Mafia Billionaire's Hated Love

Chapter Three

Sitting in his office, Mr. Jade replaced the phone and leaned back on his seat. He folded his arms across his chest and relived the message he had just received from his henchman.

He sighed with relish when he recalled the driver's confirmation that Mr. Edwards had indeed transcended to the nether world together with his equally irritating wife. The only obstacle now left standing between him and the property was his no-nonsense daughter, but what would she really do to stop him? He wondered loud.

A knock on the door jerked him out of his reverie. He massaged his greying goatee as he called to whoever was knocking to come in. Jason entered and closed the door behind him.

"Oh, the court session is already over?" Mr. Jade inquired of his one and only son. "Tell me, how did it go?"

"Quite well. I got it from their opening that they might not be in possession of much evidence to substantiate their claims. Plus, Justice Hastings made it clear to them that he wasn't ready to entertain frivolous claims that would do nothing but waste the court's precious time. In fact, he lambasted them for coming in late."

"It is great to hear that Justice Hastings is starting to think along our way. You know, he has been a wet blanket in our matters for a long time. I will arrange for someone to have a word with him before the preliminary hearing, despite his adamant refusal to play along with us. I wish he would find a way to dismiss the claims at the preliminary stage."

"Whichever way, I strongly believe that we are capable of dealing with the issues accordingly and win the case. Both Jessica and Sam are inexperienced, which makes our task even easier."

"Oh! Does that mean that her father has surrendered the cases to her?" He asked, feigning surprise. "Even so, you cannot underestimate her prowess. A child of a vampire is a vampire, you know?"

"You haven't heard about it?"

"About what?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were involved in a nasty road accident and they are probably fighting for their lives in the West Wing hospital as we speak. Some police officers broke the news to her just outside the court."

"Oops! I'm sorry it had to end that way for them. Has the accident been confirmed? I mean, it hasn't been aired."

"It was in the lunchtime news a few minutes ago."

"I see. I think the bast*rds had it coming. Nevertheless, I feel for poor Jessica."

"Dad, may I ask why you don't seem surprised by the sad news?"

"Why should I be surprised by some people dying? Death is a portion we must all partake at one time, or another. Life is a journey for us all only that we happen to have different destinations. When one's time to alight from the train of life comes, no one can stop it."

"Excellent philosophy, but I have a feeling that that isn't the only reason you aren't surprised by your archrival's misfortune."

"Sentimentality isn't particularly my forte, son. You have to be strong and smart to survive in this world. May I ask if you ever heard of survival of the fittest in your school life?"

"A very good concept if, and only if all the characters were given a level playing ground without playing any monkey tricks."

"What exactly are you insinuating? I would appreciate it if you stopped beating about the bush," he said, deflating slowly.

"Well, I believe that overcoming obstacles through logical discussions is by far better and less detrimental than through tragic and gross means. I just wanted to know if you had anything to do with the accident." He could be a bully, but to be a cold-blooded murderer was too gross. He had always found himself on the receiving end whenever he questioned his father's methodologies of resolving conflicts.

Mr. Jade withdrew into his inner self, fighting hard to bear with his ignorant son. Minutes ticked by as Jason waited for his father to respond. After what seemed like an eternity, he exhaled slowly and cleared his throat.

"Don't make me feel ashamed of siring a sentimental softie like you. I wouldn't have gotten where I'm today if I were to enjoy such luxurious emotions as you are exhibiting. In my world, which I'm sorry to say that you are part and parcel of, mercy and generosity of the heart are luxuries one can't afford. What does it matter if I had anything to do with the accident, or not? Isn't the result the same?

"Let me make it clear to you that this would be the last time I'm entertaining such stupid questions from you. It is high time you started behaving like a real man, not like some womanish weakling. What! Do you expect a man to take sh*t while lying down? Life has taught me that when you are hit, you must hit back fast and harder. Otherwise, you will be trampled upon.

"So, about your inquisitiveness, I dare say that if I had the chance, I could have done even worse. You don't know how long the bast*rd has been a pain in the neck, and I have borne him all along. He is responsible for the millions of losses that I have suffered. Yes, if you don't keep your soft feelings submerged and start handling things as they should be, I may be forced to bring Jessica into question. I will deal with her personally. Do I make myself loud and clear?"

Jason fidgeted on his seat uncomfortably. He knew how much he could push, but he felt something was not right.

"May I suggest that you leave her out of your personal vendetta with her father. I can deal with her without your extreme actions."

"Nonsense! Unless you pull up your socks and work towards winning the cases, I will have no option other than dealing with the issues in my own way. I have work to do." He added, dismissing him by waving his hand.

Jason lingered a little trying to say something, but changed his mind and strutted out. He felt belittled, but in as much as he held antagonistic opinions with those of his father, he intended to do things his own way. Of course, he hated Jessica as much, but thinking about hurting her physically was too repugnant to his conscience. "The old man is losing touch with the contemporary reality," he thought as he entered a lift to the ground floor.

He walked out into the parking lot where he had parked his car. He was about to get into the car when he saw Jessica's car drive into their parking on the opposite side of the road. A few minutes later, he saw some staff members approaching her car, wearing sad faces as some of them dabbed their eyes with handkerchiefs. He suddenly felt sad and sympathetic towards her when it dawned on him that the parents must have passed on. Without realizing it, he found himself walking towards the scene.

He reached there just as Jessica was getting out, sobbing onto Sam's arms. He moved closer and stood before her, waiting for her to turn towards him. When she finally did with her teary eyes, something in his heart was deeply touched that elicited a mixture of guilty, empathy and tenderness. He felt like holding her in his arms, consoling and protecting her. But then, he recalled his father's admonishing words against having such feelings.

"Despite our differences, I want to to let you know that I'm deeply sorry for your lose," he told her.

"What! Did your father send you to shed some crocodile tears on his behalf?" She shot back, quite furious.

"Well, you certainly have the right to make whatever you want out of it. Just know that I personally feel for your lose. Let's put our personal squabbles aside."

"Indeed! We should put our personal squabbles aside because you have accomplished your mission!" Rage blinded her as she stepped forth and slapped him hard across the face. "Your father is a murderer! I'm sure he is the one behind what happened to them. Go and tell him to brace for a long battle because I'm going to make sure that he pays for everything he has done to us!"

"I have known you to be a weakling, but I never thought that you could be so naive!" He fumed through his gritted teeth. "Next time you try these theatrics of yours, you will regret for the rest of your life!" He warned, turning on his heels.

" What would you exactly do?" Interposed Sam. "You touch her, I swear I will make mincemeat of you. Don't you ever dare come near her!" He added, rather jealously.

"It is foolhardy for a dog to challenge a leopard to a duel. We shall see about that,dear Boss Sam," he sarcastically said over his shoulders as he walked away.