Chapter 489 Disqualified
Saxon said this with a sense of relief and emotion. The son he had nurtured had finally surpassed him.
James sensed his emotions and said, "Dad, you still have room for improvement."
Saxon waved his hand and said, "At my age, it doesn't matter if I improve or not. But you, even though you're at the fourth stage of martial arts, shouldn't slack off in your training. Strive to reach new heights and protect the Smith family. The times are different now. Alistair is old, and I, despite my strength, am not suited to manage the family. The family's honor depends on you."
It was rare for Saxon to speak so seriously to James. In fact, James also felt that not only Alistair and Saxon, but a significant portion of the Smith family had high hopes for him.
"By the way, why are you back so soon? Weren't you on a date with Lisa?" Saxon asked with puzzlement.
James said, "Lisa and I aren't compatible."
Saxon's eyebrows twitched, and he frowned, "Is it that Lisa doesn't like you, or you don't like Lisa?"
"Both, I guess," James said tactfully. "Besides, I'm already married."
Saxon said, "So you rejected Lisa?"
James remained silent, which was an implicit confirmation.
Saxon sighed, pointed at James, and said helplessly, "You, after all these years, are still so stubborn. Just wait and see how you'll explain this to Alistair. His temper isn't as good as mine."
James nodded and said, "Yeah, I know."
Next, James walked into Alistair's study, called out to him, and sat opposite him.
Alistair was engrossed in his book. After a couple of minutes, he set it aside, removed his glasses, and looked up at James, asking, "How did your conversation with Lisa go?"
"She and I aren't suitable," James replied.
Alistair trembled as his eyes flashed with deep disappointment and anger. He closed his eyes and, after a long pause, reopened them, "Do you hate me so much that you have to go against everything I say?"
James shook his head and said, "Alistair, I'm not."
"Lisa is the second daughter of the Savoy family. In terms of status, looks, and ability, she's impeccable. What reason do you have to reject her?" Alistair's voice trembled, barely suppressing his anger.
"I don't love her, and she doesn't love me," James said.
Alistair closed his eyes and said, "I'll ask you one last time, are you willing to marry Lisa?"
James didn't speak, responding with silence.
A full minute passed without James answering, and Alistair understood his response. He opened his eyes, grabbed a book, and threw it at James, "Get out! Get out of here!"
Alistair roared in anger, his eyes red with fury.
James clenched his teeth, stood up, showed reverence to Alistair, and sincerely said, "Alistair, I'm unfilial, so I won't bother you anymore."
With that, James turned and left. As he reached the door and was about to open it, Alistair spoke again, "One more chance. Once you walk out that door, you'll lose your qualification as the heir to the family head. The next head will only be chosen from Wylie or Usher."
This was Alistair's final threat, or rather, a plea.
James paused for five seconds, "Alistair, I'm sorry to disappoint you."
With that, James resolutely opened the door and left.
Alistair stared blankly at his departure, feeling as if his heart had been hollowed out.
Leaving the study, James thought, 'Is it worth it?'
However, James couldn't find an answer.
There was no need for an answer.
It was a matter of choice. Jennifer had deep feelings for him. Over the past five years, despite the cold stares he received, she never gave up on him. After the fire, her dedication to him made it impossible for him to let her down.
Moreover, he had promised Jennifer to stay by her side, so how could he easily break that promise?
This struggle lingered in James's mind for a few seconds before he brushed it aside and resolutely walked out.
During dinner, many members of the Smith family gathered together. They were increasingly respectful and wary of James. From Alistair's behavior in the past few days, it was clear that James was the next head of the family. And it was likely to happen within two years.
However, halfway through the meal, Alistair suddenly said something that made everyone think they were hallucinating.
"From today onwards, James has lost his qualification as the heir to the family head. The Smith family heir will only be chosen from Usher and Wylie." With a stern face, Alistair said this, not looking at James, and left the table, leaving the Smith family members in shock, their mouths agape.
As for James, he acted as if he hadn't heard the shocking news, continuing to eat as if Alistair's words had nothing to do with him.
Everyone turned to look at James in disbelief.
Even Saxon hadn't expected Alistair to say such a thing.
Saxon gave James a deep look, then put down his utensils and got up to follow Alistair.
Only Wylie had a look of intense excitement in his eyes. After being suppressed for so many days, he suddenly felt alive, filled with excitement and joy.
His hands holding the fork were even trembling.
James had actually been kicked out of the position of heir. This was fantastic!
With only Usher left to compete with, his chances were much higher.
Wylie didn't care why Alistair did this; he only knew that Alistair's words were final and irrevocable.
Caroline couldn't suppress her smile and laughed on the spot.
Caroline couldn't suppress her smile and laughed on the spot. This news was truly wonderful for her. She had been feeling stifled these past few days, and she hadn't expected James to anger Alistair and be directly stripped of his heir qualification.
James observed everyone's reactions, feeling little emotional turmoil. Instead, his sense of belonging to the family diminished even further.
James remained calm, eating his meal slowly. Because his defeat of Wylie last time was so shocking, and because of the terrifying incident of him killing Lester a few days ago, even though he had lost his heir qualification, no one dared to mock him.
James quietly finished his meal and then left with his mother, Erin. As soon as he left, the Smith family members at the table began a heated discussion.
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