Part 66: Joel is my only brother

He smiled hoping for better days to come.

——

Canary returned back and walked into the grand foyer of the Andersons mansion, feeling a sense of relief and exhaustion wash over him.

As he entered the living room, he saw Ketra, the housekeeper, sitting on the couch, watching TV. She looked up and smiled as he approached.

"Welcome back, Canary," she said, using the familiar tone she always used when addressing him.

Canary smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. "Thanks, Aunty," he said. "It's good to be back."

Ketra stood up and walked over to him, a look of concern on her face.

"How was your day?" she asked.

Canary shrugged, feeling a sense of weariness. "It was a long day," he said.

"But I got some good news. My name has been cleared, and I'll be reinstated as CEO of Andersons Group."

Ketra's face lit up with a smile. "That's wonderful news,I knew you were innocent " she said.

"I'm so happy for you."

Canary smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ketra.

She had been a loyal and trusted member of the household staff for years, and he appreciated her kindness and support.

"Thanks, Ms Ketra" he said. "I'm just glad it's all over. But I was wondering, where's my mother? I haven't seen her all day."

Ketra's expression turned serious, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Your mother has been in her room all day, Canary," she said. "She's been...not feeling well, I think."

Canary's brow furrowed with concern.

"I'll go check on her," he said, feeling a sense of responsibility and concern.

Ketra nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "Yes, that would be a good idea, Canary."

—

Canary walked into his mother's bedroom, carrying a glass of passion juice that he had gotten from the kitchen.

He had hoped to cheer her up and talk to her about his day, but as he approached her bed, he saw that she was fast asleep.

He set the glass down on the bedside table and gently shook her shoulder. "Mom, wake up," he said softly.

Lucy stirred and opened her eyes, looking up at Canary with a groggy expression. "Canary, what time is it?" she asked, her voice husky from sleep.

Canary smiled and sat down beside her on the bed. "It's late, Mom," he said.

Lucy's eyes focused on his face, and she sat up in bed, looking more alert.

" Mom, Are you okay ?" He asked.

" Yeah, I'm just weak.."

Lucy's expression was cautious, and she asked, "Did you tell Mr.Smith everything about the video?"

Canary hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I told him that the video was doctored," he said.

" Did you say Joel was behind it ?" Lucy asked anxiously.

" No Mom.." He said.

Lucy let out a sigh of relief, and her shoulders relaxed.

"Good," she said. "Never tell anyone that Joel was involved in the video, Canary. Never."

Canary was taken aback by his mother's reaction. "Why, Mom?" he asked, feeling a sense of confusion. "What's going on?"

Lucy's expression was serious, and she looked at Canary with a warning in her eyes.

"Just trust me, Canary," she said.

"It's better if no one knows about Joel's involvement. It's safer for everyone."

" But Mom, I…"

" Joel is my only brother, Canary," she said.

"And I love him, despite our differences. I don't want the world to know that we have... misunderstandings."

"You're protecting him, Mom," Canary said, his voice filled with understanding. "You're protecting your brother."

Lucy nodded, looking at Canary with tears in her eyes. "Yes, Canary. I am. Family is important, and I don't want anything to hurt Joel's reputation or our family's reputation. We have to keep our problems private, no matter how hard it is."

Canary nodded, feeling a sense of empathy for his mother. He could understand why she would want to protect her brother, even if he didn't agree with her decision.

He knew that his mother loved him and wanted the best for him, and he trusted her to make the right decisions.

"Okay, Mom," Canary said. "I won't say anything about Joel's involvement. I promise."

Lucy smiled, looking relieved. "Thank you, Canary," she said. "I appreciate it. Just remember, family is everything, and we have to stick together, no matter what."

Canary went back to his room with a little confusion about his mother's behavior but he decided not to think about it too much.

***

The following day, The original video of Canary and Regina's conversation was finally released, revealing the truth and clearing Canary's name.

The company committee convened an emergency meeting with Mr. Smith to discuss the implications of the new evidence.

As they gathered around the table, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation, and Mr. Smith prepared to address the committee's questions and concerns about the future of the company and Canary's role in it.

As the committee meeting commenced, Joel, Williams, and Mrs. Daniels took their seats, their faces etched with a mix of anger and concern.

They had been riding high on their temporary victory, with Joel at the helm of the company, and the thought of Canary returning to reclaim his position as CEO was unbearable.

Joel's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration, as he thought about the possibility of being ousted once again.

Williams and Mrs. Daniels exchanged a tense glance, their minds racing with the implications of Canary's return.

They had worked so hard to bring him down, and now it seemed that their efforts might be for naught.

The air was thick with tension as they waited for the meeting to begin, their anger and resentment towards Canary simmering just below the surface.

" Since you have all now seen the video, Canary Andersons will come back and take over his position next week." Mr.Smith declared at the end.

Mr. Smith's declaration that Canary would return as CEO the following week was met with a mixture of reactions from the committee members.

However, Mr. Williams was quick to speak up, his voice laced with opposition.

"I disagree with this decision, Mr. Smith," he said, his eyes scanning the room.

They all turned to look at him in murmurs.

"Joel has been acting CEO for only a week, and in that short time, he has proven himself to be more than capable."

Some begun nodding.

" In fact, I would say he has been perfect. So, I ask you, why fix what isn't broken? Why not retain Joel as CEO and let Canary focus on his role as President of the company?"

Mr. Williams' words were met with a nod of agreement from Mrs. Daniels, who smiled subtly in support of Joel.

Joel looked at them and gave a smirk.