The Accidental Wealth

Chapter 36

Jackson pulled into the pub's parking lot, his sleek car purring to a stop. He sat for a while, gathering his thoughts and taking a deep breath. It was one thing to run into Matthew unexpectedly, but facing the entire gang? That was a whole different ballgame.

He stepped out of the car, straightening his jacket. As he approached the pub's entrance, he saw his reflection in the window. Still young, still handsome, still... impossible. He shook his head and pushed open the door.

The familiar scent of beer and fried food hit him like a wave of nostalgia. His eyes scanned the room, quickly spotting the boisterous table in the corner. There they were – Matthew, Charles, and James – looking older but unmistakably the same knuckleheads he remembered.

Matthew spotted him first, waving enthusiastically. "Jackson! Over here, man!"

As Jackson approached, he felt a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling in his chest. "Hey, guys," he said, trying to sound casual. "Long time no see, huh?"

Charl