RISING FROM ASHES

Chapter2

A Shocking Revelation

Edward couldn’t sleep that night. Clara’s abnormal behavior on the balcony replayed in his thoughts like a terrible film. He depended on her; he usually had, however now doubt crept into his mind like a shadow.

The subsequent morning, Edward left for work early. His workplace in the Jason Innovations construction turned into a place where he may want to really. But while he sat behind his desk, reviewing reviews, his thoughts wandered back to Clara. Who was the man she had spoken to? What became in that folder?

His phone buzzed, breaking his thoughts. It became a notification from his assistant. “Martin Pierce is here to see you.”

Edward’s stomach turned. Martin Pierce had once been his nice pal. They’d started their careers collectively, dreaming of achievement. But Martin had betrayed him years ago, stealing clients and ruining offers. They hadn’t spoken because.

Edward leaned lower back in his chair, his expression hardening. “Send him in.”

Martin strolled into the office, his confident smirk similar to Edward remembered. “Edward,” he said, spreading his hands like they were old buddies. “It’s been too lengthy.”

“Not lengthy enough,” Edward spoke back coldly. “What do you want?”

Martin chuckled, unfazed by Edward’s tone. “No small communication? Fine. Let’s get to it.” He leaned on Edward’s table, his eyes glowing with mischief. “You must be careful about who you accept as true. Even the humans closest to you can have secrets and techniques.”

Edward’s chest tightened. “What are you speaking about?”

Martin shrugged. “Let’s simply say I understand a lot about what’s going on in your life right now. Especially approximately Clara.”

Edward stood unexpectedly, his fists clenched. “Leave Clara out of this.”

“Touchy, aren’t we?” Martin said, his smirk widening. “Look, I’m no longer right here to fight. I’m right here to assist. For old times’ sake.”

“I don’t want your assistance,” Edward snapped.

Martin pulled a bit of paper from his pocket and positioned it on the desk. “You would possibly need to read this.”

Edward hesitated earlier than selecting it. It became a receipt for a big financial transaction beneath Clara’s call. The amount changed into incredible.

“What is this?” Edward demanded.

“Proof that your perfect wife isn’t as perfect as you suspect,” Martin said, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “She’s been transferring money around. A lot of money.”

Edward’s mind raced. Why could Clara want that tons of money? And why hadn’t she informed him?

“You’re mendacity,” Edward stated, although his voice lacked conviction.

Martin shrugged once more. “Believe what you need. But I’d begin asking questions if I were you.”

Before Edward ought to reply, Martin walked out of the office, leaving Edward by himself with the receipt.

Later that nighttime, Edward sat in his father’s study on the Jason estate. His father, Gregory Jason, turned into an intimidating guy, even in his old age. He had usually been strict, waiting for nothing less than perfection from Edward.

“You called a family meeting for this?” Edward requested, inflammation lacing his voice.

Gregory leaned ahead in his leather-based chair, his eyes sharp. “Yes. This is vital.”

Edward’s sister, Victoria, sat beside him. She gave Edward a sympathetic appearance, however, even she seemed disturbing.

“Edward,” Gregory started, “our own family’s future is at threat. The deal you closed becomes extraordinary, but it’s no longer enough to steady the Jason name. We want greater things.”

Edward frowned. “What are you speaking about? The enterprise is prospering.”

Gregory sighed, his tone developing harsher. “I’m speaking about alliances. You understand how this stuff is painted. Business is ready power, and electricity comes from sturdy connections.”

Edward’s stomach sank. He had an awful feeling about how this conversation was going.

“We need you to marry again,” Gregory stated bluntly.

Edward iced up. “What?”

“You heard me,” Gregory endured. “Your marriage to Clara hasn’t strengthened our function. If something, it’s made us prone. Harold Carter continues to be sour about your choice to marry her rather than Sophia. Repairing that courting is vital.”

Edward’s palms clenched into fists. “You’re asking me to abandon my spouse?”

Gregory didn’t flinch. “I’m asking you to think about the family. You can divorce Clara quietly. No one desires to recognize the information.”

“That’s absurd,” Edward said, his voice growing. “I received it do it.”

Gregory’s expression darkened. “You don’t have a desire. If you don’t remarry inside the year, I’ll cut you off absolutely. No financial support. No inheritance. Nothing.”

Edward felt like the floor was ripped out from beneath him. He looked at Victoria, hoping for backup, but she appeared away.

“This isn’t truthful,” Edward stated, his voice cracking.

“Life isn’t truthful,” Gregory responded coldly.

Victoria subsequently spoke, her voice tender to the corporation. “Edward, I don’t agree with this, but... He’s critical. He showed me the criminal papers this morning. If you don’t comply, you’ll lose the whole lot.”

Edward’s thoughts raced. The notion of Clara, her smile, the manner she had stood through him through the whole lot. How ought to he betray her like this? But then he remembered the receipt Martin had shown him. What if Clara had already betrayed him?

“I need time to suppose,” Edward said, his voice slightly above a whisper.

“You don’t have lots of time,” Gregory warned. “The clock is ticking.”

As Edward left to take a look at it, his chest felt heavy with anger and confusion. He had labored so hard to build his existence, and now it turned into all falling apart.

Walking out to the garden, he pulled out his telephone and stared at the screen. His finger hovered over Clara’s contact. He wanted to call her, to invite her about the money, about the person on the balcony, approximately the entirety. But he couldn’t carry himself to do it.

Just as he changed into approximately to position his telephone away, it buzzed with a message.

It came from Sophia Carter.

“We need to speak. I have a proposition for you.”

Edward stared at the message, his heart pounding. A proposition from Sophia? He knew it couldn’t be properly. But along with his circle of relatives' needs looming over him and Clara’s secrets haun

ting his mind, he didn’t see another way ahead.

Edward replied to the message: “When and where?”