Chapter 203
They arrived at the dining room, but another servant came and whispered something to Mr. Jackson.
Mr. Jackson nodded. “Let him in.” He looked at Elijah and Leanna. “We have another guest.” He
smiled. “A minute, please.”
One of the servants led the guest in, and Leanna was surprised to see him. “Mr. Morris?”
William looked at her and nodded. “Miss McKinney.”
Mr. Jackson asked, “You know each other?”
Leanna wanted to say something, but she had no idea how to answer.
William smiled and stepped in to rescue her. “We’ve met before.”
“I see. Fate works in magical ways.” Mr. Jackson introduced William and Elijah to each other.
“Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Parker. As young and sessful as I thought you’d be,” William
said.
Elijah shook his hand. “Hello, Mr. Morris,” he said.
Mr. Jacksonughed. “Well, don’t just stand there. Sit.”
Right after they took their seats, another servant hurried inside and whispered something to Mr.
Jackson. This time, the old gentleman looked surprised. “Why is he here?”
William said, “I invited him.”
Mr. Jackson nodded and raised his hand, telling the servant to invite the new guest inside.
As they chatted, William suddenly gave Leanna an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, Miss McKinney. I had
no idea you were here.”
Elijah frowned, but he said nothing.
Leanna froze. William hadn’t told her the identity of the guest he invited, but she could guess who it
was. This is some stupid joke. She put on a dry smile. “I-It’s alright.” That was the best thing she could
come up with.
Aidan entered the scene eventually, and he was surprised to see Leanna around, so he stared at her
for a few moments.
Leanna was a little uneasy with that stare, so she drank some water to hide her embarrassment.
A simple greetingter, Aidan took the seat across from Leanna. He still looked as inscrutable as ever.
Mr. Jackson said, “This is the first time I have had this many guests here. It’s an honor. I see
everyone’s acquainted. No need for introductions then. Let’s dig in.”
William raised his ss. “I’m sorry foring uninvited, Mr. Jackson.”
“What’s with the formality? I told you you cane whenever you want, didn’t I? Be at home.”
Aidan said, “I didn’t know you’re acquainted with Mr. Jackson.”
William smiled. “We met at a forum abroad.”
Mr. Jackson nodded. “Yeah. I thought he felt familiar when we first met. Turns out he’s also a
Highsider.”
William smiled, but he didn’t borate.
Aidan quipped, “I heard that the Zielinskies are harassing Mr. Parkertely. Even came to see Mr.
Jackson for that. So, how’d it go?”
Mr. Jackson’s face fell. So he’s starting to get to that conversation, huh?
Elijah said, “It’s settled, but thanks for your concern.”
Aidan sneered. “I see you put in a lot of effort to that end, Mr. Parker.”
“Just doing my job.”
Mr. Jackson coughed. “Yes, yes. It’s settled, so let’s brush it aside. It’s a family dinner, so let’s talk
about something else.”
Aidan continued, “I see. May I ask a personal question then, Mr. Parker?”
Elijah stared back at him defiantly. “And what will that question be?”
Leanna, William, and even Mr. Jackson noticed the tension in the air. It felt like something would go off
and raze everything to the ground in the next moment.
Aidan asked coolly, “You’re not getting any younger. Shouldn’t you find a partner by now?”
N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.
“You first.”
Crap. My water’s almost gone. But I still have no idea how to defuse this.
Aidan replied, “No, you’re in more of a hurry. I don’t want you going after someone else’s wife.”
Leanna choked on thest bit of water.
Elijah noticed that and patted her back right away. “Are you alright, Leanna?”
Leanna shook her head. She said, “I need to use the bathroom.”
Elijah got up as well. “This is your first time here, so I’ll show you the way.”
Just before they could leave, Aidan came with them.
Elijah turned around. “What are you doing, President Pearson?”
“I need to use the bathroom as well. Lead the way please, Mr. Parker.”
Weirdo.
After the trio was gone, reality dawned on Mr. Jackson. “Is Aidan dating Miss McKinney?”
William answered, “No. They just got divorced.”
Ah, so that’s how it is. No wonder Sienna said all that to her back in the tea room. Mr. Jackson waited
for a little while longer to make sure that the trio was out of earshot, then he asked solemnly, “I thought
he’sing back after Christmas. Why is he here already?”
William poured himself a cup of tea and exined, “The Crossleys are up to something, and this is the
perfect chance to execute the n.”
Mr. Jackson knew a little of the feud between the Crossleys and Pearsons. “And that’s why you brought
him here?”
William smiled. “He’s still young. Yes, he’s fierce and capable, but the Crossleys are powerful, and their
network isplex. He can’t tear them down all by himself.”
“You want to use him to…” Mr. Jackson didn’t finish the sentence, but they both knew what he was
trying to say.
Aidan and the Crossleys were at loggerheads. Using him to destroy them was the most inconspicuous
way to get involved. That’s logical, but… “But why is his ex-wife involved? I’ve heard about her. She’s
just a girl whose life was not kind to her.”
William poured some tea into his cup. “Honestly, I don’t get him either. He’s young, but the Pearsons
and Crossleys are wary of him. They even formed an alliance just to destroy him.”
Mr. Jackson sighed. “He’s talented enough to shine wherever he goes, but just because of the
Pearsons’ stupidity, he’s dubbed an illegitimate son. Ever since he was taken back into the fold, the
Zielinskies have tried to make his life a living hell. But thanks to that, he managed to climb all the way
up here.”
He did survive the swamp of despair. Aidan is more capable and cunning than everyone thinks.