4. Dinner at home

“We have carried out about fifteen projects this year. Six minor and nine major construction projects, all in the first half of the year.” The financial manager quoted, displaying the information on the projector in the room. They were in the middle of a financial audit with their investors.

After his meeting with Zack holdings had ended, Jack made a quick stop at McDonalds to grab a quick bite that would serve as brunch before driving back to the company. The deal with Zack holdings wasn't finalized yet, but they were on track and it was something to look forward to.

“How much were the project valued at combined?” one of the investors seated at the end of the long table asked. He looked to be around his early sixties with a few strands of grey hairs scattered on his head. He sported a serious expression as he looked from the documents in his hands to the data displayed on the screen.

“1.5 billion dollars” he replied. "The biggest was worth three hundred million dollars" he added and went on explaining every detail.

The major founding core value of the company was accountability. All money was rightly accounted for, and this was what made them the biggest construction company in the city.

One hour thirty minutes later, and they were done with the meeting. Jack stayed behind to have a little chat with some of the investors. He looked physically tired, but he went on.

“I can see you are doing a great job with the company.” The investor who had been asking questions during the meeting commended as we walked closer to him.

“Thank you.” Jack smiled. "I don't think I have seen you before…”

“Ya!” He interrupted. “'m Mark Laden. I just bought three percent shares some month ago.” He explained with a smile and Jack shook hands with him.

“Nice to meet you.” He shook hands with him before going to meet someone else.

…

“Send my schedule for tomorrow to my email, I will check them when I get home.” Jack said as he walked out of his office. It was thirty minutes after five pm and he was set to go home. After his meeting with the investors, he settled back in his office and went through some files. Work was piling up greatly for him due to the fact that he had been absent from work for some days.

“Okay sir.” She responded politely.

He made his way out of the building towards his car which was parked in the parking lot in front of the building. He pressed a key on the remote control and the locks opened. He threw his suitcase to the back seat and was about getting inside the car when his phone rang.

“Good evening Mom.” He greeted his mom politely after he had pulled his phone out of his pocket. He placed the phone on his ear as he waited for her voice to come up on the other end.

“How are you doing, my boy?” she asked in her usual cheerful tone and he groaned. Not again!

“I'm fine, mom.” He replied, getting into the driver seat of the car and locking it.

“Son, I made a lot of food, I want you to come over.” She said and giggled to herself like she just cracked a funny joke.

He groaned internally. This was one thing his mother loved doing and he hated it and she knew it.

“No mom, I don't think I would be able to make it.” He responded, kicking the engine to life and driving out of the premises.

“That is not an excuse. See you in ten.” She finalized and hung up. He chuckled. He knew he wouldn't win that argument against his mother but he just had to try. She always had the upper hand.

Four years after moving out, his mother was still treating him like a teenager. She was really against the idea of moving out, she literally begged and tried everything to convince him to stay but he had vehemently refused. He chuckled again as he remembered the memories. His mom had broken down in tears at some point.

At twenty-two, she thought that he was too young to live alone, not when his parents were still alive.

After failing to convince him to stay back, she would always invite him home every weekend where he would spend the weekend. He did that for the first one year before he got into a relationship and had to limit it so has to make time for his then girlfriend. After finding out about his break-up and the toll it had on him, his mother had insisted he move back home, but he had strongly refused, resulting in occasional visits.

His chest tightened and his breathing hitched as he recalled all the memories. He turned up the music player and Khalid's “Young dumb and broke” blasted through the speakers. He sang along lowly as he drove on the busy streets. It was some minutes to six and most people were on the road, trying to find their way home.

He finally drove out of the highway into the small beautifully decorated road that led to his parent's estate. The road was decorated with beautiful flowers by the side and tall green trees that glistened under the solar-powered lights that illuminated the road. It was basically quiet and peaceful. His father had bought the area while the land was bare and undeveloped while he was still a public servant. It was not until after his retirement, after becoming a tourist that he felt the need to develop it. He drove past the security that was stationed at the large gate and drove down. At one side of the estate was the museum that housed the largest collection of precious stones. Another building housed beautiful arts his father had collected during his travels.

He admired every bit of the large estate as he got closer to his parent's house. When he told his parents of his plans to move out, his father had offered to give him a plot to build his own house but he had politely declined. He parked his car at the garage before stepping out. He took a little walk, admiring the house. His father had spent a lot of time and resources in building it. There was a large pool by the left side of the house, a large field for playing outdoor games, a beautiful garden where his mother planted beautiful flowers, and a patio for barbecue. It was unarguably the top three most expensive houses in the city. His father had a great taste in everything, wealth inclusive.