Chapter 42_ The Boy

Maranello's Enterprise:

As Kane and Arya toiled away in the office, Franko Maranello appeared, locking eyes with Arya. "Apologies for interrupting your work, Arya," he began. "But there is an urgent matter that I need to discuss with my son. I'm sure you can understand."

"Of course, sir. No problem," Arya responded gracefully, while inside she wondered, 'I hope Mr. Jackson doesn't have any issues since he wanted to meet me outside the office. But if that were the case, he would have spoken to me directly, not through Kane.' As she left the office, she couldn't resist leaning against the closed door to eavesdrop on the conversation within.

"I've heard that there is this... Piston guy, a third-rate thug, driving around in one of our top models," Franko stated with distaste. Arya, who overheard this, couldn't help but think, 'This isn't a good start.'

"And it's not just any model, it's a very special custom model. Your custom model. The one that loser you lost to was driving," Franko added.

Kane nonchalantly shrugged and retorted, "I own that car, Dad. I can do whatever I want with it. Is that why you're here?"

Franko shook his head in resignation. "Whatever. I don't even want to know. That's not the reason I came here. I want to know where your mother's car is. Did you give that away too?"

"I took it, but I'm not doing anything that mom wouldn't approve of," Kane replied calmly. Franko scrunched up his face in disbelief.

"Put the car back in the damn garage! And don't touch anything there again," Franko bellowed.

"No, Dad. I will take that car out on the streets, where cars belong. And you should keep Mom's memory close to your heart, not in the garage. That's where feelings belong," Kane responded calmly, locking gazes with his father. After a moment, Franko let out a heavy sigh, stepping back and turning to leave the office.

Arya took a quick step back from the office and pretended to check her phone as the door opened. Franko looked at her and closed the door behind him, responding to her with a hint of concern in his voice.

"Is everything okay, sir? Can I continue working?" she asked.

"I don't know what's going on with Kane. I've never seen him like this before. I can't decide if you're working a miracle or a disaster with him. I guess we'll have to see. Now, get back to work," Franko replied.

Arya nodded and went back inside, closing the door behind her. As she approached Kane's desk, she could tell something was off about him. He seemed focused on his computer but also distant, with clouds of frustration on his face.

Without saying a word, she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, hoping to ease some of the tension. Kane didn't say anything but leaned in to inhale her unique scent that he had grown to love so much.

The rest of the morning passed without incident and soon it was time for lunch break. Arya left the office to meet with Mr. Jackson at the park. He was already waiting for her, sitting on a bench. As soon as he saw her, he stood up and greeted her with a smile.

"Hello, Arya. I'm always amazed at how impeccably dressed and punctual you are," he said, admiring her.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Jackson?" Arya asked, getting straight to the point. She didn't want to waste any time, especially with a jealous man waiting for her in the office.

"I'm very concerned about Selma. I barely recognize her. I don't know what to make of it. You should see her, Arya. She's been so kind to everyone," he explained, the worry evident on his face.

"What?" Arya exclaimed, taken aback.

"She's been floating on air. This morning she even said my tie was 'cool'," He continued, and Arya resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him.

"No, I mean... Why is that an issue?" She clarified, and Mr. Jackson's demeanor turned grave.

"Well... It's because of the boy," he explained, and Arya furrowed her brows as she pondered, 'Is he referring to Alex?'

"The Boy?" She repeated, prompting him to elaborate.

"Yes, this boy named Alex. She's completely infatuated with him. It's all she talks about," he disclosed, and Arya nodded in understanding.

"I still don't see the problem here," she commented, raising an eyebrow.

"Perhaps, I don't know. I did some investigative work on this Alex boy. He resides in one of the worst neighborhoods in the city. What if he's only interested in Selma for her wealth? What if he's a bad influence on her? Maybe he's involved in drugs or other illegal activities. I'm very concerned, I don't know what to make of it. She's so happy, but I have a foreboding feeling about this," Mr. Jackson finally expressed his concerns, and Arya clenched her fists tightly, controlling the urge to lash out at him for insinuating that her brother could be a negative influence on Selma and possibly involved in drugs. She took a deep breath and exhaled before turning to Mr. Jackson with a composed, patient smile.

If he had truly looked into Alex, how is it that he hasn't discovered that Alex is my brother? And it seems that Selma hasn't mentioned it to him either,' Arya thought silently, before saying aloud, "I'm not sure, Mr. Jackson. That's a rather peculiar question for me to answer..."

"Why is that?"

"Because I too grew up in one of the rough neighborhoods of the city, and I still live there. Your concerns are valid in some respects. The area is plagued by many unsavory characters, but there are also good-hearted individuals among them. In fact, some of the most dependable and benevolent people I know come from the wrong side of the tracks - and I've encountered quite a few wealthy but shady types." Arya disclosed, and Mr. Jackson pondered her words.

"You make a good point. I understand that appearances can be deceiving, but how can I be sure this boy is a decent person?"

"Mr. Jackson, do you honestly think that Selma, as smart and cunning as she is, would fall for a liar?" Arya questioned, causing Mr. Jackson to look stricken. It was true, his daughter was no fool and would certainly not be swayed by a dishonest or delinquent type, if Alex was truly who he claimed to be.

"Indeed, you have a point. I regret my narrow-mindedness," Mr. Jackson admitted, and Arya offered comforting words.

"You were just looking out for your daughter. That's only natural." But Mr. Jackson shook his head.

"No, I was unfair to this boy, and to you. I shouldn't have judged either of you so harshly. Please forgive me," he apologized, and Arya genuinely smiled.

"It's alright. Situations like this can open our eyes to a wider perspective. Otherwise, we tend to stick to what we know. Anyway, I must return to the office," Arya remarked, glancing at her watch.

"Thank you for your time, Arya. It's difficult for me to trust others' judgment, but I feel secure with you," Mr. Jackson expressed, shaking her hand and watching as she walked away with a friendly smile, nodding in agreement to his inner musings.