Victor knocked on the door as he looked around for any signs of life. Shortly after, the door opened and an elderly lady stood there. Victor looked and nodded, 'It was indeed Jonah's mother.' Despite her old age the resemblance was still there.
"Good day ma'am, my name is Victor Crane." The woman stared. "Umm I am Jonah's new boss and I am just trying to get to know my employees better." Victor continued. The woman's eyes softened as she opened the door wider to let him in. She ushers him to the living room.
"Thank you. I must say what a nice place you have here." Victor said looking around. "Oh my son you are too kind." She says with a frail voice. "Have a seat let me get you a cup of coffee." She tells Victor as she walks towards what seems to be the kitchen.
A steaming hot cup of coffee is placed in front of him as she sits. "So how is Jonah like?" Victor starts. A smile breaks out on the woman's face at the mention of her son. "Jonah. Jonah is such a wonderful boy with a kind heart, although that gets him in trouble sometimes." She tells him "He has always been… sensitive. Even as a child, he would cry if he saw a bird with a broken wing." Victor nodded, with no expression on his face. "He sounds like a remarkable young man. I am very impressed with the work he has been doing for the firm . He has a real talent for design. I hope we will be able to work together better as I am new."
Jonah's mother beamed. "Thank you. I am so proud of him. He has worked so hard to get where he is."
"And he is so dedicated," Victor continued, his voice smooth and persuasive. "Always the first one in the office, the last one to leave. He's a real asset to the company."
A flicker of concern crossed her face. "Yes, he does work very long hours. I worry about him sometimes. He does not seem to have much time for himself."
Victor leaned forward, his voice softening. "Well, that is something we are trying to address at Crane Enterprises. We value our employees, and we want them to have a good work-life balance. We're actually implementing some new initiatives to encourage that."
Jonah's mother nodded, a grateful expression on her face. "That's good to hear. It would be nice to see him relax a little more. He deserves it."
"Absolutely," Victor said. "And I am sure he has a lot to celebrate these days, with his… relationship." He paused, watching her reaction closely. A shadow passed over her face. "Yes… well…" she hesitated, "Jonah… he keeps his personal life private. He doesn't talk much about it."
Victor nodded understandingly. "Of course. That is perfectly understandable. But I just wanted to say that whatever makes Jonah happy, makes me happy. He's a valuable member of our team, and I want him to know that he has our full support."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Although I have heard… rumors," he continued, his voice dropping to a lower register. "About… certain… photographs. I want you to know that I don't believe everything I hear. And even if those rumors are true, it does not change anything. Jonah is still the same talented, dedicated person he has always been."
Jonah's mother looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Crane," she said softly. "That means a lot to me." Jonah's mother began to wonder what he was getting at. Victor smiled warmly. "Please, call me Victor. And I mean it. Jonah is a part of our family at Crane Enterprises. And we take care of our family." He stood up, extending his hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Hartfield. I hope to see you again soon."
She took his hand, her grip surprisingly strong. "Thank you, Victor. And please… call me Margaret." Victor nodded, his smile unwavering. He turned and walked towards the door, his mind racing. He had made his first move. He had gained Margaret's trust. Now, he just needed to find a way to use it to his advantage.
***
Back in the Maldives, Elliot and Jonah were growing increasingly restless. They had spent the day trying to relax, but the tension was still thick between them. They knew that time was running out.
Elaine would be returning soon, and they still did not have all the answers they needed. "Did you hear anything from Clara?" Jonah asked, breaking the silence. Elliot shook his head. "No. I tried calling her, but she did not respond."
Jonah frowned. "That is not like her. She said she would keep us updated."
"Maybe she is just busy," Elliot suggested, trying to sound optimistic.
"Or maybe she's up to something," Jonah muttered, his voice laced with suspicion.
Elliot looked at him, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"I do not know," Jonah said. "I just… I don't trust her completely. She's being too helpful, too... I don't know....eager."
"What are you suggesting?" Elliot asked, his voice tight.
"I'm just saying we should be careful," Jonah replied. "We do not know what Clara's real agenda is."
Elliot sighed. "You know it is really ungrateful of you to doubt Clara after everything she has done to help us." Elliot tells Jonah.
"What? I am just trying to be careful here." Jonah said rolling his eyes. "I mean what woman who finds out her husband to be is gay and is this supportive of the relationship?" Jonah questions Elliot.
"Leave Clara out of this she has been really nice and is just so because she cares about me and whatever makes me happy." Elliot told Jonah. "That is right you are always quick to defend her. You allow your judgement to be clouded so easily." Jonah muttered. Elliot graoned, "Jonah this isn't me trying to defend Clara it's trying to protect our relationship and my reputation." Jonah looked on in disdain, "All I'm saying is , we should be careful." "Ugghh, I can't deal with this right now." Elliot said and walked out.