Chapter 467 Alistair's Fury
Next to them were some key members of the Smith family. Upon hearing Alistair's words, they all lowered their heads, elevating James's status within the Smith family in their hearts.
If James's recent overwhelming defeat of Wylie proved he was the Smith family's top talent and reclaimed his position as the first heir, Alistair's words now meant that James becoming the family heir was a certainty.
This was a significant event for the Smith family.
It directly affected the future direction of the Smith family, whether it would prosper or decline.
James naturally sensed Alistair's intentions. This was already planning for him to take over the family head position in the near future.
If it were in the past, James would have been excited, but now, he felt no excitement, only helplessness.
James remained silent.
Alistair's expression changed slightly, then he sighed, patted James on the shoulder, and said, "James, well done for these five years."
James shrugged with a smile and said, "Actually, it's been okay. I've gotten used to it."
Alistair waved his hand, signaling a few key members of the Smith family to leave. The study was left with James and Alistair.
"James, I know you have a lot of resentment towards me. These past five years, you've done well," Alistair said. "Now, five years have passed, and your character has changed significantly. You're no longer as impetuous and irritable as before. You've become more steady and reserved, showing the qualities of a great leader, proving that my direction was corret."
"Now that you're back, I can rest assured to hand the family over to you." Alistair showed a relieved smile, finally relaxing.
James's lips moved as if he wanted to say something but didn't. Alistair noticed his hesitation and said, "James, if you have any requests, just tell me. As long as it's within my power, I will agree."
James looked up and said, "Alistair, I can inherit your position as the family head, but I have one request."
"What request? Just say it." Alistair straightened up.
James said, "I want to marry Jennifer and bring her into our family."
Alistair was stunned. He didn't expect James to make such a request. Moreover, who was Jennifer?
He voiced his question, and James replied, "Jennifer is the wife you arranged for me, from the Johnson family."
With this, Alistair's face changed dramatically, and he frowned, saying, "The Johnson family is an ordinary family, and this Jennifer is just an ordinary woman, right?"
"That's correct," James nodded.
Alistair's brow furrowed even deeper. "You know the rules of the Smith family; any heir cannot marry an ordinary woman as a wife."
"That's why I came back to discuss it with you, not acting on my own," James said sincerely.
Yet Alistair's brow did not relax; it furrowed even more deeply. He incessantly drummed his fingers on the table. “James, are you seeking revenge on me? I understand that these past five years have been difficult for you, but it was for your own good. Your temperament is too fiery, too ostentatious. Only by becoming the Johnson family's son-in-law and tempering your character—becoming more composed, reserved, and dignified—can you better lead our Smith family towards greater strength.”
Alistair continued, "James, I understand your abilities well. Now that you're no longer impetuous and aggressive, you're a qualified family head. I'm old and no longer capable; it's not my era anymore. Wylie and Usher are not up to the task. Only you are the hope of the Smith family, capable of leading the family to greatness and glory. Now, the Ward family and the Stewart family have surpassed the Smith family in power. They've even joined forces to strike against the Smith family. This is the time for you to step up."
After saying these words, Alistair's expression was filled with fatigue.
Throughout the years, he had always been like an iron man, the Smith family's unwavering pillar, embodying immense authority. Even in his twilight years, he had never shown any sign of weakness to anyone. Only now, in front of James, did he allow his weariness to show.
He had high hopes for James, feeling assured only if the family was handed over to him.
As for James wanting to marry Jennifer, he saw it as James venting his dissatisfaction with him.
James took a deep breath and spoke again, "Alistair, I am not seeking revenge against you. I am serious. There was a time when I believed I would never fall for a woman, until I met Jennifer. Over the years, I have grown accustomed to her presence. I cannot leave her, nor can she leave me. Rules are rigid, but people are dynamic. I am now at the fourth stage of martial arts mastery; even without an alliance through marriage with another family, I can still lead the Smith family to greatness."
With that James was a fourth-stage martial artist, Alistair was momentarily amazed. Then he said, "Even if you're a fourth-stage martial artist, you can't marry an ordinary woman."
Alistair tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation, returning to his iron-fisted demeanor.
James had anticipated this reaction and was not surprised. He said, "Alistair, I'm serious, not joking."
Alistair's face grew even darker, and he slammed the table, "This matter is not up for discussion. You can maintain a relationship with Jennifer, but only in secret. You cannot bring her into the Smith family."
James remained silent, expressionlessly.
Alistair sighed and said, "James, I am not being harsh with you; it is a matter of principle. In the face of family interests, all other matters must take a backseat. Besides, women are easily attainable when you stand at the pinnacle. I have already arranged a marriage for you with the second daughter of the Savoy family. She is exceedingly beautiful and highly capable, a perfect match for you. Once you are united, it will be beneficial for both the Smith family and the Savoy family."
James had some impression of the second daughter of the Savoy family. She was indeed a beautiful and talented woman, known as one of the four great beauties of the City of Mysteries.
However, James had no interest in this woman.
"Alistair, besides Jennifer, I won't marry any other woman. If you don't allow me to marry Jennifer, I'd rather not be the family head." James's tone was calm, but his words were shocking, leaving Alistair wide-eyed in disbelief.
"What did you say? Repeat that," Alistair demanded, glaring at James with a face full of rage.
James's face remained calm as he repeated his words.
Alistair's face turned exceedingly grim at that moment. He then struck the sturdy mahogany table with his palm, creating a massive crack, and bellowed, "Nonsense! Utter nonsense!"
The commotion startled the servants waiting outside.
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