Chapter 49: Mismatch

To be honest, Jackson never really cared about Frederick. Their previous clashes had been nothing more than a distraction, a way to kill time when he first arrived. It was a minor episode in the grand scheme of things, something he'd long since pushed aside as more pressing matters piled up. What he didn't expect, however, was how seriously Frederick was taking the bet. The thought amused Jackson and even sparked a bit of curiosity. But despite that, Jackson still couldn't bring himself to treat it as a serious issue. Wade, with a concerned look, warned him, "Jackson, you shouldn't underestimate Frederick. He's been landing quite a few deals this week. Everyone knows he's competing with you, and if you lose, Frederick's not the type to let it go quietly." "Oh? You're the team leader, Wade. You must know his numbers. Why not help me out and share some info?" Jackson grinned. Lowering his voice, Wade said, "He's close to ten million." Seeing Jackson's nonchalant demeanor, Wade felt compelled to remind him, "Jackson, don't forget, your initial $7.5 million doesn't count toward the bet. The month is nearly over, and if you don't close a few more deals soon, you could be in real trouble." "I'll handle it. Thanks for the heads-up, Wade," Jackson replied with a cheerful smile. After work, Jackson drove straight to the Griffith Family estate. As he approached the front gate, he noticed an unfamiliar sports car parked nearby. "Do we have visitors?" Jackson asked, rolling down his window. Julius's face turned slightly grim as he replied, "Young Master, members of the Griffith Family have arrived." "Members of the Griffith Family?" Jackson was confused. Isn't this the Griffith Family estate? Julius's words didn't quite add up. Julius clarified, "It's a young couple, and they're rather... arrogant." Before Julius could continue, one of the bodyguards, Jeff, chimed in, "Arrogant? That's putting it mildly! Especially the guy—acting all superior with his baby-smooth skin!" "Jeff, mind your tongue!" Julius scolded in a hushed voice. Looking embarrassed, Jeff quickly apologized, "Sorry, Young Master, I got carried away." Julius's expression softened, and he turned back to Jackson. "Young Master, I'm not entirely sure of the details, but you'll understand once you go inside." Jackson nodded, tossed his keys to Julius, and made his way toward the villa. Inside, Apollo and Violet were sitting on the couch, entertaining their guests. Across from them sat a young man and woman. The man, dressed to perfection, exuded an air of barely concealed arrogance. The woman had a stunning figure and a pretty face, but her gaze frequently flicked toward Violet, her eyes shimmering with envy and a competitive edge. Violet, sensing the hostility, maintained her composure, though internally she felt a surge of disgust. The young man was Magee, and the woman was Macey, both members of the Griffith Family and Violet's cousins. Their visit displeased Violet because they had come to plead on behalf of Jett. Though they were all part of the Griffith Family, Violet's household was independent of the rest of the family's business dealings. Jett, after struggling to find a job, had been brought into the Griffith Group after much persuasion from the family. But after multiple attempts to frame Jackson—actions both morally and legally wrong—it was only out of mercy that Jett hadn't been reported to the authorities. Now, these two had come to plead for him. It was absurd. While Violet didn't exactly like Jackson, she respected his abilities, and naturally, she sided with him in this situation. Apollo poured tea and smiled warmly. "Magee, Macey, since you've come all the way to Jimstantham, why don't you stay for a couple of days and relax? Have some tea." Magee scoffed, "Apollo, let's not beat around the bush. You know why we're here." Apollo, feigning a thoughtful expression, replied, "I'm afraid my memory isn't what it used to be. With all the company affairs, I honestly don't know why you've come." "Hmph. If you won't say it, I will," Magee snorted. "We're here because of Jett's dismissal." In the Griffith Family, Jett ranked seventeenth, hence Magee's use of the number. Similarly, Apollo was third in line, so he was often referred to as such. The family ranked its members by generation, not by sibling order. Though Jett was a distant cousin of Apollo, there wasn't a close familial relationship. Magee's father, however, was second in line and ran a business in Waterfront City that rivaled Griffith Group in size and influence. This explained Magee's arrogance and condescension toward Apollo's household. Upon hearing Magee's words, Apollo acted as if he had just remembered the issue and smiled. "Ah, so it's about Jett." Magee tilted his head slightly and said, "Apollo, I don't mean to disrespect you as a younger family member, but I'm here on behalf of the family, hoping you'll reconsider Jett's dismissal." Apollo shook his head immediately. "No." Magee, clearly taken aback, hadn't expected such a blunt response. He thought Apollo, known for his politeness and accommodating nature, would have offered a more tactful answer. "You dare defy the family's wishes?" "Defy the family? That's a bit much," Apollo said calmly. "Jett's been with us for three years, and his performance has been subpar at best. Out of respect for family ties, I didn't take action earlier. But his recent behavior crossed the line. Firing him was the most lenient punishment." "Lenient?" Magee's tone darkened. "Apollo, we're family. You can't be so heartless." Violet, her voice cold, interjected, "Cousin, we can't disregard the rules. Every family has its regulations, and the company is no different. Jett violated those regulations severely. If we don't enforce the rules, what kind of message does that send to the other employees?" Magee waved his hand dismissively. "Violet, please. I've heard the story. It was just some minor employee from the sales department. Are you saying his worth is greater than that of a family member?" Macey sneered. "Maybe Violet values that little employee more than Jett." "True," Magee added with a smirk. "Apollo has built up quite a life for himself here in Jimstantham, far from Waterfront City. Perhaps he no longer cares about the family." Their mockery soured both Apollo's and Violet's moods. Especially for Apollo, who had left the family years ago to forge his own path, their comments struck a nerve. "Apollo," Magee continued with a confident smile, "I'm here to represent the family's interests. They want you to take Jett back. And, to avoid further issues, they also suggest firing that minor employee." Suddenly, the villa door swung open! Everyone turned to see who had entered. A young man strolled in, cigarette in hand, a playful grin on his face. "Fire me? Did anyone ask for my permission?" Magee frowned in confusion. "You're the employee from the sales department?" "Yep, that's me," Jackson replied, casually dropping onto the sofa. Magee and Macey exchanged bewildered glances. They had expected the employee who clashed with Jett to be a small-time worker, someone insignificant. Yet here he was, sitting comfortably in the Griffith Family villa, right next to Violet! What puzzled Magee even more was Apollo and Violet's complete lack of surprise. They didn't seem bothered at all by Jackson's presence. "What are you doing here?" Magee asked, incredulity seeping into his voice. Jackson shrugged nonchalantly. "I live here. Surprised?" Magee turned to Apollo, his expression confused. "Apollo, who is this man?" Apollo cleared his throat and spoke, "I suppose we might as well say it now, since it's bound to come up sooner or later. Magee, you can inform the family in Waterfront City as well. This is Jackson, Violet's current boyfriend. They're not engaged yet, but it's only a matter of time." "What!?" Magee and Macey both exclaimed, their faces painted with disbelief. "That… that's impossible!" Magee's shock was palpable. He could already imagine the uproar this news would cause in Waterfront City. "Apollo, Violet's marriage should be a matter for the family to discuss. Making such a decision without consulting my father and uncle is reckless, don't you think?" Magee's voice brimmed with accusation. Apollo, calm and composed, replied, "My daughter's marriage is my decision. There's no need to consult anyone else." Magee's eyes narrowed. "Even if you agree, my father, my uncle, and even my grandfather won't approve of this!" "That's absurd," Apollo shot back. "I left the Griffith Family in Waterfront City twenty years ago. Beyond blood, we share no other ties. My daughter's marriage is none of your concern." Magee softened his tone, attempting diplomacy. "Apollo, we're not trying to meddle. It's great that Violet is choosing a partner, but marriage is about matching social status. Does this guy really deserve her?" Jackson, clearly irritated, chimed in, "Hey, watch your mouth. What makes you think I'm not good enough for Violet?"