Chapter 188 She's Out of Your League
Upon hearing Jacob's inquiry, a chuckle escaped from Aaron's lips. "Grandpa, the prison system is not within my jurisdiction. I cannot simply incarcerate anyone on a whim." His laughter was tinged with a hint of sarcasm, which did not go unnoticed by Jacob.
Jacob shot him a stern look, his voice firm. "Enough with the evasive maneuvers, Aaron. We are bound by blood – we share both triumphs and failures. I will not stand by and watch you wage war against your own flesh and blood over a woman."
Aaron mused silently to himself, reflecting on how Caleb and Jackson had never truly regarded him as family.
With a forced smile, Aaron retorted, "So, what you're implying, Grandfather, is that as a family, we should shield each other from the consequences of our actions, even when laws are broken?"
Jacob was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words. "Don't misconstrue my words. All Jackson did was coerce Nora into accepting a few apology drinks. Was it truly necessary to hospitalize him and pile on additional charges?"
Jacob's attempt to downplay the incident did not escape Aaron's notice. It was evident that Caleb had been feeding him a skewed version of events.
A cold glint flashed in Aaron's eyes as he reached into his briefcase, pulling out a document which he handed to Jacob. "Grandpa, I have not falsely accused anyone. Jackson's arrest was warranted."
Jacob skeptically accepted the document, opening it with a wary eye.
Aaron spared a glance at Caleb before explaining, "Grandpa, the document you're currently perusing details a company registered overseas by Caleb's brother-in-law."
"On the surface, it masquerades as a legitimate export business, but it has been involved in illicit trade with certain entities. The funds for this company? They've been funneled from Caleb's accounts."
"They trade in substances that are prohibited domestically, and within Jackson's social circles, his associates have been continuously procuring these substances from him."
"After consuming these substances, they've caused chaos, harming women. Doesn't Jackson deserve to be behind bars?"
Jacob's frown deepened, his silence speaking volumes, while Caleb became visibly agitated. "Aaron, don't sling mud without cause! Are you implying that we're involved in illicit activities? The evidence you've presented proves nothing. I'm merely an investor and have no involvement in the daily operations."
"The substances in question are simply party enhancers, meant to be taken in moderation. It's only that they're not available through official channels in the U.S. But tell me, which wealthy youngster isn't seeking some excitement? Jackson is merely facilitating their fun and making a small profit in the process."
Hi s response was delivered with a well-rehearsed confidence. It was clear he had anticipated such a confrontation.
Aaron's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Caleb, do you genuinely believe your own rhetoric? If that's all there is to it, why the panic? If Jackson is innocent, the police will release him once their investigation proves fruitless, correct?"
Caleb was taken aback, momentarily speechless.
After a pause, he turned to Jacob, his eyes reddened with frustration. "Dad, I fear Aaron holds a grudge against me. Jackson is my only son. He's all I have to ensure my care in my twilight years. If Aaron hadn't interfered, those women would have pinned everything on Jackson, and he'd be rotting in jail!"
Jacob finished perusing the documents and set them aside.
"Caleb, illicit business is not an option, and you know it. Give it some thought."
Caleb studied Jacob's impassive face, his anxiety gnawing at him. He was uncertain if his father would take his side.
"Dad, I understand, and I would never partake in any criminal activities. Jackson has been wronged in this situation."
Jacob shot him a brief glance before turning his attention to Aaron.
"Aaron, Jackson is your elder brother. He's family. Don't let a woman tarnish our family's centuries-old reputation."
Aaron raised an eyebrow slightly. "Grandpa, are you suggesting we secure Jackson's release?"
"Let's not exacerbate the situation. It's not beneficial for the company," Jacob responded.
Aaron studied Caleb for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
"I respect Grandpa's wishes."
At those words, Jacob's face broke into a contented smile.
On the sidelines, Caleb also exhaled a sigh of relief, his smugness impossible to conceal.
'The cripple still has to follow Jacob's orders in the end, doesn't he?'
But Aaron's subsequent words wiped the smugness off Caleb's face.
"I have two conditions. First, I want to revoke all of Jackson's management rights in the Gordon Group."
'Revoke my son's management rights!'
Caleb glared at him. "Aaron, don't push your luck! Isn't it enough that you've stripped me of my rights? Now you want to take away Jackson's as well?"
A smile played at the corners of Aaron's mouth as he replied, "I have no need to strip them of their power. Unless, of course, you'd prefer Jackson to serve time and return to a company he can no longer keep up with? By then, he might just be out of the game entirely."
Caleb could only stare at Aaron, his throat constricting with shock and indignation. "You!" he managed to choke out.
Jacob, observing the interaction, found the corners of his mouth twitching upward despite himself. 'So, Aaron is using this opportunity to sideline Caleb and Jackson,' he mused.
"Caleb, do you agree to Aaron's terms?" Jacob inquired, noting Caleb's silence.
Caleb was loath to agree, but disagreement would result in his son facing imprisonment. He had no choice but to acquiesce. A deep resentment simmered within him as he glared at Aaron and grudgingly conceded, "I agree."
Jacob hummed in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to Aaron. "And the second condition?"
Aaron met his gaze unflinchingly. "Secondly, Grandpa, I ask that you don't force me into a marriage with a woman I don't love."
Jacob looked taken aback, his composure faltering.
He glared at Aaron, challenging, "And what if I don't agree?"
Aaron raised an eyebrow, a hint of defiance in his tone. "Then I suppose Jackson will have to serve his time."
Jacob sneered inwardly at the audacity of his grandson's ultimatum.
Caleb, standing nearby, hastily interjected, "Dad, Aaron is young and fully committed to his career. Settling down isn't a pressing concern."
'He's hoping Aaron won't marry Suzy,' Jacob realized. Otherwise, with the backing of Suzy's influential family, wouldn't Aaron become an even more formidable adversary?
Jacob saw through Aaron's ploy and declared, "Aaron, you can marry anyone you wish, except for Nora."
Aaron's lips curled into a smirk. "But Grandpa, Nora already belongs to me."
Jacob was taken aback, his aged brows furrowing in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Aaron glanced at Caleb before explaining, "Due to Jackson's scheme, Nora was drugged. I had no choice but to act as the antidote to neutralize the drug in her system."
Jacob's frown deepened at this revelation, while Caleb could barely contain his glee.
"Aaron, does this mean you intend to marry her?" Caleb asked eagerly. To him, the prospect of Aaron marrying a commoner was certainly good news.
"Well, I'd like to," Aaron admitted, "but she doesn't seem to think highly of me. She doesn't want to marry me."
Jacob had been anxious that his grandson would be tied down to Nora. His eyes flickered with surprise at Aaron's revelation, quickly followed by a surge of displeasure.
"She thinks she's too good for you? Who does she think she is?" Jacob demanded, his voice laced with indignation.
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