The story follows the unconventional marriage between Jasper Hurston and Maria Wharton, as they navigate the challenges within the Hurston family and work to expose Hurston Dynamics’ exploitative practices. Through Maria’s influence and advocacy, they establish the Hurston Health Foundation and leave a lasting impact on worker healthcare.
In 2799, Jasper Hurston defied his family’s wishes and married Maria Wharton, a woman from a prominent family that had been vocal in their opposition to The Messer government. Maria’s family had lost their status due to their dissent, and Maria herself became a minor celebrity after the fall of the Messer regime. Maria’s decision to marry into the Hurston family shocked many, but she continued to advocate for improved medical care for Hurston employees. Some historians question whether she compromised her revolutionary ideals for the sake of her own reputation.
In 2786, Olivia Hurston orchestrated the appointment of her younger brother Alton as CEO of Hurston Dynamics. She did so to prevent Jasper, who had shown promising potential, from surpassing Alton. Olivia worked behind Alton’s back to hinder Jasper’s career progression, resulting in Jasper being transferred away from the corporate headquarters to an office in Davion. Feeling trapped and unsupported, Jasper contemplated leaving the company until he met Maria Wharton, who shared his sense of familial and political struggle.
Jasper and Maria married in 2799, and Maria used Jasper’s status to raise her own celebrity profile while advocating for causes she believed in. In 2803, Jasper discovered the extent of Hurston’s exploitative labor practices and environmental devastation. He shared this information with Maria, who leaked it to the press, resulting in Hurston being exposed for their predatory practices. Jasper’s father, Alton, called a meeting with the couple, and they agreed to stop their public criticisms in exchange for addressing the company’s issues and Jasper’s transfer back to headquarters.
Maria and Jasper’s efforts led to the establishment of the Hurston Health Foundation, which aimed to provide healthcare for former employees, including those who had been off-booked. Though some criticized Maria for compromising on certain issues to achieve this, she managed to make a significant impact on worker healthcare. Following Maria’s death, her son Chesterfield Hurston venerated her legacy and named the state-of-the-art medical facility in Louisville after her. However, the relationship between Chesterfield and Jasper was strained, and there are speculations regarding Jasper’s mysterious disappearance.
In summary, the story outlines the unconventional marriage of Jasper Hurston and Maria Wharton, the challenges they faced within the Hurston family, and their efforts to bring about positive change within the company. Maria’s influence and reputation played a significant role in their endeavors, ultimately leaving a lasting impact through the Hurston Health Foundation and the medical facility named in her honor.