Chapter 120 - CHAPTER 120: DISGRACE

He's been acting weird for the past few days!

Marcus have been immersing himself with his work lately; It has been a week or so. He never once rested during his break time. He also demanded overtime so he usually ends up by twelve midnight, worst, he works until dawn making him sleeps at his office. 

Intriguingly, he chose to stay at his condo unit, refusing to go home. He even shuns any topic about Jade for who knows why. He became another person since his last visit at the hospital. He may be a cold CEO before as others label him but he still exudes warmness towards some people including Sonny. However, his aloofness today is quite different. It is more likely a self-defense to whatever is going on in his mind. He couldn't tolerate failures; he doesn't have any patience to boring reports and surprisingly, he easily terminates some employees who get onto his nerves. For just a week, he has terminated 15 employees in total. 

Words about his pique attitude spreads all over the company making everyone frets whenever he enters the company premises. Almost everyone tries their best not to encounter him. He knew about the rumors about him but he didn't care. All he wants is to submerge himself with his work in order to bury the guilt within him. 

Yes, he couldn't forget what he did to Jade as well as the fact about Zion and his woman. He's guilty but at the same time, angry. That's the reason why he kept himself busy the past few days so he can forget all of his troubles. 

Sonny tried to inform him about Jade but he strongly shuns him every time he says a word about the woman. He even threatens the old man to never speak a word about her. All he knew is that, Jade needs to stay in the hospital for at least two more weeks. Few days ago, the doctor said that Jade was almost caught in miscarriage due to her unstable mental condition, therefore, they insist to watch over her for two more weeks so they can thoroughly ensure the safety of the two.

As for Rachelle, she was already discharged few days ago. The last thing Sonny did was to get rid of all negative articles about the model-artist and advised the woman to stay low until she gives birth. He also hired a professional nurse to take good care of her as per Marcus' order. 

The rumors between the young CEO and the top model started to diminish until no media outlets speaks about it any longer. They were all threatened but not because of Marcus alone but the chairwoman made a move as well. Chairwoman Suzette may be old but her influence in the business world as well as in the entertainment world haven't diminish yet. She still has the upper hand in the society. 

"Make sure things like this won't ever happen again in the future, Marcus. You should know that you are in the lion's den. Our enemies are everywhere waiting for us to crumble. They are waiting for a chance to devour us completely. You're still young and inexperienced about these things and it is easy for you to be targeted. I won't be in the world for long so you should learn all the curves in the business world. This is survival of the strong and wise." Chairwoman educated her grandson.

True enough, Marcus needs to learn the reality in the business world. It's not enough to be at the top but one must know how to maintain his position. One must know how to wield his sword more than knowing his power alone. Only then can he survive the chaotic jungle he is in. 

People may crumble in fear whenever they encounter the young heir, but fear doesn't define the strongest. He is still weak, immature, has temper problem and is quite gullible. He doesn't have any idea about the underground world yet and that makes the chairwoman fears for her grandson's life. What if she's gone? Who will guide him? who will protect him? who will show him the way? Then the image of a man appears in her mind… no, it can't be him. She can't let Marcus be with his father. No, not a chance. If that happens, Marcus might follow the footsteps of that evil man. He might become.... A murderer as well. 

With that thought in her mind, she dispatches some men to secretly follow Barry. She needs to know whatever his plans is.  Also, the fact that Barry was also looking for that child sent shivers to her bone. What if he finds her? What will he do to her? 

"You should stop visiting me, Zion." Jade tried her best to speak gently. The least she wants to do is hurt Zion's feelings by shoving him away.

"Give me enough reason to do so." He's a stubborn one. He then peeled an orange and hand it to her. "You should also blame your bestfriend Jasmine for asking me a favor."

"That woman really." She heaved a heavy sigh.

"Why don't you tell me the truth?" She gave the man a confused look when she heard Zion's words. 

"What do you mean?"

"You've been here for more than a week yet I haven't seen your husband visited you… not even once." 

Her eyes immediately lost its warmth then sadness enveloped her countenance. Once again, she remembered what Marcus had said that day. How could he say such a thing? How did he come up with the idea that Zion is the child's father?

She was deeply hurt but she couldn't hide the fact that she's been waiting for Marcus to come back and apologize. Perhaps her sincerity would reach him. However, she never once saw him, not even in her dreams. Dang!

She unknowingly drops the orange in her hand. "Zion, you should really stop coming here." Her voice couldn't hide the tears welling up in her eyes. 

"I won't unless you tell me the reason." 

"Please…." She started to sob. Unknown to them, someone is coming to visit the woman. 

"Jade…."

"I don't want any misunderstanding anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"He… he thinks the child is not his own… He… thought it is yours…" She burst in tears.

Zion was shocked at Jade's revelation. He couldn't even speak since he doesn't even know what to say. Even if he loves Jade, he will never do such a thing to disgrace her! How did Marcus come up with such an absurd idea?!

He clenched his fist in anger. Oh how he wants to punch that man! Anger surged within him but he tried to be as calm as possible.

"Jade, that's enough." He lifted her hand to ċȧrėss the woman's back. "Don't worry, I'll talk to your husband." 

But as soon as Zion finished what he was saying, the door suddenly burst open. Then a furious man came into view.