That afternoon, the financial news reported a story that shocked the entire business district in Bentson. It was so shocking that Emily’s chopsticks fell from her hand and onto the table with a clang.
Jackson Corporation had acquired Hunter’s Century Corporation. Eldest Young Master Jackson would assume his role as Jackson Corporation’s CEO and Old Master Jackson would officially retire from his position.
Emily stared at her bowl of rice and said nothing.
Henry did not expect the TV in the private room would show the financial news. Nevertheless, that was his private room. The restaurant’s employees knew that he liked to watch the business news while he dined there.
“You…” He shut the door as he entered the room. He picked up her chopsticks and put them back on its holder.
“Are you not feeling well?
Emily shook her head. Her eyes were still lowered as she stared at nothing. Everything in front of her had blurred.
Henry took a closer look at her face, only to find beads of tears that trickled from her eyes.
“What’s wrong? Not happy about the news?”
He already knew about his big brother’s return to the Jackson Corporation, so he had expected the news.”
“He had given his blood, sweat, and tears to Century Corporation. He had worked so hard to achieve something for himself.” Emily sobbed.
Emily could no longer hold it in as she cried with her head buried in her arms.
Hunter loved his Century Corporation; he had loved it so much. Everyone knew that Eldest Young Master Jackson was a workaholic. If one did not love one’s work, would one be willing to work so hard like a machine?
However, he was still willing to give up the company he had so lovingly built and returned to Jackson Corporation. He even delivered Century Corporation right into the corporation’s hands.
The CEO of Jackson Corporation was a prestigious position. It was high above the pedestal and the envy of those from the same social standing. Many of the Jackson family members also had their eyes on the position. Unfortunately, Hunter had not been one of them.
Why would he go back? Why would he give up the one thing that he had loved?
“The reason that I could leave Jackson’s mansion in one piece. Was it because of the compromise that Eldest Young Master Jackson had made?”
She could not change that fact, no matter how much she cried.
Henry did not answer her question, but he smiled. “Why don’t you look at it from another angle? Jackson Corporation would grow only stronger in Eldest Young Master Jackson’s hands.”
“Isn’t it better to join forces than to work so hard to build your own corporation?”
Eldest Young Master Jackson’s identity was even more distinguished. Jackson Corporation would eventually be his, and his potential was limitless!
Yet, was that what he really wanted?
Emily did not know how long she had cried until she raised her head to look at Henry with tears in her eyes.
“The reason that I could leave Jackson’s mansion in one piece. Was it because Eldest Young Master Jackson made a deal with Old Master Jackson?”
“Why ask if you already know the answer to the question?” What was done was done; there was nothing she could do to change that fact.
Perhaps Century Corporation had meant everything to his big brother, and it might have even been his life. However, since he initiated the discussion with Old Master Jackson, Century Corporation no longer held any meaning to Hunter. He had found something even more precious in his life, something more valuable than his own life.
“The old master would never let you return to him. If I were you, I would forget about it.”
Those words were hurtful, but they were facts.
“Your existence is one that rivals even that of the Century Corporation. The old master viewed these existences as threats.
“Furthermore, Eldest Young Master Jackson had lost so much because of you. I’m afraid they would never allow you to return to him.
“For a successful person like Hunter, you would only be a burden to him. He would only be invincible if he would forget all about you and sever all ties with you.”
He picked up a tissue and wiped her tears from the corner of her eyes.
“He had taken the initiative and tasked me with your well-being. Don’t ever think of going back to him.
“It’s not because he is a bad person or that he does not care for you. It’s precisely because he cared too much that he cannot want you. Do you understand me?”
Emily balled her fists. She did not know if she understood him or not, but she had heard him clearly. She had become a burden for Hunter. If she stayed with him, she would only bring harm to the people around her.
She had finally lost her right to stand beside him.
“So, what do you plan to do?”
The girl should have understood what he meant. However, he did not know what was in her mind.
“What else can I do?” Emily took a piece of tissue and wiped the tears off her face.
“Life goes on.”
…
Hunter had assumed the position of CEO of Jackson Corporation, and everyone had predicted that to happen.
Eldest Young Master Jackson was the most outstanding younger generation in the Jackson family. If the old master were to choose a successor, Eldest Young Master Jackson was the obvious clear choice.
However, within the Jackson family, it was something that had happened out of the blue.
“Didn’t he say that he wanted to make a name for himself? Why would he come back to Jackson Corporation?”
Manson was so angry that he almost broke the chair in the main hall!
Not far away from him was his younger half-brother, the rarely seen Fifth Young Master Jackson, Porter. Porter was there to taste the red wine from Manson’s collection. He seemed unconcerned with his half-brother’s anger.
“Eldest Brother is a business genius. This is an undisputed fact. Eldest Brother’s return would only strengthen Jackson Corporation’s hold in the industry. Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Is that what you really think? If Eldest Brother assumes control of Jackson Corporation, it means that it will never fall into your hands!”
Porter stared at him with confusion. A moment later, he laughed out loud. “Second Elder Brother, to be honest…”
He coughed and slowed his words, “Even if Eldest Brother did not take over Jackson Corporation, it would still not fall into my hands. Isn’t there still Second Elder Brother and Third Elder Brother?”
He smiled awkwardly. “Second Elder Brother, did you ask me here to taste your wine, or to form some kind of alliance for some sort of confrontation?”
Porter seemed afraid of that conversation topic and quickly shook his head and waved his arms.
“We are no match for Eldest Brother in terms of business acumen. Everyone accepted wholeheartedly to place Jackson Corporation into Eldest Brother’s hands.
“Second Elder Brother, I would advise you not to cause any trouble. A general manager is already a top-notch position in Bentson.
“If you oppose Eldest Brother and anger him, you might not even get to stay at Jackson Corporation!”
“I don’t want to be a mere General Manage!”
Why should Hunter get to be the CEO while he remained a General Manager? They shared the same last name, so why should Old Master Jackson treat them so differently?
“He had only put his efforts into Century Corporation all these years. What has he done for Jackson Corporation?
“As for me, I have given my all to the company. Did the old man even notice it? Was he blind?
“Who contributed the most to Jackson Corporation? Hunter or I? How could the old man be so biased?
“Second Elder Brother, you’re drunk. Don’t say such things.”
Porter went to grab him, but Manson pushed him away violently. His expression was full of displeasure.
“What about you? You are a genius scholar. You obtained your doctorate in economics at the age of eighteen. Everyone knows that you are a genius!
“However, as long as Hunter is around, you would not have the opportunity to shine. Are you willing to accept that?”