Never Judge

The crowd went silent when they saw the family dressed in black and white step out of R Tower. Cedric and Emilio in their matching black suits, and Adrianna in her white pantsuit.

The small family was an image of perfection, a beautiful wife, a strong and smart looking father, and the handsome little boy that held tightly to his father's hand. The press couldn't help but snap photos of the family that had stepped out.

Emilio was the splitting image of his father, especially now with his cold, straight faced demeanor. 

Compared to the first time they had stepped out together in public, the family now carried a regal air about them, something that was not there before. 

Cedric took a deep breath as they got closer to the podium, he felt Adrianna give his hand a gentle squeeze for confidence. 

As he stood in front of the members of the press Cedric could see the curiosity in their eyes. Who wouldn't be? Just earlier that afternoon Cedric stood in front of them, revealing his identity for the first time, and now this illusive CEO had called for a 2nd press conference at midnight.

"I'm sure you all are wondering why we called for another press conference." Cedric began. "It is with great sorrow that I regret to inform everyone that at 7pm earlier tonight, my mother, Priscilla Clarin - Reyes, the matriarch of the Reyes Clan and the last living heir of the Clarin Clan passed away due to injuries sustained from the attack on members of our family."

As Cedric announced the news audible gasps were heard from the crowd, some were even wiping tears from their eyes. Priscilla had sponsored the education of many aspiring journalists, while others recalled how kind she was despite all the mud being thrown at her.

Cedric gave the reporters a moment to process the news. He watched as they spoke among themselves. He couldn't help but turn and look at his wife and son, who both gave him a reassuring nod.

When the crowd had somewhat settled, Cedric spoke again.

"We hope that you would all respect our family's need to mourn the loss of my mother." Cedric said, to which most reporters nodded and Cedric gave them a weak smile.

"I am aware that many are concerned about the future of Clarin Industries and the Reyes Group." Cedric said as he eyes the business columnists present. "Before my mother's death she had transferred all of her shares to me and my sister Ayanna, and since then the management of Clarin Industries had been folded into that of the Reyes Group."

Cedric paused and drank from a bottle of water that Dave had provided. This once again gave the reporters an opportunity to speak among themselves and whisper about what Cedric had just announced. 

"My mother's other properties and holdings will be divided equally between me and my sister as well." Cedric further explained. "I am opening the stage for questions, but again, I would like to ask for everyone's understanding of our current situation."

At that Cedric nodded towards Dave who handed the microphone to a reporter.

"Are there any details on the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Reyes?" The reporter asked.

Cedric nodded and smiled at the reporter. 

"We understand that mom was a public figure, not only was she a business woman but a philanthropist as well. For those that wish to pay their last respects, my mother's body will be available for viewing at Reyes Mansion at specified times." Cedric explained. 

Since Emilio Reyes had a hard time returning to the old home, Cedric had decided to open the doors of the old mansion in order to accommodate those that wished to mourn his mother.

"My mothers body will then be placed to rest at the Reyes Family Mausoleum nine days after her death." Cedric informed the members of the media.

"Thank you sir, and I wish to offer you my condolences." The reporter said with a sincere look in his eyes as he handed the mic back to Dave.

"Sir, do you have any leads on who caused Mrs. Reyes' death?" Another reporter asked. 

It was a question Cedric knew was coming. 

"We are still investigating the matter, we will inform the press if we have any answers." Cedric answered politely.

The reporter simply nodded and handed the mic back.

Cedric was glad that they didn't probe any further and had given him and his family space to grieve. 

"Sir, on behalf of all the reporters present." One of the younger reporters said as he was given the opportunity to speak. "We would like to give our deepest condolences to you and your family. We understand your need to mourn, your mother was a benevolent woman, she cared truly and deeply for others. Her death is a loss to our nation."

Cedric watched as the other reporters nodded in response. 

"Thank you for your kind words." Cedric said, he felt that he was on the verge of tears as they offered their condolences. He knew his mother had touched a lot of lives and had been respected by a lot of people.

Cedric turned to see his wife wiping her tears away, it seemed he was not the only one moved by the kind words coming from the reporters.

Cedric gathered himself and spoke once more.

"The Reyes Group will be closed for a day in order to mourn my mother's death." Cedric announced, it was an impromptu decision coming from his realization that he wasn't the only one in mourning. "As for the projects my mother had championed in the past, we will continue to support them as a family. Thank you all for coming at such a late hour."

Cedric turned and picked up his little son, who hugged him tight. With his free hand Cedric held his wife's hand and walked away from the press conference. 

As they walked away Emilio said something that surprised Cedric and Adrianna. 

"All those people loved grandma too, grandma was a good person." the little boy said as he hugged his father tighter as he resisted the urge to cry.