Extraordinary Jackson Ryder

09: Xander Maddox

The following morning, Jackson got up early to prepare for work.

Kenneth had assured him that he could get any job at the Hutton Group. He needed to start getting himself familiar with his father's company. 

He quickly had his bath, and headed down for breakfast where Slade was already waiting. 

"Any update?"

"Apart from the brief conversation Morgan had with his father last night, we tracked him to his apartment in Cooles Estate, that's all."

"Hmm." Jackson picked up his fork as Slade re-played the recording. 

Morgan's conversation with his father was nothing special, it only helped to confirm that Luka Wilson was still alive. 

All through the night, Jackson had replayed the day's events in his head.

Why exactly did Kenneth lie about Luka's death? 

No matter how he tried to think about it, all the story didn't match up. He couldn't trust anything the man said again. 

"Boss, what do we do about the Wilson's matriarch? She hasn't still woken up."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Jackson's lips. "Let's have them panic a little." 

Jackson got into his Sedan, driving straight for the headquarters of the Hutton Group.

The Hutton Group specializes with the production of textiles. They had the factory and administrative headquarters in separate buildings. Isaac Moore was the Manager of Hutton Factories, while a man named Xander Maddox was the Deputy-President of the Hutton Group. 

Kenneth had assured him that he could have any position he wanted. But Jackson didn't intend to reveal his identity by being Preaident.

He needed to observe happenings in his company first.

Making his way through the glass revolving doors, Jackson took a few steps into the hall, coming face to face with Isaac Moore. 

"And what's the good-for-nothing doing here?" Isaac was smirking, a seductively-dressed girl in his arms. 

Jackson ignored him, checking his watch again. Xander was supposed to be here to welcome him. 

"Hey, loser. How it been seeing your beloved Miranda trying to please me when you didn't even get her attention?"

Isaac became more aggressive when Jackson didn't even look at him. "Are you deaf? I'm speaking to you!"

"It seems your arm injury healed quickly?" Jackson asked with a cold expression. 

"You!" Isaac stepped back cautiously, recalling when Slade injured him. 

"You're going to pay with your blood!" He turned around, beckoning to a guard. "Come and drag this man out. He's only here to steal!"

His loud voice attracted the looks of the receptionist, staffs and customers in the hall. 

As the head of the factory division, Isaac was well-known and respected. Everyone believed him. 

"Hey," the receptionist ran over with a hot scrutinizing gaze. "You must be the one that stole the box of textiles that went missing last week!" 

"What?" Jackson was shocked. 

"I saw the thief when he came in that day, he was exactly like this man!" Another staff walked up to them. 

"You're mistaken, Miss." Jackson scoffed. "I'm only here to see Mr Xander, nothing else."

"Lies!" Isaac butted in. "Two nights ago, this man broke into my wife's house and tried to steal something, then escaped after injuring me. He's probably here to steal something again. Don't let him leave!" Isaac screamed at the Head of Security, who just arrived with a few guards.

The man observed Jackson grimly. "Hey, you're coming with us!" He signaled his men. 

"Don't you lay your filthy hands on me!" Jackson was pissed.

How could they all believe he was a thief without evidence? 

"I am not here to steal." Jackson warned. "I'm only here to apply for a job with Mr Xander. Anyone that tries to accuse me has to show proof of what I stole!"

"What job are you here to apply for?" The receptionist and other staff burst into laughter. "You're clearly here to steal because there are currently no job openings, and Mr Xander is not in charge of handling new recruits!"

"What a liar!" Someone else butted in. 

"You're so useless, Jackson Ryder." Isaac butted in. "After divorcing your wife, you joined a band of criminals and became a thief! Why are you lying?"

The Head of Security grew impatient. "Get him!"

"You wouldn't dare!" Jackson kicked the first person to touch him.

The guard was sent flying several metres away before he hit a pillar and fell face down, unmoving. 

Everyone gasped, taking a step backward. 

"Apart from being a thief, this man is also a violent murderer. Someone call the police!" The receptionist screamed. 

"What is going on here?" A loud authoritative voice boomed through the hall.

Everyone turned to see the Deputy-President, Xander Maddox, scanning the scene with a frown. 

"Who did you want to call the police for?" He walked up to face the receptionist. 

"Sir, he-" she pointed at Jackson, gulping with fear. Xander had a bad temperament that no one dared to offend him. 

"May I ask what you want here?" Xander faced Jackson. 

"Jackson Ryder." He handed his ID immediately. 

A fierce look flashed across Xander's face before he glanced back at Jackson and scoffed to himself. "So you're the incompetent person Mr Kenneth recommended?"

"Pardon?" Jackson was shocked. 

"Nothing, Mr Ryder. Please come with me." Xander scowled. 

"But, sir. This man is a thief, he-" the receptionist tried to butt in. 

"He's a thief?" Xander echoed, somewhat pleased. 

"Y. . .Yes sir. Mr Moore confirmed that-"

"Is that true?" Xander faced Isaac. 

Being faced by a senior staff, Isaac was flustered. He personally knew how heartless Xander could be. 

"Huh? I never- I mean, why would I call a stranger a thief? We don't know each other." He immediately shook his head.

The receptionist turned pale. "But, sir you-"

"That's enough." Xander said and walked away. 

Jackson was stunned at Xander's decision.

That was all? No scolding, no warning, no clearing his name? 

"Mr Maddox, those people accused me publicly and almost got me arrested. Isn't there supposed to be at least a reprimand?" He asked, but Xander only scoffed. 

"Who knows? You could be a thief."

Jackson went stiff at the man's tone. He saw him for the first time today, why does it seemed like Xander hated him?

Xander brought him to a small office, where a pretty woman was waiting. "Hand him the brochure," he instructed. 

The woman eyed Jackson suspiciously, before handing him document. "Those are the list of jobs available."

Jackson frowned. The top among the list was a low-level secretary. Both of them stared at him with displeased expressions. 

What exactly did Kenneth tell them? 

"I want the position of the General Manager."

"What?" The woman's face went blank. "You want my position?"

"Yes." Jackson had no idea it was her position, but he didn't care. 

"Who exactly are you, that Mr Kenneth instructed me to give you a job without any qualifications?" Xander stood up with a frown.

He especially hated people that had no skills but clung to a powerful person to get jobs and appointments! 

"Who I am isn't important, what is important is that you follow his orders!" Jackson snapped impatiently at him

A fierce viciousness flashed through Xander's eyes, but he only smirked not saying a word. 

"How dare you walk in here and ask for my job? Who do you think you are?" the woman's lips trembled. 

"Emerald." Xander tried to calm her down. 

"Don't tell me you're going to give him a position I've worked so hard for?" She twirled to yell at him. 

"I have no choice." Xander signed the employment letter. 

He called in a secretary to have men clear Emerald's things and prepare the office for Jackson. 

"Xander." Tears rolled down her pretty face at his words. 

"Please come with me, sir." the secretary led Jackson out. 

"How could you give my position to someone so incapable, Xander?" Emerald screamed in anger. 

"I'm sorry, darling. Please." Xander hurried to wipe her tears. "I don't care who he is to Mr Kenneth. But, for snatching your position and getting on my nerves, I'll make sure he leaves this company in shame!"

Outside, Jackson could only smirk. "Bring it on, Xander."