35 The Truth

Michael was back in his office and he dialed a number on his phone.

"Hello?" Came his mother's voice.

"We're done. You succeeded in driving away Rachel from me, but I tell you that you have driven me away from you. I am no longer a son of the Fu family." He gave her no room to answer and immediately ended the call. He blacklisted her number.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter!" He yelled.

His personal assistant came in with a black folder.

"The information you requested, sir." He left silently.

Michael opened the folder and perused the contents. It seemed Rachel had an ordinary life until her college years. During that time her father became ill. It was then that Chairman Ye approached Rachel's family. She had basically been sold to him as a mistress in exchange for money for her father's treatment. There were pictures in the file and some were of her with Chairman Ye at public events. Her eyes looked empty.

He knew. He knew why she was running from him. If he could find this information, no doubt his mother had as well. She had said she was filthy and didn't want him to be associated with her past. She said she loved him enough to let him go; because she was protecting him, his family, and his business.

But he wasn't going to let her go. He might need help convincing her though.

—————————

"Come with me to the meeting with the investors today." Gordon told Charlotte.

She looked up from her typing.

"You don't usually ask me to attend these. Is something different about this one?" She asked.

"It's the proposal to have a branch of Rising Sun in the United States. I'd like you to be there for support." He admitted.

"Then of course I'll come." She said.

At the appointed time she entered the boardroom with Gordon and sat beside him at the head of the conference table. The investors looked on in shock. They had heard about his wedding; some had even attended. They knew she worked in the company. However, they had never seen Gordon act solicitously toward any other woman. He had pulled out her chair, waiting to sit until she had, offered her a bottle of water, and whispered in her ear to explain things as the meeting progressed.

There were various employees with presentations and powerpoints. There were charts and graphs. Everything explaining why they planned to expand in the United States, the projected time it would take to complete building, the costs involved, the projected profits...it was a lot to take in!

Gordon was the last to address the group. He stood to his feet and looked down at Charlotte for a moment. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it, smiling up at him. He placed his hand on her shoulder and then looked at those gathered around the table.

His voice was authoritative, firm, and confident. When he finished speaking, Charlotte clapped with joy! She was so proud of her husband. Those around the table were surprised at her action, but followed her example and clapped as well. Soon the room rumbled with the sound of applause.

"I vote to proceed with the plans!" One of the investors shouted.

"I second!" Said another.

None opposed and the plan was passed. Many of the investors and employees left the meeting with a smile. It was definitely the most interesting meeting they'd ever attended in the company.

————————

"Gordon!" Michael shouted as he rushed to catch up to Gordon and Charlotte as they left the meeting.

"What's wrong?" Gordon asked. He knew that face.

"I need to speak to you." Michael said.

"Come to my office." Gordon suggested.

"Should I give you both privacy?" Charlotte asked.

"No. Charlotte, I need your help as well."

Gordon and Charlotte looked at one another in surprise.

When they were behind closed doors, Michael unburdened himself.

"Rachel has left me and broken our engagement." He said.

"What?" Charlotte cried in surprise.

"Today at lunch." Michael said.

"Why?" Asked Gordon.

"My mother opposes our marriage and found embarrassing information in Rachel's past. She threatened to publicly expose her if she didn't leave me. Rachel agreed to protect my public image." Michael gave them the short version.

"What did you do about it?" Charlotte asked.

"I've broken with my mother and family. I renounced my right to inherit." Michael said.

"Good man." Gordon said under his breath.

Charlotte nodded her approval.

"Will you lose the company then?" Gordon asked.

Michael nodded and said, "I don't care. I have enough of my personal money for two or three lifetimes. I'll just start a new company, separate from my family."

"What does Rachel think?" Charlotte asked.

"I haven't told her that yet. I didn't realize what my mother was holding over her until after we had talked. Charlotte, she's your friend. Help me convince her please!" Michael pleaded.

"I'll talk to her, but give her some time. I know Rachel and if you push her she will run." Charlotte said.

"I leave the matter with you for now." Michael said.