Chapter 9: Help Your Cousin's Position

Back then, I liked Verite, but my dear dad didn't like my chance strategies. Of course, he had his motives—marrying into the Jemning family meant his company could flourish. Since I married her, every time he called me back, it was always about using my connection to the Jemning family. I’d become a pawn in his ambitions, both past and present. The message I heard most from him was to keep Verite happy so he could leverage her influence. Never once did he care about how I was doing in this marriage. And me? I clung to a shred of familial affection, bending over backward to help him. In a way, Yvette was right—he was a useless tree-loafer, dependent on her to survive.

They don’t owe us anything. I won’t ask her to help if you need funding. Suppressing the turmoil in my chest, I picked up another piece of fish, my eyes cold with mockery, and said flatly, “She doesn’t need to write a proposal; take it to her directly. If your project is truly good, why wouldn’t she invest?”

It was the first time I had gone against him. The others were stunned, unable to believe that the usually spineless me would have the guts to talk back. My dad’s authority as the head of the household had been challenged. He slammed his fist on the table and glared at me angrily, his face red. “Den, you ungrateful brat! How dare you—”

“You think only of yourself. What will you do when I get old? Will you ever go as far as Billi?”

“You, as long as I’m your dad, Baby’s be in chapel. You married a wealthy wife; what’s wrong with asking for her help? Whether you like it or not, you’re doing this!”

Just Lexi grabbed his arm to calm him down, then turned to me with a worried plea. “Owen, you married into the Jemning family, but this is still your home.”

“If your family is in need, doesn’t that make it easier for you? It’s not a big deal. Just ask for help with some funds. Your dad will be happy, and the family will benefit—isn’t that right?”

They wanted to sacrifice me to benefit themselves. Of course, they thought it would work perfectly. But I didn’t want to make a scene; I’d give them a few days. Soon, my dad’s actions would catch up to him; he would end up ruined and on his knees, begging for mercy.

“Handle the company’s business as you see fit. We’ll deal with the rest later.”

Upon seeing my relentlessness, my dad’s expression softened slightly. “That’s better. Also, talk to Ms. Jemning about getting Jackson a position at the Jenning Group.”

Jackson’s attitude changed instantly when he heard that. He looked at me with anticipation. “Owen, I really can’t stand this low-paying, high-stress job. You’ve got to set me up with something decent.”

I slammed my fork onto the table and asked coldly, “Why should I?”

Jackson froze, staring at me in disbelief. Aunt Lexi sat equally surprised, though she quickly forced a smile. “Owen, you’re Jackson’s brother-in-law and Ms. Jemning’s husband. He just graduated and doesn’t have much experience; starting at another company would mean working from the bottom, doing all the dirty jobs. To know how I’ve spoiled him. He’s not cut out for that kind of hardship. This is just a favor—nothing more. Thank you in advance!”

I raised my hand to stop her. “Hold on a second. Don’t thank me just yet. Every time I come home, there’s always something. First, it was about investments. Now, it’s about jobs. Don’t you think you’re pushing your luck?”

Their faces darkened visibly. My dad slammed his hand on the table angrily. “Bras, who do you think you’re talking to—”

I cut him off with a sneer. “Let’s be clear. In the past, I’ve helped with whatever you’ve asked, groveling to Yvette on your behalf. If you need something…”

“Dad, you know that favors are harder to repay than money. If she gets fed up, divorces me, and demands compensation, I’ll be left with nothing. You’d better think about what to do then.”

The ensuing silence was awkward and uncomfortable. Eventually, he relented with a sigh. “Fine. Let’s leave before the food gets cold.”

Jackson and Aunt Lexi exchanged glances, their teeth grinding in frustration, but they didn’t dare say anything else. I glanced at them with a faint smile, then continued eating leisurely. Compared to everyone else, I was the only one enjoying the meal. Everything tasted great with a healthy appetite.

After dinner, I went upstairs to change out of my old clothes. As I reached the landing, I heard someone calling my name, "Owen's..." Did he seem inherent? He used to be such a pushover. They…

I tiptoed over to my closet, finding that most of my belongings had been discarded. Maintaining my composure, I rummaged around and finally found a shoebox in the back of the closet. Luckily, I still had a pair of canvas shoes I had bought in college. I put them on, deciding to buy new clothes on my way out.

When I arrived downstairs, I saw Jackson standing at the door, his eyes filled with mockery. I didn’t intend to engage with him, but he blocked the doorway and…

“Do you need my help with something?” I asked.

“Of course,” he said slowly. “Are those things I mentioned earlier hard for you to achieve? Or are you just that insignificant in Yvette’s eyes? Or are you afraid of me getting close to her?”

I stared at him, and said, “Why not you? That would save us both the trouble.”

“Are you just afraid Yvette might fall for me and dump you because I’m richer?”

Wanting to see his satisfied expression, I couldn't help but laugh coldly. This wasn't some fairy tale; where did this prince charming come from? Where did this arrogance come from?

“How about this? I’ll call her. You can ask her yourself if she agrees, you can start working at her company,” I suggested.

Jackson excitedly grabbed the phone, deliberately affecting a coquettish voice. “Hello, I’ve been waiting.” There was a pause on the other end, then she replied, “Where’s Owen?”

I raised an eyebrow, unable to discern her mood from her tone. Still putting on his act, he said sweetly, “He’s right here, but I wanted to call you myself. I have a favor to ask.” “What is it?” Yvette asked.

“Eve, I just graduated and was hoping to work at your company. You’re so kind—I’m sure you wouldn’t say no, right? But Owen thinks I’m younger than him and fears that you might favor me and neglect him, so he’s not too keen on me…”