Chapter 8

• "How do I possibly entertain someone of your stature?" Uncle Robert asked as they entered his office. "I apologize if the refreshments seem a bit humble." Tony nodded without saying a word for a few second.
• "Why has it taken you all this time to reach out to me?" Tony asked, his voice betraying a hint of suspicion. He couldn't help but wonder if Uncle Robert had known about him all along, and had only chosen to make contact now. Perhaps there was more to the story than he knew.
• "Nephew," Uncle Robert said warmly, "before we begin our conversation, perhaps we should enjoy a glass of wine together?" He nodded at his bodyguard, who quickly disappeared into the adjoining room. Moments later, he reappeared with two glasses and a bottle of the finest vintage wine. "My nephew deserves only the best," Uncle Robert said, pouring the crimson liquid into their glasses.
• "That won't be necessary, Uncle," Tony said gently, not wanting to appear ungrateful. "I'm not here to be lavished with expensive wine or gifts. I'm here to talk to you, and that's all I need." Uncle Robert paused for a moment, then smiled.
• "I promise you, Tony," Uncle Robert said, a pleading note in his voice. "This wine is the best money can buy. It's from a renowned vineyard, and it's considered a true delicacy. I promise you'll enjoy it." But Tony was resolute in his refusal.
• "I appreciate your generosity, Uncle, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline, i've never had it and I'm definitely not in the mood for it uncle. Maybe Some other time."he said, holding firm.All he wanted was a serious discussion with his uncle.
• "We have more pressing matters to discuss, and I don't want to get sidetracked."
• "Very well," Uncle Robert said, nodding to the guard at the door.
• "Please give us some privacy." The guard closed the door, leaving Tony and Uncle Robert alone in the room.
• "I think you owe me an explanation uncle. Because I looks like I'm lost in everything. The event In the hotel. Finding out my mom had the highest share in that Five star hotel and Also getting to know the biggest boutique belongs to you.... " Tony gave a chaotic Chuckle.
• "The bouquet isn't mine but yours. Your mother put me in charge all these years and there are lot more investment your mom had made for you as her son," Uncle Robert said with a smile that only triggered Tony's Anger.
• "So why did you take you this long to find me?"Tony questioned.
• "I did as your mother instructed me," Uncle Robert explained. "She made it clear that I was not to contact you until the time was right. It was not my decision to keep you in the dark. I was simply following her wishes."
• Tony shook his head in disbelief. "So you're saying that my own mother kept me from knowing about all of this? That she deliberately kept me in the dark?" He felt a surge of anger.
• "She only did that to protect you," Uncle Robert.
• "Protect me?"
• "Yes Nephew.Your mother's wealth and influence made her a target for the other families," Uncle Robert explained, his words carefully chosen. "They were afraid of what she could do, of the power she could wield. So they tried to destroy her legacy, and by extension, yours."
• Tony listened, his mind reeling at the implications of what Uncle Robert was saying. "Why would they do that?" he asked, his voice full of disbelief. "What could my mother have done to make them so afraid?"
• "Your mother has always been a force of nature," Uncle Robert said, his voice full of admiration. "She was a brilliant businesswoman, a savvy investor, and a natural leader. She built an empire from nothing, and she did it with intelligence and determination. The other families saw her as a threat, and they wanted to take her down." Tony was stunned, trying to process the information.
• "So they tried to destroy her legacy, just to get rid of her?" he asked, his mind spinning. "I don't understand. Why would they go to such lengths?"
• "Your mother would be in the best position to answer that," Uncle Robert said. "She has a lot of investment scattered Home and abroad all built for you," He said with a smile. "But you must be careful of the other greedy family members, they will surely come after you,"
• "Thank you so much uncle," As Tony stood up, a wave of conflicting emotions swept over him. He felt guilty for judging his mother.
• "Please, don't forget about your mother," Uncle Robert said as Tony reached for the door. "She's been longing to see you."
• Tony paused, his hand hovering over the doorknob. "I won't forget," he said. "I just need some time to process everything." Uncle Robert nodded in understanding.
• "Take all the time you need," he said. "But please know that your mother loves you, and that she's waiting for you when you're ready." Tony gave a small smile.
• "Please, consider giving Susan another chance," Tony pleaded. "I think she's truly learned her lesson and will do better in the future."
• "Consider it done," Uncle Robert replied, standing up to see Tony out.
• As they walked towards the front of the cashier desk, they met Susan, She was shaking, her eyes red and wet with tears.
• "Please, sir," she begged, "I'm so sorry. This is my only source of income. Please don't fire me."
• "You're lucky the boss asked me to rehire you," Uncle Robert said, his tone stern.
• Susan looked at Tony in surprise. "Thank you," she whispered, unsure of what else to say. She was too preoccupied with her own emotions to think about what Uncle Robert had said. The fact that Tony had been referred to as "the boss" was the least of her worries.
• "Until next time," Tony said to Uncle Robert as he turned to leave. But he didn't spare a word for Susan.
• The moment he got to the hotel, He hurriedly freshened up and changed into a new clothes. Minutes later, Tony was in a Taxi, speeding towards the hospital where his grandmother was. His mind was racing, a million thoughts racing through his head. He couldn't wait to see his grandmother, to tell her everything that had happened.