's not a problem, hope it was a luxury hotel?" Edward said, smiling at his son.

"For sure it was, I only do luxury" Jace replied as they both laughed and went opposite directions.

Jace would go to his office to pick up a call "Hey babe" Jace said as he answered the call.

"Where in the world have you been or what was so important that you couldn't reply to your girlfriend's text, ohh let me guess you were too busy with work? Well guess what I called your office by 11 f**king PM at night and they said you had just landed in the evening so you didn't show up at the office, you probably were out somewhere else f**king another girl and telling her how good you enjoyed it."

Malory "Jace's college girlfriend" kept nagging over the phone.

"Common baby, do we have to do this always? I had a lot of visitors to attend to and chatted about how my college life was. I obviously was gonna get tired so I went out for a long drive and my phone battery was really low. You know I would never do anything to hurt you." Jace said with a sweet calm voice trying to calm her down.

"Yeah right, you player you ain't fooling me anyways I was only calling to tell you that the credit card you gave me just started declining all of a sudden" Malory said.

"Wait hold on a minute, the cards never decline unless they run dry of money, so what you are basically trying to say is you have completely exhausted a five hundred thousand dollar card in barely a week?"

Jace said in utter shock.

"Yes duhh, that's not a big deal and never dare you raise your voice at me again all because I spent all the money you gave me, or are you forgetting I have to look good for you? Maybe you should do better at raising the money from five hundred thousand which is clearly not enough to about a million dollars or two" Malory followed up.

"You're really something else, but nevertheless you are my girlfriend, and I will always give you the best. Your debit card will be credited with two million dollars. Let's talk later. I need to get going. Love you." Jace said

"Love you too baby, and lastly never leave me unread," Malory said smiling as she hung up the phone.

A knock on Jace's office door "Who's there?" It's me, sir, your secretary.

"Ohh come in, any problem?" Jace asked.

"No sir, "Your father asked me to inform you that you'll be delivering the opening speech at the inauguration of The Sovereign Galleria."

"Without consulting me?"

She shifts slightly.

"No, sir. I was instructed by your father to inform you after the confirmation."

Jace stands slowly.

"I assume the press has already been informed about this arrangement."

"Yes, sir."

"Then I suppose I have no other choice but to give an opening speech."

The entire office arrived at the inauguration ground together.

The first car door opened.

Out stepped Mr Norman.

His presence always sent shivers, because he had built an empire that seemed unbreakable.

"Mr Norman!"

"Sir, this way!"

He lifted a hand, smiling the fake and practiced smile he put on for cameras. He had built empires and buried scandals.

Then the second door opened.

Jace stepped out.

The reaction shifted.

Upon stepping out of his car,

"That's the son."

"The future CEO."

"He rarely attends public events."

Jace was immediately greeted with flashlights, paparazzi, and journalists. Everyone wanted a glimpse of Jace, the heir to his father's empire who had just returned from California.

"Stand straight," Edward, "His father" murmured low enough that only Jace could hear. "They're watching."

Jace didn't look at him.

"I'm aware."

Bodyguards and armed security personnel immediately stepped in to escort them through the entrance, where a large glass door opened slowly in front of them.

The mayor of Atlanta approached first,

"Mr Norman, this is extraordinary. The city hasn't seen development like this in decades. You really outdid yourself this time around."

"It's only the beginning, I have my eyes set on something bigger, something that would send shock waves round the nation." Mr Norman replied with a smile on his face.

Another investor turned to Jace.

"Mr Jace Norman, we're honoured you could represent the next generation."

"I am here to support the vision and together with my father send the nation into a frenzy."

Please everyone settle down, as we welcome on stage Mr Jace Norman.

The room was filled with applause and more importantly. The investors were watching. The press was watching. The board was watching. It was the first time he would appear in a public event, so everyone was full of excitement and curiosity.

"Good morning," he began smoothly. "Today isn't just about the opening of this big infrastructure. It's about legacy, it's about bringing development and expansion to Atlanta, development unlike any other in the whole nation."

Jace had started pretty well, receiving nods of acknowledgement from the mayor and senators present.

He continued, "The Sovereign Galleria represents strength and Stability. A symbol of where Norman Enterprises and Atlanta, Georgia is headed-"

"Mr Norman!"

The interruption from the crowd, A female reporter.

"Yes?" Jace replied evenly.

"Before we discuss expansion," she said sweetly, "would you care to address concerns regarding your past leadership performance?"

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

Edward's facial expression tightened.

Jace replied. "I'm not sure what you're referring to."

Another reporter stood up.

"The university raping scandal, Mr Norman."

A third reporter's voice followed.

"The cocaine possession investigation during your second year at California University?"

More murmurs round the crowd.

Cameras shifted attention, zooming in on Jace's face.

The mood in the room changed instantly.

From celebration, to instant doubt.

Jace kept his voice level. "Those allegations were addressed years ago."

"Were they?" a male reporter pressed. "You were named in a list of students under review for distribution of heroin and other unlicensed drugs."

"That list was never proven," Jace replied.

"But your name was on it."

"And cleared," Jace shot back.

The first reporter stepped forward slightly.

"How can investors trust your discipline when you failed to lead your university football team to nationals? Records show you skipped mandatory practices."

Jace inhaled slowly. "University mistakes don't define executive capability."

"Oh?" another voice called out. "Then perhaps you can clarify where you were last night, Mr Norman?"

Jace's hand tightened and his facial expression was scared. around the podium.

"That's irrelevant."

"Is it?" the reporter asked, raising a tablet.

The screen lit up.

Photos, clear and undeniable.

Jace is exiting a bar, Late and Alone.

"The supposed heir has returned," the reporter continued, "but it seems his habits returned with him. Can a man who spends his nights in bars truly manage an empire?"

"I mean this is an empire where the Atlanta government is a major shareholder, and needs to be handed over to someone disciplined and hardworking, not a spoilt billionaire's son." The reporter continued.

"You're confusing an inaugural event with professional incompetence."

"Were you alone last night, Mr Norman?" the reporter pushed.

"That will be enough," Edward said, voice low but commanding. "This is an inauguration, not a trial."

But the damage was done. And no one knew this better than Mr Norman.

The narrative had shifted, Investors weren't clapping anymore. They were questioning the future of Norman Enterprises.

"Enjoy the evening," Jace said coolly before walking off stage.

The drive home was silent.

"You embarrassed this family," Edward said.

"They exposed you." and you gave them leverage.

"You think shareholders invest in potential? No. They invest in stability. Discipline."

"I can handle the company," Jace said.

"You can't even handle a podium without looking like a coward."

Inside the house, Jace barely made it to his room before Edward spoke again.

"You will be married within the week."

Jace blinked.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"That's absurd."

Edward poured himself a drink. "Public perception must change. Immediately."

"I'm not marrying someone to fix a headline."

"You will marry to prove responsibility."

Jace laughed. "You don't seriously expect me to-"

"You will," Edward cut in. "Or you will forfeit your position as successor."

"You'd strip me of the company?"

"I would protect my empire."

Edward stepped closer.

"You want to inherit Norman Enterprises?" he asked calmly. "Then you will demonstrate maturity."

"I don't love anyone," Jace said.

"This is not about love."

"It's about control."

"You have one week," Edward continued. "Find a suitable wife. Sign the papers and she must be from this town, to present stability."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then you will no longer be my heir," Edward said as he walked away.

Charlotte had gone to the bank to deposit $10,000 Jace had given her.

Because she didn't want her boyfriend "Bruce" to get his hands on the money knowing very well that he would squander the money on gambling.

Charlotte went to her apartment straight from the bank.

The second she pushed the door open, she was immediately greeted with a slap to the face from her boyfriend.

Charlotte fell on the floor hitting her head on the wall.

He slammed the door behind her.

"You filthy slut!"

Bruce's voice was loud and aggressive; one would think he was under the influence of alcohol.

Charlotte held her face looking at him.

"What-"

"You didn't come home!" he roared.

"You didn't call!" he continued.

"You didn't call me either," Charlotte replied.

His face darkened.

"Why the hell would I call you?" he snapped. "You're the one who left."

She stared at him.

"You could've texted," she said, sobbing quietly.

"Texted? I had to cook for myself," he said. "Do you know that? I had to cook."

Charlotte stared at him confused, as she had just misheard him.

"You're angry because you had to cook?"

He stepped closer.

"Where were you?" he demanded.

"At work."

"You closed by midnight."

Her throat tightened.

"Where were you, Charlotte?" he repeated, his voice sounding more dangerous.

She looked away.

That was all the confirmation he needed.

"WHO IS HE?" Bruce shouted.

"There is no he," she snapped back

Bruce laughed.

"You really think I'm stupid?"

"Seriously Charlotte you take me for a big fool."

He lifted her up, moving closer.

His hand gripped her chin harshly, forcing her to look at him as he pinned her to the wall.

"You think you can embarrass me?"

Tears burned her eyes

"You smell different."

"Me–"

"Who did you sleep with?" he asked.

She pushed him away. "Get off me."

"You didn't even check on me," she said crying uncontrollably. "You didn't call. You didn't text."

"You're lucky I even keep you here," he muttered.

"Well, that's because I work hard to pay the rent, while all you do is drink, gamble and lay your filthy hands on me." She followed up screaming.

Bruce picked up the TV remote and turned up the volume so the neighbours wouldn't hear, loosening his belt as he said, ..."I am going to deal with you and leave a scar on your body you will regret ever opening your mouth to speak."

"Bruce please I am sorry, I don't know what came over me, it was a slip of the tongue." She said crying and begging Bruce for forgiveness.

whether it was a slip of the tongue or not. I am going to leave a scar on your body, so that next time I confront you, you keep your filthy mouth shut."

"Bruce please–, I promise this won't repeat itself again. Please Bruce, I am begging you, I will be your slave, I will do anything you ask of me, but please spare me, I am already too stressed to carry a scar." Charlotte wept as she kept on begging Bruce for mercy.

"I am going to ask three more times and if you don't open your mouth and tell me who f**ked you last night, I am going to be your worst nightmare and you will regret ever crossing paths with me," Bruce said.

She closed her eyes as he started.

"Who is he?"

"Who is he?" He said for the second time.

Jace walked into his room furious, he was still thinking about his father requesting that he get married when his phone rang.

It was Malory calling.

He stared at the call before he finally answered.

"What?!" he said.

What was that, Jace? Do you have any idea what you looked like up there? They tore you apart."

"Is this why you called?" He replied clearly not in the mood.

"I had to watch you get dragged across national television," she snapped. "Cocaine? Distribution of heroin? Failing football captain? Do you enjoy humiliating me?"

"I didn't invite the press circus," he said. "Someone paid them."

"Oh, don't start with conspiracy theories," Malory cut in. "You clearly gave them leverage."

"My father wants me married."

There was a pause.

"Married to who?" she asked.

"To someone suitable," he replied. "Within a week."

"You're joking."

"No."

"You're actually serious," she whispered.

"He thinks it'll stabilize the company. Rebuild the brand. 'Responsible heir.'" He made air quotes she couldn't see. "Apparently a wife photographs well."

"And what about me?" she demanded.

"You'll still be you," he said.

"That's not an answer."

"It's the only one that matters."

"You expect me to do what? Clap while you marry somebody?"

"It won't be real."

"That's not the point!"

"It is," he said calmly. "That's entirely the point."

"This is strategic and temporary. The board and investors need reassurance. My father needs obedience."

"And what do I need?" Malory shot back.

"You need to trust me."

"Trust you while you slide a ring on another woman's finger?"

"It won't mean anything."

"It will mean a lot to her."

"Then she shouldn't mistake the contract for affection."

"And this girl," she said carefully. "She knows what she's signing up for?"

"She'll know enough."

Malory. "So you're buying compliance."

"I'm buying my spot as the heir."

"And if she falls for you?"

"She won't."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I won't give her anything to fall for."

"You would make her miserable," she said.

"Yes."

"I'm not replacing you," he said.

"Good," she replied quickly. "Because I'm not disappearing."

"And if she questions it?" Malory added.

"She won't."

"And if she does?"

His voice dropped, "She'll regret it."

"That's the Jace I know."

"She'll get the ring. The house and the media appearances," he said. "You get everything else."

"And you won't fall for her?" Malory asked.

"I don't fall," he said.

"Good," she murmured. "Because if I have to watch you kiss another woman in public, I need to know she means nothing."

"She won't," he said again.

"And this marriage? For the media, for your father, for the empire, and for us?" she pressed.

"For control," he finally said.

"Then give her hell."

"Oh, I intend to."

"You won't let her get comfortable?"

"No."

"You won't let her think she's replacing me?"

"Never."

"Good," she whispered. "Because I won't share you."

"You won't have to."

And for the last time, Bruce lifted the belt above his head "Who is he?!"

And just before the belt landed, she opened her eyes and the sound of applause echoed from the television.

Charlotte's eyes shifted past his shoulder as she spotted Jace on the TV. She pointed.

"That's him!"