Chapter 273: Are You Going to Support Me
Life was pretty rough during that time.
When Christopher came up again, I was caught off guard, like it was ancient history.
These days, I feel like a different person compared to the old me who was stuck in those struggles.
Jerry pinched my cheek. "What are you daydreaming about?"
"Nothing," I said, shaking my head. "Does this have something to do with Christopher?"
I knew a bit about Christopher's influence spreading to Maple Valley.
Christopher helping Jerry was surprising but also kind of expected.
Christopher was never a bad guy. Some might even call him a good guy—a good boss, grandson, and stepson, but definitely not a good husband.
Jerry, looking satisfied, grabbed a napkin and said, "It's complicated, but basically, Christopher helped me out by stopping Austin from backing Carlos for now."
"So, Austin won't be bothering you for a while?" I asked.
"Pretty much," Jerry replied, raising an eyebrow with a hint of coldness. "That guy married my mom for profit and has been pushing me aside to support Carlos. He doesn't want a son, just a puppet."
Hearing this made me sad, but it wasn't surprising. In these powerful families, power struggles often overshadow father-son bonds.
Austin, the only son of the Hammer family, had naturally taken over and enjoyed the perks of wealth and power. But he's getting old, and the family needs a new leader.
Jerry was the only legitimate heir. Austin's other kids didn't stand a chance at inheritance.
Since Austin cheated on Molly, he and Jerry had been almost like strangers. Once Jerry took over, Austin couldn't keep living the high life. The one in power called the shots.
Austin might talk about father-son affection, but Jerry could easily list Austin's other kids to disprove. That's why Austin backed Carlos as his successor.
Carlos relied on Austin, making him a more obedient son.
I held Jerry's hand. "Jerry, I just want you to be safe. If your dad and Carlos go against you, don't confront them head-on. Even if you have to give up the Hammer family's power, we can still live well."
I promised, "And your mom, Avery, they can all live well."
Alex and Grace were the same. No matter who held power, they could enjoy their old age in peace.
Jerry looked a bit surprised, then smiled. "Are you saying you'll support me and my family?"
"Yeah," I said, touching my nose, a bit embarrassed. "But ElevateJoy can't compare to the Hammer family. You might have to live more modestly."
No more luxury cars and mansions, but with some savings, we could manage.
Jerry's eyes were thoughtful. "Are you planning to support me?"
I glared at him. "Is that not okay?"
"Sure," Jerry said, pinching my cheek again. For some reason, he really liked messing with my face.
Jerry got up, chugged his milk, and set the glass down. "Ms. Royston, always keep that fallback for me. If I can't make it, I'll come back to rely on you."
Nolan, sipping his milk nearby, pouted. "Jerry! Don't you have to go to work today?"
Jerry's gentleness faded, and he shot Nolan a sidelong glance. "Already tired of me?"
Nolan snorted, "When you're here, Hope is all yours!"
Nolan managed to shoo Jerry away.
After seeing Jerry off to the elevator, Nolan climbed onto me and kissed my cheek. "Hope, who do you like more, me or Jerry?"
I laughed, "I like you."
But I loved Jerry.
The night flowed like water at a upscale Jacquar club.
Nestled in a quiet spot amidst the city's chaos, this exclusive club was for members only, with a membership card costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
That hefty fee just got one in the door; everything else was extra!
And the membership card was non-transferable and non-refundable.
This rule alone kept ordinary folks out.
In a corridor corner, Micah looked at Jennifer Grayson, dressed as a club server, and nodded in satisfaction. "You know your purpose?"
Jennifer's face was calm but had a hint of coldness. "I get it. Stay by Mr. Valence's side."
In other words, became Christopher's woman.
Micah smiled. "Exactly. You only have tonight. If you succeed, I'll cover all your mom's medical expenses, or Mr. Valence will handle it easily! But if you fail, you know what happens."
Jennifer's hands trembled slightly. She had no choice. "Okay."
Jennifer grew up in a single-parent family, with only her mom. Her mom had heart disease but couldn't afford surgery.
In the past two years, her condition had worsened, and surgery became necessary.
Jennifer cried herself to sleep every night, unable to come up with the money, until Micah approached her.
Micah told her to seduce the man who could make Jacquar tremble with just a stomp—Christopher.
Jennifer had initially declined, partly due to her morals and partly because Christopher had been with many women. She didn't think she had the charm to seduce him.
But for some reason, Micah was confident and told her to go for it.
Jennifer, holding a tray, knocked and entered the designated private room. The lighting was dim.
Compared to other rooms, this one wasn't lively. Without looking at faces, she immediately identified Christopher.
The reason was simple: his aura was too strong and sharp. Just sitting there indifferently made people cautious!
Such a powerful presence wasn't something an ordinary heir could possess.
Ivan frowned and didn't look at her directly. "Put the wine down and leave."
"Okay."
The moment Jennifer spoke, Ivan froze and looked at her sharply.
Christopher, who had been silent, had the same reaction!
The lights suddenly brightened!
Seeing Jennifer's face, Christopher's eyes darkened slightly, but he didn't look away, as if trying to see through her.
There was scrutiny, exploration, and also danger.
Jennifer forced herself to stay calm, and just as she was about to break, Christopher sneered and spoke, "What's your name?"
"Jennifer Grayson."
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