Despite not living with the Jarrett family for many years, Alexander still commanded very high respect in the family. So no one spoke a word.
After lunch, Leonardo got to his feet. “I still have work to do. Please excuse me.”
Summer looked up at him, surprised, not expecting him to leave this quickly.
Alexander looked up. “I’ll leave you two go.”
Alexander and Leonardo had not much conversation, but Summer had the bizarre feeling that they already had a heart-to-heart talk. While she was still in her little world, Leonardo had grasped her out of the Jarrett mansion. Back in the car, Summer still looked like a muddlehead.
“You and my grandpa—what happened?” She was none wiser of the silent mental exchange between them.
“He will find me.” Leonardo’s lips curled up in a smirk.
She had no idea if Alexander would find him, but one thing was sure, Alexander would see her very soon.
…
It was Friday the next day. As soon as Summer arrived at her office, she immediately got the wind that the old company president was presiding over the management of the company. As she sat down at her cubicle, she got a call from Vicky.
“Grandpa asks for you. In his office.” Vicky sounded indignant, hanging up as soon as it was done.
Summer went into the president’s office only to find Lynn and Vicky also there. It seemed she was not the only one Alexander wanted to see. But she could see that Lynn and Vicky’s faces looked not too excited. Especially Lynn, who looked so despondent that he must have a flea in his ear. Vicky had noticed Summer’s stare, shooting one back at her with extra ice.
Alexander had not noticed their little eye exchanges, motioning Summer to sit down. This puzzled Summer even more. Lynn and Vicky were made to stand while she was given a seat.
“Don’t bother with them. Please sit down. I have some questions for you.” When Alexander’s eyes landed on Lynn, he hissed, “Wastrel!” Since he offered, Summer sat down.
“You must have a hard life all these years in the family. I already know everything they have done.”
These words knocked her down with a feather. This was the last thing she would expect Alexander to say to her. She was unsure what he was up to, so she just played along. “That’s fine. We are a family. Family members aren’t calculative with each other.”
Lynn shook his head. “You were still small when I left. But you surprised me. You are the cleverest among them all.”
The cleverest? Her heart skipped a beat. She had a bad feeling. Had Alexander found out something?
“Brother and sister are outstanding. I am nowhere near them.” Summer looked down, trying to avoid eye contact with Alexander.
“You are a humble girl, Summer.” Alexander suddenly smiled, waving at Lynn and Vicky with the back of his hand. “You two leave us.”
“Aye.”
Vicky was not too happy, of course. But she had no choice but to get out. On her way out, she had not forgotten to shoot Summer a hideous look. She still remembered her grandpa liked her the most last time. Now, not only had her grandpa scolded her, but he was also starting to warm up to her ugly sister.
…
After Lynn and Vicky left, Alexander said, “I never know you are such a gutsy girl, hiring a paparazzo to expose the hanky-panky in our factory, yet still able to keep the company staying afloat.”
Sure enough, Alexander had found out. Lynn had never suspected her because she always played the dimwit in the family. This was enough to numb his judgment. What was more, it was she who got Leonardo to help Jarrett Group. Because of this, Lynn had not the slightest suspicion of her. But Alexander was different; he was far smarter. Despite not living with the family, he could smell the slightest hint from afar.
“Grandpa, are you angry with me because I have invited a paparazzo to film things about our factory?” Since Alexander was getting forthright with her, she had no reason to hide from him anymore. It was time to talk it over.
“Do you know how much the factory exposure incident cost Jarrett Group?”
“But I just wanted to make use of the opportunity to increase publicity for Jarrett Group. Leonardo has helped us sail through it, and Jarrett Group has become famous and deals are coming its way.” She started to think she deserved an Oscar. It felt good to get complimented. But if the other person came with ill-intentions, she would have to play dimwit again.
Now, Summer could sense that Alexander came with an ill-intention. Gut feelings are strange yet amazing things; they are always almost right. Alexander squinted at her as if he was analyzing her words, trying to figure out if she was lying. So Summer opened her eyes just slightly wider, biting her lips so she could look more innocent. Soon, Alexander waved his hand at her, asking her to leave.
Summer got to her feet, turned around and walked out. After three paces, she suddenly looked back at Alexander. “Grandpa, why is it you want to see me?”
“Nothing. Just go.” Alexander had obviously lost his patience. He could not wait for Summer to get out of his sight. The expression on Summer faded as she walked away.
No matter how nice Alexander treated her, he was still Jarrett. Jarretts had the gene that always despised her. In one minute, Alexander said he felt sorry for her for the mistreatment she received all these years, and the next minute after questioning her about the factory exposure incident, he immediately showed her the door. No nonsense. No bullsh*t.
Alexander was calling for a board meeting, trying to iron out the problems the company faced. Vicky and Lynn were asked to attend, but not Summer. Alexander had probably concluded, through the morning meeting with her, that she was really a dimwit. So, she was a waste of time.
It had always been that way. The Jarretts had always excluded her from their plans. Summer had accepted it. She did not feel a thing about it now. Without having to attend the meeting, that meant she could leave early. Was it not good?
…
It was Friday, and Summer had no plans to go home just yet. Her plan was to wait for Douglas so they could go shopping.
The moment Douglas got into the car, he exclaimed, “Liberation!”
“What is it about?”
“Winter break begins next week.” Douglas collapsed in the backseat, face looking as if he had won a million dollars.
“There is still an exam before that.” Not that Summer wanted to pour cold water on his excitement.
His face collapsed.