Silence filled the room. Everyone stood frozen, shocked by the realization that the long-forgotten son was alive—and right there in front of them, looking incredibly hot.
Jedidiah.
A name buried deep in their hearts. A name that was now resurrected, undeniable in the present.
"As you can see, I'm not dead," Jedidiah said with a casual smile.
"Hold up, did you just quote T'Challa from Black Panther?" asked the young man who was supposed to introduce him, raising an eyebrow curiously.
Jedidiah just smiled again, letting the moment linger. The silence between them stretched like a rubber band.
"Jedidiah... you look... different," Pete said, his voice trembling slightly.
"I see… so you're alive," Kate said coldly. "What in heaven's name are you doing here, punk? Are you here to beg again?"
Jedidiah smiled faintly. "Well, the ground couldn't hold me. And it's nice to see you haven't changed. This will be fun."
Kate raised her voice, throwing insults and bragging about her worth in contrast to his. Yet through all her arrogance, Jedidiah stayed quiet.
Then she hissed, "Who even called you here? I guess you need school fees again—beggar."
"I called him," a stern voice cut through the tension.
Dr. Raymond.
A cold aura swept across their spines as he spoke, his voice sharp with authority and anger. "We need him."
"Welcome," he continued, turning to Jedidiah. He nearly called him grandson but hesitated upon seeing Jedidiah's tightened expression. He quickly corrected himself. "Mr. Jedidiah."
Jedidiah replied calmly, "It's Dr. Jedidiah."
That one statement shifted the atmosphere entirely. The room fell into another stunned silence.
Only two people in that room now held the title Doctor: Dr. Raymond… and Dr. Jedidiah.
Everyone was in disbelief. Dr. Raymond—renowned for his authority, discipline, and fearsome demeanor—was treating Jedidiah as his equal. The same boy he had once hated, despised, and belittled was now standing beside him… and he feared him.
No one could speak. They were as stunned as thieves caught with stolen treasure—especially Kate. She now understood: Jedidiah was no longer a boy to be mocked. He was a man not to be played with.
Dr. Raymond invited Jedidiah to his home that evening and instructed everyone to be present at the family estate.
He then signaled to his personal assistant. "I have an announcement to make," he said as he gestured for Jedidiah to follow. He introduced him to a few important guests nearby.
As Jedidiah walked toward the exit, he spotted Aquileia and Samantha.
His mind spiraled into a sudden storm of memories.
FLASHBACK:
He remembered Aquileia—his ex-girlfriend—standing silently while others accused him of things she knew he didn't do. Yet she said nothing. She played along.
He remembered how she used him, just to get closer to his stepbrother, who had more money. She publicly humiliated him, pretending to love him, dating him just for attention—only to betray his biggest secret and leave him in ruins. Like everyone else did.
Back in the present, Jedidiah glanced at Samantha—the same woman who had caused a scene in the supermarket the day before, cursing him out when he tried to help her. He simply smiled and walked past them.
"I didn't even recognize him," Samantha said, still watching him.
"Yes… he really has changed," Aquileia replied quietly.
That Evening…
The family and a few trusted friends gathered at the estate. Dr. Raymond, already seated, began to speak.
"Thank you all for coming. I appreciate the support you've given me through the years. But not everything is as smooth as it seems. Some tough decisions have had to be made."
Confusion swept through the room.
"What's he talking about?" whispered someone.
"We've been experiencing major setbacks," Dr. Raymond continued. "Our international sales are plummeting. The losses are increasing, and we're no longer competitive. After serious deliberation, a solution came from an unexpected source—an old friend of mine who connected us with a company overseas."
He paused, letting the tension build.
"They won't collaborate with us directly. But they've offered help—provided we restructure the company. We've agreed to a six-month joint leadership arrangement."
The room exhaled collectively, relieved.
"Six months from now," he added, "they will have equal authority as co-CEOs."
Michael raised a hand. "When are they arriving?"
"They?" Dr. Raymond chuckled. "Not they. He. The representative is already here."
Everyone leaned forward in anticipation. But that anticipation turned into stunned disbelief as Dr. Raymond pointed toward the doorway.
"Mr.… sorry, Dr. Jedidiah is the representative."
He continued firmly, "He'll be resuming his duties starting next week. Make all necessary preparations for his arrival."
Disappointment and shock clashed across their faces. The deal was already done.
Jedidiah wasn't just back.
He was in power.