Chapter 168

Shermaine was sipping her soup when she heard Jameson’s words. She looked up at him briefly, then continued with her meat.

Ruth, upon seeing Jameson, seemed to regard him as a sworn enemy. Ever since Ruth had fallen down the stairs last time, the two had been at each other’s throats.

What made matters worse was that Jameson had transferred Natalie to the company and had her follow him around as his secretary. It was utterly shameless.

Ruth was curious how Natalie managed to keep Jameson’s interest for over a decade without him growing tired of her. It was as if he were brainwashed, with only Natalie and Jason on his mind.

Janice frowned. “Sheary just got back. Why are you bringing this up with her?”

Jameson had intended to warm up to Shermaine before discussing the matter, but the thought of making an effort only to be rebuffed was too much for him. So, he decided to get straight to the point.

However, in response to Janice’s reprimand, he softened his tone. “Mom, Black River Company is willing to pay 3 billion dollars in compensation to settle the matter. It’s such a huge benefit, and we might as well take it.

“After all, it was Kingston who committed the crime, not Black River Company. Why make things difficult for them?”

In fact, there was another reason. The Wright family, who owned Black River Company, had some distant familial connection with Natalie. Natalie was Kingston’s aunt.

With Natalie acting as an intermediary for Black River Company and the promise of 3 billion dollars, Jameson, after some consideration, agreed to the deal.

But Janice still didn’t look pleased with Jameson. “Don’t think I don’t know about Black River Company’s dirty dealings. Whether that 3 billion dollars is clean or not is still a question. And here you are, blinded by the money.”

Jameson dismissed her concerns. “What’s there to be afraid of?”

Ross‘ eyes flickered with disapproval. “Mr. Jean, as your son, I advise you not to get involved in this mess.”

Jameson frowned. “I have my reasons for what I do. I don’t need you to tell me what to do. Speaking of which, how’s that project factory issue you’re handling? I heard there were problems.”

In mid-February, the factory associated with Ross‘ project was reported to have violated regulations. It was said that counterfeit drugs had been mixed in, and a large batch of goods had been seized and investigated by the drug administration.

“It’s been resolved,” Ross said.

So quickly? Jameson thought to himself. His face darkened slightly. He had intended to undermine Ross‘ influence within the group, but he hadn’t expected Natalie to be so capable.

Perhaps because his heart was no longer in it, Jameson was more wary of Ross and had never considered leaving the company to him in the future.

“Very well,” Jameson said indifferently, then shifted his gaze back to Shermaine. “When I’m talking to you, you should at least respond.”

Shermaine finished her soup and spoke calmly. “Are you the businessman or am I? Why should I care if you want to make 3 billion dollars?”

“I’m making money for the Jean family,” Jameson said.

“The Jean family doesn’t need that 3 billion dollars. Don’t think I can’t see your selfish motives,” Shermaine said pointedly. “Besides, why would I care for the family of someone who tried to kill me? Mr. Jean, you’re overestimating me.”

Jameson’s face turned ashen. Shermaine always opposes me and never does as I wish, he wondered. Moreover, under her gaze, Jameson felt inexplicably uneasy.

Unable to reach an agreement with Shermaine, Jameson said nothing more, turned on his heel, and went upstairs to his study.

As soon as Jameson entered his study, Natalie’s call came through. “Jameson, how’s the plea for the Wright family going?”

“Forget it. Shermaine is driving me up the wall. She never listens to me,” Jameson complained.

“Shermaine’s back?” Natalie inquired.

“Yes, she just got here,” Jameson replied.

Natalie thought for a while and said, “She’s in her senior year of high school, right, just like Jason? And you made a bet with your mom. She doesn’t have to study?”

Jameson said, “Whether she studies or not doesn’t matter. She’ll never outshine Jason.”

He plopped down on the sofa. “Jason is great, filial, and sensible.” Most importantly, Jason was so outstanding that he was Jameson’s pride and joy.

It’s even better if Shermaine doesn’t study. That way, Jason can take first place, return to the Jean family immediately, and become the heir, Natalie thought to herself.

After Shermaine returned to her room and came out after a shower, she heard her phone ringing incessantly—it was Joshua calling.

Joshua had been calling every day without fail.

Shermaine tapped the answer button.

Joshua’s voice came through. “Sheary, I’m downstairs at the Jean residence.”

He knew Jameson was inside and, not wanting to discuss any business tonight, just wanting to see Shermaine, he had no intention of going in.

“What are you doing here so late?” she asked.

“I wanted to see you,” he said.

He wants to see me? Why not another time? Joshua thought to himself.

Hesitating for a few seconds, Shermaine pursed her lips. “Wait a moment. I’m coming down.”

“Alright,” Joshua said.

Five minutes later, Shermaine emerged.

Joshua was leaning against his car, a cigarette between his fingers. Upon seeing Shermaine, his gaze locked onto her.

The lighting was dim, and the tree shadows danced gently.

Joshua stubbed out his cigarette, said nothing, and simply pulled Shermaine into his arms, holding her close.

Joshua’s body heat enveloped her.

Shermaine didn’t push him away, but she said, “Don’t hold me so tight.” She felt as if an incredibly large koala was hanging off her, and it was heavy.

Joshua loosened his grip slightly and spoke in a low voice. “Sheary, I’m applying to become your official boyfriend.”

He yearned for Shermaine, and she felt the same way. On this matter, Joshua couldn’t be patient.

Shermaine narrowed her eyes. “Application denied.”

Joshua’s eyes drooped.

Shermaine smiled. “Are you upset?”

“Yes,” Joshua said.

“Serves you right,” Shermaine replied.

Joshua’s Adam’s apple bobbed, a mix of helplessness and indulgence. “Yes, I deserve it.”

If he had known he would come to like Shermaine so much one day, he would never have said that sentence.

He lowered his head, nuzzling against her neck, inhaling her scent, and wanting to kiss her, to leave his mark.

But after his application was denied, he couldn’t do anything. After all, Joshua wasn’t Shermaine’s boyfriend. Leaving a mark was something only her boyfriend could do.

However, Shermaine was ticklish from his nuzzling. She shivered slightly, her voice becoming languid and soft, especially alluring, “Stop it. It tickles.”

Joshua felt as if he had been electrified, the sensation incredibly intense. He almost couldn’t control himself. He quickly released Shermaine and didn’t touch her again.

Shermaine laughed again, her laughter sultry. Mr. York’s self-control is really lacking, she thought to herself.

Joshua didn’t mind, though, because he felt this way only for Shermaine.

Although it was March, the weather was still chilly. Shermaine didn’t stay outside for long. After Joshua smoked another cigarette, he drove away.

The next day, Shermaine returned to Brightwater Academy for school. The students in Class Nine were especially delighted.

For some reason, as long as Shermaine was in the same classroom with them, they felt particularly motivated, even finding their homework and studying more enjoyable.

March 15th was Shermaine’s birthday. She was turning twenty, the age at which she could go to City Hall to apply for a marriage license.