ChapterSix
1046 Words
The bright light from the fireplace glowed across the dark wooden walls of Victor Sinclair's study. The air in the atmosphere reeked of old luxurious leather mixed with the scent of whiskey.
Victor sat behind his large desk, his fingers tapping against the smooth surface. His sharp eyes was fixed on the screen of the tablet he was holding, where the bold headlines of the news seemed to shout at him.
"Sinclair Heir Gets Married in Vegas to Mysterious Woman"
"Billionaire Jack Sinclair's Surprise Wedding to Unknown Woman Sets Waves "
"Sinclair Family's Reputation at Stake After Shocking Wedding News"
The frustration in Victor’s face grew darker as he read through the headlines with his jaw tightly clenched.
Cursing under his breath, Victor exploded into a fit of anger and his voice shook as he uttered one word, “Stupid”. A soft knock at the door broke the silence. “Enter,” he growled.
Soft footsteps were heard, and Gerald who had been Victor’s loyal assistant for over two decades entered the room quietly.
Gerald had his hair grey combed well, perfected with a neatly tailored suit that depicted him as a man with great business experience.
He carried an iPad, which no doubt has more reports on the brewing storm concerning the sudden marriage of the Sinclair's family.
"Sir, the media storm is growing rapidly. All the major outlets are reporting on Young Master Jack sudden marriage." Gerald said with a calm tone.
"Would you like me to implement a solution to contain the news?" He said with his gaze briefly looking at Victor, trying to see his reaction.
Victor's eyes darkened, a dangerous spark flashing in the depth of his eyes, reflecting off the glass of scotch in his hands. "Annulment?" he questioned with a low and malicious tone.
Gerald adjusted his glasses. "While an annulment is possible, it would likely push the waves of the scandal further. The medias will think we are trying to cover up a more scandalous situation and that could lead to further damage of the company's reputation."
Victor leaned back into his leather chair and clasped his hands together. "A scandal is a scandal, whichever you put it," he muttered with a tone filled with disgust.
Suddenly, Victor lifted his gaze to meet Gerald's. "If erasing the problem is not the solution, what about using it?" Gerald’s brows arched slightly, his curiosity piqued. “Using it, sir?”
Victor rose from his chair and walked towards the huge windows, where the dazzling lights of Vegas City sparkled against the dark night.
This was an empire he had built brick by brick in this ruthless city. His cold reflection stares back at him, powerful, and unreadable.
A cold calculated smirk spread across Victor's lips as a plan began to form in his mind. "This... marriage," he said with a low voice filled with sinister intent, "may be the most valuable gift Jack has ever given to me."
Victor turned around to face Gerald, his eyes shining with resolve.
"Imagine the headlines; 'The Sinclair Family Values Love Over Status And Luxury - Welcomes An Ordinary Woman Into Their Family'. The media will paint us not as cold billionaires, but as people who relates to the public. And the public will adore such a fairy tale." Victor said smirking.
Gerald's eyes lit up as he finally grasped into Victor's ideas and thoughts.
Gerald nodded his head slightly as the brilliance of the plan unfolded in his mind. "It would improve the Sinclair's family reputation, rebranding you from ruthless billionaires to a family that values love over wealth and power."
Victor's eyes sparkled, his gaze sharp as knife. "Exactly. By showcasing Jack's commitment to his wife, we will divert the attention of the media and even the shareholders from a scandal to a love story. Other investors will definitely flock to a brand that values integrity and humanity."
Gerald's brows furrowed as he turned to Victor. "But sir, what if Young Master Jack refuses to cooperate? You know how the Young Master cannot stand it when he's being controlled, especially when it concerns his personal affairs?"
Victor's smirk deepened, his lips curling into a cold smile. "Jack may be clever, but he is still young. He will play along once he understands there is no better alternative. And if he attempts to defy me..." Victor paused, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper, "I'll remind him what is at stake -his legacy."
Gerald's eyes flickered briefly with an some emotion, but he quickly masked it with his professional demeanour. "And what about the woman, Eleanor Carter?" Gerald asked Victor with curiosity.
Victor's expression hardened. "She's irrelevant. Just a pawn. Once the six months are over, she'll be discarded. But until then..." He paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "She must play the role of the devoted wife. I'll make sure she has no other choice."
A brief silence stretched over the room for a moment.
Then, a satisfied smile spread across Victor's face. "Send a statement to every news media. Tell them that the Sinclair's family are fully aware of this marriage and fully supports the marriage. Emphasize our commitment to family values. Ensure the narrative is flawless. Remember, this is a romance story, not a business arrangement." Victor ordered and returned to his desk.
Gerald bowed his head slightly, his fingers already moving across the iPad.
"All shall be taken care of, sir.” Gerald responded and turned around to leave the office. "One more thing Gerald," Victor called Gerald back.
"I want you to keep a close eye on the girl. I want every detail, who she is, where she's from, her every weaknesses, and if she will ever become a liability." Victor commanded with a sinister tone.
Gerald gave a tight nod. "Understand sir." Gerald turned around and walked out of the room, leaving Victor alone in the study.
The crackling of the fire from fireplace was the only thing making a sound in the room. Victor picked up his glass of whiskey, and the ice cubes clinked softly against the glass.
A sly smile spread across his lips as he whispered to himself. "Well played, Jack. But this time, I've come out on top."
- Writer
