Chapter 580 The Gap
Regarding Alistair's plea, James felt quite conflicted. He respected Alistair, but Alistair was too headstrong. Due to their differing stances, he had to distance himself from Alistair.
James remained standing, not agreeing immediately.
In the past, with Alistair's temper, he would have already blown up and kicked James out.
But now, Alistair uncharacteristically showed 'patience,' quietly looking at James, even with a hint of pleading in his eyes.
It was this hint of pleading that softened James. He nodded, "okay," and sat back down.
Usher observed the scene, lowering his gaze as if unaware, but inside, he was quite displeased.
Usher knew that Alistair was trying to bring James back into the fold.
The three of them, originally very close, now showed no familial warmth.
After sitting down, James remained silent, quietly listening to the conversation between Alistair and Usher.
They were discussing family business. It was clear that Alistair was gradually handing over power to Usher.
Objectively speaking, Usher was quite capable. Although he was a bit effeminate, he was loyal to the family and could handle the position of head of the family, much better than Wylie. However, Usher was only suited to maintaining the status quo, not for innovation. Under his leadership, the Smith family would at best remain stagnant. In comparison, Maurice and Neil were both more capable than Usher.
Not only did James see this, but Alistair surely did as well.
In fact, the most suitable person to lead the Smith family was still James.
During their conversation, Alistair occasionally asked for James's opinion. James expressed his ideas. He didn't like the Smith family's atmosphere, but deep down, he was still a Smith, naturally considering the family's interests.
In comparison, his views were more comprehensive and far-sighted than Usher's, and his strategies were more thorough.
Alistair nodded in approval, appreciating James even more.
Usher, though internally resentful, had to admit that James was indeed superior to him, both in martial arts and intelligence.
After discussing family operations, Usher shifted the topic to Mason. "James, I heard you and Mason have some conflicts. Is that true?"
James looked at Usher and nodded, "Yes, I killed Lester."
Alistair couldn't help but remark, "James, that was too reckless. Lester deserved to die, but you shouldn't have killed him in public."
James smiled slightly, indicating it was no big deal.
Usher continued, "James, the Percy family is also a big family in the City of Mysteries. Killing Lester isn't good for the Smith family."
James replied, "It should be fine. Usher, aren't you about to marry the Percy family's daughter? Whether I killed Lester or not shouldn't affect you."
Usher shook his head and sighed, "James, you misunderstand me. You're my brother. Naturally, I'm on your side. If the Percy family refuses to marry me because of this, I won't marry them. But the Percy family is powerful. Offending Mason isn't good for you. Now Mason is spreading word of revenge. Even if you can protect yourself, it will be hard to protect your wife's family, right?"
Though Usher's words sounded noble, James actually understood his true intentions.
He asked with a faint smile, "So, Usher, what do you suggest I do?"
Usher waved his hand, "James, you're much more skilled than I am. I wouldn't dare be arrogant. I just have a suggestion for you to consider."
"Alright," James nodded, playing along with Usher's pretense.
Usher sugguested seriously, "I have some connections with the Percy family. If you're willing to apologize to Mason and admit your mistake at Lester's grave, I'm sure Mason will let it go. After all, you have the Smith family behind you. He has to consider that."
He then turned to Alistair and asked, "Alistair, what do you think?"
Alistair nodded, agreeing with Usher's suggestion.
After listening, James merely smiled; he had anticipated Usher's response. This way, not only could he curry favor with Mason, but he could also establish a favorable image within the Smith family, achieving two objectives with a single action. However, when the time came, James would be the one humiliated, while Usher would reap all the benefits.
Admittedly, upon first hearing it, Usher's suggestion seemed genuinely sound, aimed at both James's well-being and the benefit of the Smith family. Yet, how could James be so easily deceived? Most importantly, he could never bring himself to apologize to Mason or at Lester's grave, as doing so would betray the memories of the deceased Donna and Gregory.
"Usher, I think your suggestion is good," James nodded.
Usher was slightly stunned. He didn't expect James to agree. He was prepared for James to get angry.
"Really? It seems you are very understanding, James." Usher responded.
Before Usher could finish, James interrupted, "But I think you got the order wrong. Mason should come and apologize to me first. Then I'll consider letting him go. This way, we can resolve the feud between the Percy and Smith families and boost our family's reputation, killing two birds with one stone."
With this, Usher couldn't control his expression. A surge of anger rose from his core, making his eyes red, his fists clenched, and his mouth twitch uncontrollably.
In Usher's eyes, James was too much, too disrespectful!
Usher had never been treated with such disdain before!
He glared at James, trying to regain composure, but found it too difficult, especially with James's mocking smile.
If it weren't for James's strength, if it were Wylie, he would have slapped him already.
But James was too powerful. He had to endure!
James stood up, patted Usher's shoulder, and said with a smile, "Usher, think about it."
Usher forced a smile that was more agonizing than tears and merely nodded. He still lacked the courage to confront James directly.
Alistair watched their struggle silently, fully understanding that compared to James, both Wylie and Usher were far inferior.
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