Chapter 748
“Marilla, are you kidding me?!” Even the usually composed Thaddeus lost his cool, his large hands gripping her shoulders firmly, “Marriage isn’t child’s play; it’s about your lifetime of happiness! Do you even know what kind of man Alston is? Didn’t you see how cozy he was with Edith last time? Aren’t you afraid this is just another one of Edith’s schemes to get at you and Jareth?!”
Marilla let him shake her, her teary eyes quivering with emotion.
“Do you really not love Jareth anymore? Look me in the eyes and tell me, do you really not love him?!” Thaddeus‘ brows were furrowed with concern as he bombarded her with questions.
“Thaddeus, I’ve grown up. I’m not that little girl anymore, the one who used to lock herself in her room, too scared to face people, finding solace in sketches and dolls.”
Marilla’s voice was as soft as silk, but her stance was resolute, “I know what I’m doing, and I know what I want.” Voice trembling, the man asked, “Marrying Alston, is that what you want?”
“If I can’t be with Jareth, then it doesn’t matter whom I marry.”
“Who says you can’t be together? Jareth loves you deeply; he’d give up everything for you! If only you’d stand by him.”
“Thaddeus, I’m tired.”
Marilla dropped her eyelids, exhausted, shaking her head weakly, “If Jareth has to face the loss of his inheritance and the alienation of his family for my sake, I would feel guilty for life. Even if we were together, I wouldn’t be happy. But if I marry into the Fairhaven Group, I doubt I’ll ever have peace. I’m scared. I’m even more scared of causing trouble for Jareth, hurting Lily. Parting is the best thing for both of us.”
Thaddeus slowly let go of her shoulders, the bitterness scorching his throat, leaving him speechless. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
That day, after Lily returned the hairpin to Jareth, the latter fell gravely ill, overcome by shock and grief. In a fit of rage, he collapsed, coughing up blood.
A hospital visit revealed a severe stomach condition, a result of his irregular lifestyle and frequent social drinking.
Previously, it was just stomach pains that occurred during his busiest times, so he would just pop some antacids and push through.
This time, however, the condition had worsened, and he was forced to be hospitalized. But aside from Lily and Dean, no one else knew of this.
Jareth officially took over as the CEO of the corporation, but he didn’t show up on time for his first high– level executive meeting.
In the boardroom, Barry sat at the head, eyeing the empty seat beside him with clear displeasure.
*Mr. Jareth Fairhaven misses his very first meeting? How presumptuous.”
“Look at that. Now that he’s seized power, he probably doesn’t even care about Mr. Barry Fairhaven anymore.”
“You’re laughing too soon. Gary might have been defeated but he’s not out of the game. If Mr. Jareth Fairhaven keeps this up, Mr. Barry Fairhaven might just hand the CEO position back to Gary in a fit of rage.”
Gary listened to the murmurs of disapproval toward Jareth, a smug smile playing on his lips. Beneath the table, he was messaging Edith.
“My dear niece, I really must thank you for your help when I have the chance.
“You’re so welcome, Uncle Gary. Alas, It’s a pity we couldn’t pull that brat down from his CEO pedestal. Grandpa Barry still favors him, such a shame.
Uncle Gary, haste makes waste. You lost to Jareth because you’re always too impatient. I heard that Marilla and Jareth are done. Jareth’s so upset he’s in the hospital, though I’m not sure what exactly is wrong with him. The Abernathy family is spreading the word that they will never let Marilla marry into our Fairhaven family.
Furthermore, Mr. and Mrs. Bartley went to the Abernathy family mansion for their son’s engagement to Marilla, and they seem to be getting along famously. Once Marilla and young Mr. Alston Bartley’s engagement is set, Jareth will be devastated, unable to handle anything. That’s when your chance to strike back will come.”
Gary’s eyes lit up at the message; just as he was about to text back, a loud Bang echoed through the room, startling everyone, including him.
Jareth, clad in a black peacoat with a fur collar, hands casually tucked in the pockets of his patterned suit, strode in with the swagger of a prince, so effortlessly noble that everyone held their breath.
He kicked the door open, his face an indifferent mask. His domineering presence made Gary feel like a bug, which was insignificant and easily crushed.
“Sorry, overslept,” Jareth yawned.
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Seeing Jareth looking around with such a nonchalant air, completely unfazed except for a slight paleness, Gary couldn’t help but feel disappointed and let out a sneer.
“Heh, well, look at Mr. Jareth Fairhaven, throwing his weight around. A new broom sweeps clean.”
Barry’s mouth tightened. Though the Fairhaven Group never cared much for rules, Jareth was taking things too
far.
“Let’s call it a day for this meeting. Grandpa Barry and Gary, stay behind. The rest of you, dismissed.”
Jareth’s cold gaze swept over everyone, finally landing with venomous intent on Gary’s flushed face.
“Jareth, you’re too bold, how dare you address your uncle by name?!” Barry barked, slamming his hand on the
table.
Jareth smirked teasingly, “Then what should I call him?”
Gary nearly choked on his anger.
“Jareth!” Barry slammed the table again.
“If you don’t dismiss them, can you handle what I’m about to do next?”
Jareth’s arms tensed against the table, a mischievous smile on his lips, “If you want to save Gary’s face, be careful, or I’ll make sure no one here has any dignity left.”
The room fell deathly silent. It was quite a bombshell, one everyone wanted a piece of, but who dared to indulge? They were all afraid of choking on it.
Barry felt the walls closing in, the pressure from his grandson becoming unbearable. He was well aware of Jareth’s fiery temper, which could ignite the Fairhaven Group into ashes if provoked. With no other choice, he
sent the executives away.
Soon, there were just the three Fairhavens in the boardroom.
*Jareth, what the hell are you trying to pull with all this commotion?” Barry asked, his voice laced with
annoyance.
Jareth casually pulled out a chair and sank into it with an air of nonchalance, drumming his fingers rhythmically on the tabletop. The smirk playing on his lips was sharp as a winter’s gust.
“I want Gary out of the Fairhaven Group.