Chapter 5 Jack's True Identity

An hour later, they left the store with 120 bags of clothes, 15 colognes, six brand-new watches, and Jack's upgraded phone.

Jack's eyes darted between the mountain of bags and Richard. "I can't believe you did all this... for me?" His voice cracked.

Richard tapped him gently on the shoulder. ''Why not? You're family now, Jack." The word family kept hitting Jack in his heart. Did he have a new family now? Why are they so kind to him? Just Yesterday he was looking for a part-time gig where he would work and today he is shopping and getting all these gifts.

Victoria nudged Jack playfully. "Besides, don't act like you don't like it, I saw that grin when you got that phone."

Jack laughed nervously. "Okay, maybe... just a little, no I truly do. I am just overwhelmed."

They walked toward a nearby barbershop. Richard pointed at the door. "Alright, next stop: time to clean you up properly. Trust me, Jack, you'll thank me later."

A short while later, Jack stared at himself in the mirror. His jaw dropped. "I... I look like a different person, I can't recognize myself Victoria."

Victoria leaned against the doorway, her arms crossed, watching him.

"You don't just look different, you are different, Jack."

He turned to her, unsure of what to say. "Thanks, Victoria. For... you know... everything."

Victoria tilted her head, as she smiled. "Don't thank me just yet. But I'll say this, you're way more handsome than I expected."

Jack's face turned bright red.

"Wait, what?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, relax, Jack. It's just an observation."

Jack cleared his throat, changing the subject. "So... what's next, home right?" Victoria nodded.

Finally, as they approached the parking lot, Richard stopped in front of a sleek black Range Rover Limited Edition with a bright red bow on the hood.

Jack froze. His heart skipped a beat. "Wait... Richard..."

He pointed at the car, his voice shaking. "Is this what I think it is?"

"Yours," Richard interrupted him, tossing him the keys with a grin.

Jack stared at the keys like they were a foreign object. "Mine? But, how? I don't even know how to drive! What am I supposed to do with this?"

Richard chuckled, leaning casually against the car. "Relax, Jack. For now, you'll have a driver. And while you're learning how to drive, he'll stick around. Is that okay?"

Jack shook his head in disbelief. "I don't... I don't even have the words. I've never had anything like this in my life." Richard's voice softened into something warmer. "Then don't say anything, Jack. Just enjoy it. Oh, and..." He glanced at his watch. "There's one more surprise. She'll be here in about thirty minutes."

Jack blinked. " Why are you doing all this for me? You know I could never be able to repay you right? Waite She? Who is she?"

Victoria crossed her arms, intrigued. "Okay, Richard, what are you planning now?"

Richard had a wide grin on his face and then winked at Victoria. "Let's just say... a certain someone special is flying in to see Jack."

Jack's breath almost stopped. His eyes widened. "Grandma Grace? But I thought she was taking the train!"

Richard shrugged. "Change of plans. She's on her way from the airport. So, let's head home, we don't want to keep her waiting."

When they arrived at Richard's house, Jack could hardly contain his excitement. He stepped inside the luxurious living room, scanning the space frantically.

"Grandma?" he called out, his voice shaking.

Grace turned toward him, her face lighting up. "I would recognize that voice anywhere! My birthday boy!"

Jack ran to her and hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground. "Grandma! I missed you so much!"

Grace laughed, her voice rich and warm. "Missed me? It's only been two months, Jack!" She patted his cheek. "But look at you. So grown up.''

Jack put her down gently, taking a few steps back from her to give her a full look over, Grandma, even if it's just a day, I missed you''

Victoria approached, smiling warmly. "Aunt Grace, it's so good to see you again."

Grace opened her arms and hugged Victoria. "Victoria! My dear! Look at you, you're glowing. How are you?"

"Great Aunty Grace and better now that you are even here," Victoria said softly. "How was your flight?"

Grace shook her head, placing a hand over her chest dramatically. "Oh, my dear, don't even get me started on that airplane! The last time I flew was twenty-five years ago, and I don't think I've ever been so frightened in my life!"

Everyone laughed, and Jack watched the scene, his chest swelling with happiness. This...this felt like family.

Later, lunch was served. Jack eagerly sat beside his grandmother, practically bouncing in his seat as he described their shopping spree.

"And then we went to this store, Grandma, and Richard got me this new phone! Look, it's the newest model!"

Grace smiled through tears, nodding as Jack spoke. "Oh, my boy... you deserve all of it. You truly do."

She turned to Richard, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Little Richie. For all you've done for him."

Richard shook his head. "It's nothing, Aunt Grace. Compared to what you did for me in the past. Also Jack's part of the family now."Victoria and Jack did not pay attention to what Richard said but Grace did and she winked at him.

After the cake was cut, pictures were taken, and laughter echoed through the house, Richard guided everyone into his study.

Drinks were poured, and they all settled into their seats.

Grace broke the silence first. She set her glass down, her voice thoughtful. "Little Richie... how is the young man you saved all those years ago? Is he still in the city?"

Richard tilted his head, as he smiled. "You mean Jack Taylor right?"

Grace nodded, her expression serious. "Of course if that's his name. How can I forget stories like that."

Richard leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. "He's doing well. Still searching for his wife. Says he won't stop until he finds her."

Grace's face grew somber. " Love is something we can never fully understand. I hope he does. Everyone deserves a happy ending."

Richard hesitated, then leaned forward. "Aunt Grace... can you tell us about Jack's background? Anything at all you remember?"

Grace was silent for a moment, her hands folded in her lap. Finally, she spoke, her voice heavy with emotion.

"Today makes eighteen years since I met his mother," she began. "It was a scorching afternoon. I was on my farm, trying to figure out what to do with my life after being thrown out of my marital home." She paused, her voice faltering. "I'd been married for four years, but because I couldn't have children, I wasn't welcome anymore."

Victoria gasped softly, but Grace continued.

"I went to the farm to drop my belongings, hoping to find a small apartment to rent afterward. But... it didn't go as planned, because I had to save Jack's mother"

Jack leaned forward, his breath faltering. "What happened Grandma?"

"I found her," Grace whispered. "Jack's mother. There on the floor, she was in a life-threatening situation. As a nurse then, my instinct was to save her. But..." She swallowed hard. "I could only save one life that day."

Jack's voice broke. "And that was me."

Grace nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Yes. She passed away, but not before telling me your name and giving me a few things she wanted you to have."

The room fell into silence. Jack reached out, gripping Grace's hand tightly.

"Grandma..." His voice cracked. "Thank you! For everything. I know you have gone through so much for me and I am grateful"

Grace smiled through her tears, patting his hand. "It wasn't easy, my boy. But if I had the chance, I'd do it all over again, without regret.

Your mother would be so proud of you."

Richard exchanged a glance with Victoria, both visibly moved.

"This is your family now," Richard said softly.

Jack nodded, his heart full. For the first time, he felt truly at home.

But, Grace's words sank in, and silence covered the room. Everyone sat stunned, processing the revelation.

Jack was the first to break the silence. He leaned forward, his voice soft but urgent.

"Please, Aunty Grace," he whispered, almost afraid to interrupt the moment, "what happened next?"

Grace nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. Her voice dropped as she continued.

"Rita told me she was willing to leave everything behind when she found out she was pregnant with you. But her mother and sister... they refused. They thought the man she loved wasn't good enough for her. He was a commoner with no status or background."

Jack frowned, his hands clenching into fists. "So... they forced her to stay?"

Grace nodded sadly. "Yes, but it wasn't just that. She feared for her life every single day. She was constantly looking over her shoulder. Then suddenly, one day, your father was announced dead."

"Dead?" Jack's voice wavered. Feeling more confused and anger surging "Did she... did she see him? I mean his dead body"

"No." Grace's voice was low, haunted. "She never saw his body. But there was nothing she could do, despite trying to save him. Planning to run away and give birth secretly, she made arrangements with her mother, sister, and her trusted bodyguard.

She thought he was someone who would protect her..." Grace paused, her lips trembling slightly.

"But he betrayed her, Jack," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jack sat back, stunned. "He... betrayed her?"

Grace's hands trembled as she spoke. "He was supposed to... end her life," she said, her voice breaking. "But something stopped him. He couldn't do it. Instead, he warned her never to return to her family, told her that she would be in danger if she ever did."

Victoria's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my God... She has always known Jack to live a pitiful and poor life with his grandmother, but she was never aware of the story behind his birth. ''what happened after that?" She asked

Grace's eyes darkened. "He pushed her out of a moving car."

Jack's heart sank. "And that's when she...?"

"She crawled onto my farm," Grace finished, her voice tight with emotion.

The room went still as everyone absorbed her words.

Grace swallowed hard before continuing. "Her name," she said, her voice breaking slightly, "was Rita Mason."

At the mention of the name, Richard stood up, his face pale with shock. Without saying a word, he strode across the room.

"Richard, where are you going?" Victoria asked, alarmed.

Richard didn't respond. He placed his index finger over Grace's mouth, silencing her. His eyes darted toward the windows. In a swift, deliberate motion, he pulled them shut and then pressed a button on the wall. A faint hum filled the air as soundproofing activated around the room.

"What's going on?" Jack asked nervously, his gaze shifting between Richard and Grace.

Richard didn't answer. Instead, he pulled out his phone, typing quickly. His fingers moved with purpose.

"Grant. Get in here. Fast," the message read.

Jack and Victoria exchanged a worried glance as Richard put the phone down. When he turned back, his expression was solemn.

"Aunty Grace," he said quietly, his tone deadly serious, "Are you certain about what you're saying? Do you have... any proof? A picture? A letter? Anything?"

Grace smiled faintly, her eyes filled with a quiet confidence. "Richard," she said softly, "I've waited eighteen long years for this day. Do you think I would come empty-handed?"

Before Richard could reply, a hidden panel in the bookshelf slid open, and Grant stepped into the room, his expression sharp and alert. He moved silently to stand beside Richard, his presence commanding attention. Grant was Richard's most trusted bodyguard.

Richard nodded once, then gestured for Grace to continue. "Aunty," he said calmly, "please. Show us."

Grace reached into her bag, her hands steady now as she retrieved a neatly wrapped handbag. It was old but well-preserved. She handed it to Jack, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

"She said," Grace began, her voice thick with emotion, "that I should call you Jack Mason. She presumed... your father disappeared or was assassinated before they could even arrange a wedding. And then Rita was alone-worried, afraid..."

Jack's hands trembled as he held the bag. His voice was barely a whisper. "What... what's inside?"

Grace gave him an encouraging nod. "Open it, Jack. Your mother wanted you to have this on your eighteenth birthday. She believed that by then, you would be ready."

Jack carefully unwrapped the handbag, his fingers brushing over the soft fabric. Inside, he found a small, worn envelope and a few family photos. He stared at the first photo-a young woman, her striking resemblance to Jack undeniable. Her eyes sparkled with bravery, as though she were looking right at him.

Jack's voice cracked. "Is... is this her, my mum?"

Grace nodded, smiling through tears. "Yes, Jack. That's your mother. Rita Mason."

Victoria leaned closer, her eyes wide as she took in the photo. "Jack," she said, her voice filled with awe, "this means... you're part of the Mason family? The hidden Mason family?"

Her expression darkened, and she added bitterly, "And that idiot Francis had the nerve to insult you?"

Richard sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Not just any part, Victoria," he said gravely. "Jack isn't just a Mason. He's the heir to one of the most powerful families in the world. Rita Mason was the heiress to the Mason fortune-hidden away for her safety all these years. And now... to hear she died like this..."

He paused, his jaw tightening. "The bounty for finding Rita or her child... it's still out there. One hundred billion dollars."

Jack froze, his mind racing. "Wait... what?"

Victoria's hand shot out to grip his arm. "Jack. Do you understand what this means? You're not just anyone. You're the heir to everything."

Grace placed a gentle hand on Jack's shoulder. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But, my boy, your mother wanted you to know the truth. And now...I think you are now ready."

Jack stared down at the photograph, his heart pounding in his chest.

For so long, he had been nobody. An orphan, a hood rat, a waste, a boy without a past.

Now, everything had changed.