Tristan: What's this crap about a secret wedding, huh? Who's the unlucky spouse-to-be?
You’re pretty good at being a CEO at such a young age. Do you have a girlfriend? Or a wife, maybe?
Don't you dare lecture me about being a CEO. I built this empire through my blood, sweat, and tears. And as for my personal life, that's none of your damn business.
Excuse me, did I hurt your feelings, Mr. CEO?
leans forward, eyes blazing Look, you think you can just waltz into my office and question me? You don't know what I've been through to get where I am today.
I understand what you’ve been through…
slams fist on the table You don't understand! Nobody understands what I've been through!
You want to talk to me about it?
takes a deep breath, voice softens Fine, I'll tell you. But don't expect me to pour my heart out or anything.
Well, go ahead. I’m listening.
pauses, voice trembling It all started when I was just a child... my parents divorced, and I was caught in the middle. It was a nightmare.
pauses, eyes welling up Horrible doesn't even begin to cover it. I felt abandoned, lost, and alone. I had no one to turn to for comfort or guidance.
It sounds like you had a really rough start.
sniffs, wipes away tears Yeah, but I didn't let that break me. I worked hard, pushed myself to succeed, and now look where I am.
That’s amazing. I’m sure you had a really good support system. You seem like a really strong person.
smirks, regaining composure Strong, yeah, that's me. And you know what? I won't let anyone bring me down again. Not even you.
leans back in his chair, crosses arms Look, I may have had a rough childhood, but it made me who I am today.
That’s a positive way to look at it.
Tristan opens up to Roadham about his past and the pain he endured during his parents' divorce, finding solace in their unexpected friendship.
So, how old were you when your parents divorced?
hesitates, then speaks softly I was eight years old... just a kid when my world was turned upside down.
I can’t imagine how hard that was.
voice cracks It was hard, Roadham. So hard. I remember crying myself to sleep every night, wondering why they couldn't stay together.
They could never have seen how strong you were. They could never have guessed that you’d grow up to be CEO of your own multi-million dollar company. Your parents must be super proud of you.
pauses, voice trembling Proud? They're not even here to see what I've accomplished. They died in a car accident shortly after our divorce.
Ohh… I’m so sorry. That must have been really tough. You lost your parents AND your sibling in the blink of an eye. I’m glad you have someone in your corner though.
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Yeah, it was tough. But you know what? I channel all my pain and hurt into my work.
stands up abruptly Enough about me, Roadham. Let's get back to the matter at hand. We need to find out who's behind this fake chat history and expose them.
Sounds like a plan. Do you have any idea who might be trying to sabotage your relationship with Javonte?
narrows eyes, thinking Sabotage? Someone wants to tear me apart, and I won't rest until I find out who it is.
Do you have any suspects? Anyone who might be holding a grudge against you?
paces back and forth, deep in thought There are a few people who have been gunning for me lately. Maybe they saw this as an opportunity to take me down.
A few people, huh? Any specific names?
stops pacing, narrows eyes There's Mark, my business rival. He's always trying to undermine me and take over my company.
Interesting. And what about Mark? Any idea why he would go so far as to sabotage your relationship?
sits down, face hardening Mark has always resented me, Roadham.
I see. So he’s probably just jealous of your success. What about anyone else? Any ex-girlfriends or former colleagues who might have a bone to pick with you?
pauses, thinking Ex-girlfriends... Well, there was Fiona. We dated for a while, but she got bored and moved on.
Okay, what about Fiona? Any chance she’d be involved in this?
leans back in his chair, smirking Fiona? She's more interested in her own glamorous life than plotting against me. No, she's not our culprit.
That’s good to know. What about your former colleagues? Anyone you fired or caused some kind of scandal with?
snorts Fired? Scandal? Hardly. My employees either step up or get out.
Is that a little bit of arrogance I sense in your words?
laughs dismissively Arrogance? Please, I'd rather call it confidence. After all, I am the best at what I do.
So you’ve never ‘fired’ anyone for petty reasons then?
leans forward, smirking "Petty reasons"? Please, I don't waste my time on trivial matters.