Chapter 261

Ross’ voice was weak but resolute. “Grandma, I just hope that when the time comes, you won’t plead for my father.”

Janice shook her head firmly. “I won’t.” She wasn’t so senile as to enable Jameson’s recklessness. Still, she trusted Ross would show restraint.

Shermaine drove to the pharmacy and handed the prescriptions to the clerk.

By 1 p.m., after taking the oral medication and applying the ointment, Ross’ hives had significantly subsided, though his fever lingered.

When Shermaine saw him dressed and ready to leave, she frowned, “You’re really going?”

“Yeah.” Ross nodded. With his allergic reaction under control, he wouldn’t let Jameson steal the hard-won client.

Shermaine packed fever patches and pills for him, then slid something else into his hand. “You might want to give this to Jameson.”

“What is it?”

“Something that will make him feel pretty awful.”

Ross chuckled, pocketing it. “I’ll put it to good use.” And he intended to.

Jameson had already arrived at the golf course where the meeting was scheduled. That morning, he had spiked Ross’ coffee with penicillin to trigger an allergic reaction.

Jameson was determined to secure the deal for himself. Ross had secured several major clients this year, his influence in the company now eclipsing Jameson’s. Another success would tip the scales irreversibly.

Jameson thought, ‘If I land this client myself, the board will overlook my indiscretions.’

Yet when he strode onto the green, he froze. There was Ross, who should have been hospitalized with hives, laughing with the client over a casual game.

“Dad, what brings you here?” Ross feigned surprise.

Jameson cleared his throat. “Just meeting a friend for golf.” His eyes narrowed. “Weren’t you unwell this morning?”

Ross said, “Sheary fixed me up.”

Jameson’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t forgotten Shermaine’s offhand remark about “dabbling in medicine.” He thought, ‘That damned girl! She ruined my plan. She’s as sharp as Ruth. No, she’s even sharper than Ruth.’

Ross gave a mild smile. “Dad, you look disappointed.”

Jameson forced an awkward smile. “You’re seeing things.”

Ross scoffed coldly, “I wish I were.”

Jameson swiftly changed the subject. “How did the meeting go?”

“Mr. Murphy already signed the contract,” Ross replied flatly.

Richard, burdened by guilt and eager to make amends, had approached Ross under the guise of a client.

Jameson was stunned. It moved too fast.

Richard, perceptive to the tension between Jameson and Ross, interjected gently, “I chose to work with Jean Group solely because of Mr. Ross Jean’s capabilities. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have considered it. Ross, given your condition today, you shouldn’t have pushed yourself to come. A simple call to reschedule would’ve sufficed.”

Ross smiled courteously, “You flatter me, Mr. Murphy.”

“Jean Group’s current success is undeniably your doing, isn’t it?” Richard added pointedly.

Beside them, Jameson, the president of Jean Group, turned ashen. His jaw clenched. He thought, ‘What the hell is Richard playing at? Acting like Ross alone built this company from the ground up?’