Chapter Three

The Inauguration

The entire office arrived at the inauguration ground together.

The first car door opened.

Out stepped Mr Norman.

His presence always sent shivers, because he had built an empire that seemed unbreakable.

“Mr Norman!”

“Sir, this way!”

He lifted a hand, smiling the fake and practiced smile he put on for cameras. He had built empires and buried scandals.

Then the second door opened.

Jace stepped out.

The reaction shifted.

Upon stepping out of his car,

“That’s the son.”

“The future CEO.”

“He rarely attends public events.”

Jace was immediately greeted with flashlights, paparazzi, and journalists. Everyone wanted a glimpse of Jace, the heir to his father's empire who had just returned from California.

“Stand straight,” Edward, "His father” murmured low enough that only Jace could hear. “They’re watching.”

Jace didn’t look at him.

“I’m aware.”

Bodyguards and armed security personnel immediately stepped in to escort them through the entrance, where a large glass door opened slowly in front of them.

The mayor of Atlanta approached first,

“Mr Norman, this is extraordinary. The city hasn't seen development like this in decades. You really outdid yourself this time around.”

“It’s only the beginning, I have my eyes set on something bigger, something that would send shock waves round the nation.” Mr Norman replied with a smile on his face.

Another investor turned to Jace.

“Mr Jace Norman, we’re honoured you could represent the next generation.”

“I am here to support the vision and together with my father send the nation into a frenzy.”

Please everyone settle down, as we welcome on stage Mr Jace Norman.

The room was filled with applause and more importantly. The investors were watching. The press was watching. The board was watching. It was the first time he would appear in a public event, so everyone was full of excitement and curiosity.

“Good morning,” he began smoothly. “Today isn’t just about the opening of this big infrastructure. It’s about legacy, it's about bringing development and expansion to Atlanta, development unlike any other in the whole nation.”

Jace had started pretty well, receiving nods of acknowledgement from the mayor and senators present.

He continued, “The Sovereign Galleria represents strength and Stability. A symbol of where Norman Enterprises and Atlanta, Georgia is headed—”

“Mr Norman!”

The interruption from the crowd, A female reporter.

“Yes?” Jace replied evenly.

“Before we discuss expansion,” she said sweetly, “would you care to address concerns regarding your past leadership performance?”

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

Edward’s facial expression tightened.

Jace replied. “I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”

Another reporter stood up.

“The university raping scandal, Mr Norman.”

A third reporter's voice followed.

“The cocaine possession investigation during your second year at California University?”

More murmurs round the crowd.

Cameras shifted attention, zooming in on Jace's face.

The mood in the room changed instantly.

From celebration, to instant doubt.

Jace kept his voice level. “Those allegations were addressed years ago.”

“Were they?” a male reporter pressed. “You were named in a list of students under review for distribution of heroin and other unlicensed drugs.”

“That list was never proven,” Jace replied.

“But your name was on it.”

“And cleared,” Jace shot back.

The first reporter stepped forward slightly.

“How can investors trust your discipline when you failed to lead your university football team to nationals? Records show you skipped mandatory practices.”

Jace inhaled slowly. “University mistakes don’t define executive capability.”

“Oh?” another voice called out. “Then perhaps you can clarify where you were last night, Mr Norman?”

Jace’s hand tightened and his facial expression was scared. around the podium.

“That’s irrelevant.”

“Is it?” the reporter asked, raising a tablet.

The screen lit up.

Photos, clear and undeniable.

Jace is exiting a bar, Late and Alone.

“The supposed heir has returned,” the reporter continued, “but it seems his habits returned with him. Can a man who spends his nights in bars truly manage an empire?”

“I mean this is an empire where the Atlanta government is a major shareholder, and needs to be handed over to someone disciplined and hardworking, not a spoilt billionaire's son.” The reporter continued.

“You’re confusing an inaugural event with professional incompetence.”

“Were you alone last night, Mr Norman?” the reporter pushed.

“That will be enough,” Edward said, voice low but commanding. “This is an inauguration, not a trial.”

But the damage was done. And no one knew this better than Mr Norman.

The narrative had shifted, Investors weren’t clapping anymore. They were questioning the future of Norman Enterprises.

“Enjoy the evening,” Jace said coolly before walking off stage.

The drive home was silent.

“You embarrassed this family,” Edward said.

“They exposed you.” and you gave them leverage.

“You think shareholders invest in potential? No. They invest in stability. Discipline.”

“I can handle the company,” Jace said.

“You can’t even handle a podium without looking like a coward.”

Inside the house, Jace barely made it to his room before Edward spoke again.

“You will be married within the week.”

Jace blinked.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“That’s absurd.”

Edward poured himself a drink. “Public perception must change. Immediately.”

“I’m not marrying someone to fix a headline.”

“You will marry to prove responsibility.”

Jace laughed. “You don’t seriously expect me to—”

“You will,” Edward cut in. “Or you will forfeit your position as successor.”

“You’d strip me of the company?”

“I would protect my empire.”

Edward stepped closer.

“You want to inherit Norman Enterprises?” he asked calmly. “Then you will demonstrate maturity.”

“I don’t love anyone,” Jace said.

“This is not about love.”

“It’s about control.”

“You have one week,” Edward continued. “Find a suitable wife. Sign the papers and she must be from this town, to present stability.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then you will no longer be my heir,” Edward said as he walked away.

Charlotte had gone to the bank to deposit $10,000 Jace had given her.

Because she didn’t want her boyfriend “Bruce” to get his hands on the money knowing very well that he would squander the money on gambling.

Charlotte went to her apartment straight from the bank.

The second she pushed the door open, she was immediately greeted with a slap to the face from her boyfriend.