Chapter 6| Family and extention

Gerald couldn't help himself. He's excited--too excited. 

The Lancaster family might be very successful when it comes to business but they were not really blessed with keeping a large family. Gerald had a daughter and a son. The daughter was Matthew's mother but she died at childbirth. Later on, Matthew's father died of a heart attack--it was said that he died of a broken heart and decided to join his wife in the afterlife. 

The youngest son, David, chose a completely different path. Not business related and one that definitely guarranteed no grandbabies from him. He joined the seminary at 16 and now he's a Reverend. 

Which meant that the Lancaster line ends with Matthew alone.

This is why he is a very important link to continue the family legacy. To Gerald's eye, Matthew is the last hope to establish the future generation of Lancasters. Unfortunately, the Lancaster's are just not picky with their partners--they were fans of traditional relationships. Matthew had no prior experience with women because that's how the Lancaster males do it.

They have to save theirselves to the woman who they think would be the perfect mother for their children. It's old fashioned but it ensured a long-lasting marriage. No Lancaster was divorced in history.

"Sir, is everything alright?" Alfred, his most trusted employee/friend approached, worry etched all over his face. "I couldn't help but notice your agitation."

Gerald beamed. "Ah, Alfred. Nothing is wrong! In fact, everything is alright! You know the girl who entered Matthew's suite last night?"

Alred nodded. "Vaguely. I was pre-occupied last night with the event."

"Of course, you were." The old man grinned. "Whenever I think I've had enough of that dreaded socialization I need to take part in once in a while, or when Matthew mysteriously leaves the venue--you step up and take it from there."

Alfred Santos had been working with Gerald since he was 23. Now he's 50 years old. When he came to America from a small Island in Zamboanga, Philippines to join his mother to seek the famed 'American Dream', he landed at the Lancaster mansion as a poolboy. Gerald was in his prime years that time, he was in his early 40's and saw potential in the young Filipino and from then and there--Alfred moved into the ranks and became Gerald's right hand and friend.

Whenever the old man grew tired of rubbing elbows and Matthew, who got it from his grandfather--would 'mysteriously disappear' from social events--Alfred was there to save the day. Currently, he is seen as the Lancaster's representative.

"You know it's my job." Alfred stated humbly. "I'm well compensated and standing there on your behalf is the least that I could do for all the good things your employment has given me and my family in the Philippines, sir."

The wide smile from Gerald's face faded instantly. In it's place is a serious but happy face. He took several steps until he and Alfred were a few steps away. Gently, he tapped his shoulder. "Your loyalty to our family can never be compensated, Alfred. You are family. That's why, I want you to be a part of Matthew's wedding."

"Wedding?" Alfred grimaced. "That fast?"

Gerald quickly retraced his steps and was back on the window. "You know I barely have time left, Alfred. I already explained to you how adamant I was with this tradition, but eversince the..." his voice trailed, "the family has lived to the tradition and Matthew needs to be a part of it. I  just want him settled down. With all these speculations targeting him...the world is different now...there's this horrible thing called the internet and people believe what is stated there..."

The rumors Gerald was pertaining to was about the ongoing black proganda from business competitors foreshadowing the family tradition and paying trolls and shady websites to imbed into the public that the only heir to the Lancaster conglomerate is a sexualy confused individual, leading to several numerous speculations all over the social media platforms available in the planet.

While many are still aware of the old Lancaster tradition, the younger generation are easily swayed and relentless. Alfred knew Gerald and if there's anything he disliked the most--it's tarnishing the prestigious last name their forefathers have built throughout the ages.

As Gerald's trusted friend, Alfred also knew what he was pertaing to about time.

He composed himself and projected a confident smile. "Do you really think this will solve half your problems, sir?"

Gerald shrugged. "I don't know. I've closed and broke deals through my lifetime and I honestly thought that there's nothing out there that could stagger me. It turns out I was wrong. Some days, I wish Matthew was a problem child and he's running around the city fooling around. I think stopping him would be easier than pushing him to settle down. I guess, I made him pious to the family tradition."

Seeing Gerald problematic was a new scene for Alfred. His boss was usually the problem solver. The unbeatable Gerald Lancaster who either made or broke companies--wether start-up or established. This is the same man whose decisions altered the economy of the whole country.

"Come on, tell me about this woman." Alfred hated seeing his friend doubting his parenting role even if he's Matthew's grandfather. "I'm sure Lucas would've done the same."

"Some days, I wish his parents didn't abandon Matthew." The old man sighed. "But come to think of it, something good happened! The ball is rolling, Alfred! The woman left this morning!"

"How did you know?" Alfred raised his eyebrows and then it hit him. "No, you had someone watch Matthew? Was this your plan all along?"

"Me?" Gerald sputtered in disbelief. "You act like you don't know me. I won't interfere with fate. I merely asked some of my men to observe and this lady--she walks in and Matthew closes the door--and she leaves in the morning. I know you know what I think happened in the many hours they were together. Bonus points if Matthew did not wear any protection whatsoever. I have a daughter-in-law and a grandchild on the way!"

"You don't even know the girl, sir." Alfred reasoned.

"That can come later. I want you to find her."

Clearly, Gerald has given the idea too much thought. Alfred was certain about that. His boss' optimism was way above his usual charts. He had seen him take multimillion dollar-worth of companies without breaking a small smile--and now, Gerald is grinning like a boy over a dream.