The aircraft landed at the airport. Just as Jack and the other 2 walked out of the airport, they saw a line of Mercedes Benz G-class waiting by the roadside. There were over twenty of them and it drew a lot of attention! Jack frowned as he sat in the wheelchair.
Soon he could see Gilbert and Jeweline running towards him. Jeweline was extremely excited to see Jack again. He was able to get to his current status in the Hunter family all thanks to Jack. Previously in the Hunter family, he was being sidelined and belittled. Even his father as the head of the family disregarded him.
But after an interaction with Jack, his status in the Hunter family took a drastic change.
“Jack…” But before Jeweline could greet Jack properly, Jack said solemnly, “Why did you make this so grand?”
Gilbert and Jeweline were stunned when they heard this and exchanged looks. Was this considered grand? It certainly was not to them. The Hunter family was considered the ‘local emperor’ in the North. Twenty over G-class to escort them was nothing compared to Gilbert’s birthday which had the roads cleared and a banquet attended by ten thousand well-wishers.
But Gilbert smiled and apologized, “I’m sorry Mr. Hughes, I just wanted to welcome you and ensure your safety.”
Jack frowned. Such a welcome may invite too much attention and risk his safety instead! He came in secrecy and even his flight records had been suppressed and kept from the public domain. It was all to reduce the likelihood of the dark net getting news of his travel plans and issuing an assassination attempt.
Now as soon as he landed, the twenty-over car convoy of the Hunter family had practically announced his arrival. That essentially negated all of his efforts to keep this trip a secret. Before he came, he had already instructed Jeweline to keep it low profile but he still did this.
Jack rubbed his nose and then said sternly, “Let’s get out of here immediately.” Brent wheeled Jack and walked towards a G-class with Mr. Ward.
Gilbert and Jeweline looked at each other. Gilbert realized what was happening and then questioned Jeweline, “Jeweline, how did Mr. Hughes instruct you before he came?”
Jeweline mumbled, “He told me to pick him up from the airport without any extravagance.”
Gilbert was speechless. He raised his hand and wanted to slap Jeweline causing Jeweline to dodge away from him.
Gilbert ground his teeth and berated, “You fool! Mr. Hughes already told you not to be extravagant and yet you asked me to come in a convoy?”
“Is this extravagant?” Jeweline pointed at the convoy of twenty plus G-class, “Isn’t this our most basic procedure for receiving guests?”
Gilbert was dumbfounded and fumed in fury. This fool…
In order to ensure Jeweline’s status in the Hunter family, Gilbert was glad to see Jeweline drawing nearer to Jack. Jack also appeared willing to interact with Jeweline as the recent phone call to Jeweline proved. Gilbert was fine with all these. But his precious son was not detailed in his handling of things!
“What are you waiting for? Catch up with them!” Gilbert yelled and kicked Jeweline’s backside.
After getting into the car, the convoy of G-class left the airport.
Jack, Brent, Mr. Ward, and Gilbert were in one car while Jeweline was being kicked by Gilbert to the car behind.
Gilbert felt nervous and wrung his hands as he looked at Jack who appeared stern. He was Patrick’s right-hand man and his achievements today were because of Patrick’s gift to him for his dedication. So Jack was in some sense was his benefactor’s son!
Now, their reception at the airport had caused Jack to be so upset and cold towards him.
“Not to be repeated,” Jack said coldly and broke the silence in the car.
Gilbert heaved a sigh of relief and quickly nodded, “Yes, yes, yes… I will remember Mr. Hughes’ words.”
After a pause, Gilbert raised to look at Jack and then smiled, “Mr. Hughes, for what purpose did you come to the Jeweline Group in secrecy?”
“Mr. Ward, Brent, I’m going to take a nap. Wake me up when we arrive.” Jack ignored Gilbert and leaned back to rest.
Gilbert was stunned but then it dawned upon him that it was probably inappropriate to discuss the matter at that moment which was why Jack ignored him. Gilbert didn’t pursue the matter while Brent and Mr. Ward began to chat with each other.
At the Hunter residence.
The extensive manor was like an oasis in the desert. They were the richest family locally and, in this area, their status was comparable to the Hughes family. There were numerous visitors to the manor daily. People and cars everywhere.
But today, the place was solemn and serious. There weren’t the usual hustle and bustle at the entrance because Gilbert had given the order that the Hunter family would only receive one guest that day!
The convoy of twenty plus G-class drove into the carpark. After Jack expressed his displeasure, Gilbert had informed everyone to keep his visit a low profile.
After they got out of the car, Brent wheeled Jack while Mr. Ward followed closely behind and walked into the Hunter residence.
Gilbert and Jeweline followed closely behind. The rest of the people were strictly ordered to remain in the cars until they entered the residence.
Gilbert’s study was a place which he carried out most of his work. He would normally not entertain his guests in the study.
Jack sat in the wheelchair with Mr. Ward and Brent on either side of him.
Gilbert sat in front of the desk and waited respectfully for Jack to speak. Jeweline was arranging for tea to be served. All these were as Jack had requested. They dispensed with all the usual protocol of receiving guests to their residence. This caused Gilbert to feel uncomfortable as he was not a good host.
However, Jack’s eyes twitched involuntarily when Jeweshine entered the study to infuse tea.
After the last time they met, Jeweshine’s status in the Hunter family had taken a huge dive. Jack heard that Jeweshine was stripped of all authorities and resources in the family. But never had he expected Jeweshine to become a servant in the Hunter family.
Jeweshine was once regarded by many as the potential head of the family but now he was reduced to a household servant.
“Mr. Hughes?” Jeweshine was surprised to see Jack. It was all because of Jack that he was in that position today. After the initial shock, Jeweshine lowered his eyes as his fury flashed in his eyes. But even when he looked down, Jack could feel his animosity. Jack gently grinned and ignored him.
It was Jeweline who yelled, “Jeweshine, what’s wrong with you? You’re here to infuse tea and not to speak!”
Jeweshine’s entire body shuddered, lowered his head, and narrowed his eyes like a serpent. His eyes glared with evil anger.
“I’m sorry, master Jeweline.” Jeweshine lowered his head and focused on infusing tea.
Jack stared at Jeweshine as he pondered deeply and continued to grin. Brent also frowned as he looked at Jeweshine with suspicion. Brent unconsciously leaned onto the side of Jack’s wheelchair.
After Jeweshine served the tea and left, Jack instructed Brent and Mr. Ward to wait outside the study. This made Gilbert and Jeweline compose themselves.
“Jack, this is my father’s study and no one would dare to come near it,” Jeweline said.
“This matter is of utmost importance and I can’t be too careful.” Jack had always been very careful and deliberate. He would not allow his carefully devised plan to fail.
Jeweline was about to speak when Gilbert glared at him and said sternly, “Jeweline, get out and stand outside.”
“Dad, I…” Jeweline was stunned but when he saw Gilbert’s stern expression, he quickly walked out of the study and closed the door.
Gilbert smiled, “I’m sorry, Mr. Hughes, Jeweline is still young and I’m afraid that he would impede your important plans.”