Chapter 59: thought it was his son
The man in the seat of power was Jackson, the eldest son of the Gordon family, bearing a resemblance to Aaron.
However, unlike Aaron's upright and imposing demeanor, Jackson had a hint of roguish charm.
Fiddling with his phone, Jackson smirked, "He sure has a knack for survival."
To think he didn't die after falling from such a height.
It was truly regrettable.
Just then, the doors to the boardroom swung open, and Aaron was wheeled in.
A hush fell over the room.
"Aaron, glad you made it," Caden said as he broke the silence.
"Dad."
Aaron gave him a slight nod before moving towards the head of the table.
Jackson looked Aaron up and down with a mocking smile. "Aaron, what happened to your leg? You alright? Since you're still kicking, you better head back and rest up."
Aaron's handsome face remained impassive as he replied with a mere sentence, "Big brother, it's time you stepped aside."
His voice was calm but brooked no intervention.
Jackson’s smile vanished, and he fell silent.
Caleb, standing nearby, injected coldly, "Step aside? According to tradition, my son is the rightful heir to the CEO position of the Gordon Corporation. Look at you, clinging on, and even the heavens can't stand it. They’re telling you to move over."
The remark did not change Aaron's cool, detached expression.
"Uncle Caleb, it doesn't matter to me whether I'm in charge or not. I just wonder how long the company can survive under your management before our directors' pockets start to lighten. Will you reimburse them then?"
"You..."
Caleb choked, his complexion turning sour.
"That's right, Mr. Caleb. Have you seen how much the company has lost while Aaron was away? At this rate, you'll ruin the Gordon family's century-old legacy."
"Indeed. Elder Gordon chose talent with vision. He knew how to recognize and utilize capable people."
"Aaron's miraculous escape from disaster means good fortune for all of us. We'll prosper following him."
Several directors chimed in, supporting Aaron's point.
The faces of Caleb and his son fluctuated with discomfort.
Aaron’s lips curled into a half-smirk, "Jackson, do you resign on your own, or shall I have someone help you to your feet?"
Jackson scowled and, with a snort, stood up, kicking his chair aside in the process.
Caleb stood up as well, and like his son, he didn't linger in the boardroom. They slammed the door shut behind them.
Aaron paid no mind to them.
Taking the lead seat, he spoke in his steady, serene voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm already working on salvaging a few failing projects. Please be at ease."
"Aaron, with you here, there's nothing to worry about."
"That’s right, just to see you alive and well is a relief."
Outside, Caleb and Jackson wore grim expressions.
"Aaron's joy may be premature. Let's see how long he can actually hold onto his position," Caleb said with a menacing glare.
Jackson turned to his father, "Dad, was his fall an accident, or was it your doing?"
Caleb's eyes flashed briefly, "Jackson, don't concern yourself. Just remember that the leader of the Gordon Corporation can only be you."
There was more than one person who wanted Aaron dead!
After making his point, Caleb strode off.
Jackson stroked his chin, lost in thought, then headed to the restroom.
From a distance, he saw a figure approaching gracefully.
She was dressed in a flowing red gown, outlining her exquisite figure.
His eyes glinted with mischief as he made his way toward her.
"Suzy, long time no see."
Seeing that it was Jackson, Suzy greeted him with an indifferent tone, " Jackson."
Jackson caught sight of her retreating figure and grasped her arm, "Suzy, don't rush off. Let me have a good look at you."
Startled, Suzy replied, " Jackson, please show some respect."
He cornered her against the wall, chuckling slyly, "Suzy, we go way back. Don't be so cold to me."
Her expression darkened, "Jackson, let me go."
He clicked his tongue and lifted her chin, "Suzy, Aaron doesn't care for you, and now he's crippled. Are you sure he can make you happy?"
She dodged his touch and protested, "Who said he doesn't like me? Stop bothering me, Jackson!"
Jackson laughed softly, "Suzy, if it weren't for the bone marrow you donated to him, do you think he'd pay you any attention? Stick with me; I promise I'll treat you right."
Her face turned sour, "Jackson, there's no need to stir trouble. Over these years, I'm the only woman by Aaron's side. He loves me."
"Hah, Suzy, always so stubborn. You'll regret it eventually."
Sudden as a whip, Jackson planted a kiss on her chin.
Suzy's face contorted with anger as she struggled fiercely.
Releasing her, Jackson smirked triumphantly, "Suzy, you taste as delightful as ever."
What a playboy!
Watching him swagger away, Suzy was so livid she wanted to scratch his face.
She viciously wiped away the mark he left on her lips, her chest heaving with emotion.
It was all intentional on Jackson 's part.
He and Aaron were at odds, so he took pleasure in capturing what belonged to Aaron.
And now she was Aaron's woman.
That's why he treated her this way!
Suddenly, her thoughts turned to Nora.
Come to think of it, Nora's three children bore some resemblance to Jackson.
Knowing Jackson 's flirty nature and Nora's beauty, could it be possible that Jackson had once charmed Nora?
Lost in thought, Suzy headed towards the conference room.
Just then, the door opened.
There was Aaron in his wheelchair, surrounded by an entourage.
Suzy composed herself and approached with the most appropriate smile.
"Mr. Caden," she greeted Aaron's father first.
Caden gave a nod, his demeanor warm toward her.
"Noe, allow me to wheel Aaron."
Suzy signaled for Noe to yield the wheelchair to her.
After a brief glance at Aaron, Noe stepped aside, allowing her to take over.
"Aaron, tired? Do you want me to call Howard back to check on you?" Suzy asked softly.
"No need." Aaron replied.
"Should we head back to see Grandpa and Mom now?"
"No, I've got some business to take care of first. Noe, wheel me to the CEO's office," Aaron commanded.
"I'll go with you."
Suzy wheeled Aaron toward the CEO's office.
Around them, people began to chuckle and whisper.
"Mr. Gordon and Miss Hamilton are truly a match made in heaven, aren't they?"
"I know, right? You see how Miss Hamilton's been by his side through thick and thin after Mr. Gordon's accident. It's a sure sign of true love."
Listening to these comments, Suzy blushed with shyness.
The pain that had been brought to light by Jackson's words seemed to melt away.
Aaron liked her! It was clear Jackson was just trying to stir up trouble!
Sitting in his wheelchair, Aaron's lips were tightly pursed, his expression displeased.
He had no intention of marrying Suzy.
He needed to find the right time to clarify things with her!