The Grand Entrance of Jack

Chapter 4

The only person who crossed Jack’s mind to get such an amount was his father-in-law, Mr. Andrew.

Mr. Andrew was an influential person who had worn a groove in the path of politics. He had unrivaled political power and influence in New York. He is the newly elected prime minister. Mr. Andrew isn't just a politician but a businessman who owns a company and has assets all over New York.

Jack pondered the thoughts, realizing that he didn't have many options at the moment.

Jack isn't exactly Mr. Andrew's favorite person; he knows that much. Still, Jack can't help but feel resentful. He'd saved Mr. Andrew's company countless times with brilliant business ideas and also tracked its expenses and revenues.

Jack had to do all these things to prove himself to his father-in-law because Mr. Andrew had always disapproved of his marriage from the onset. All those things never mattered to Mr. Andrew; the old man never misses a chance to make Jack feel small because he feels his daughter needs one with high social status. Every achievement gets a side-eye, and every success gets belittled.

It's like Mr. Andrew can't stand the thought of Jack, his son-in-law, being anything more than a bumbling fool. He always puts it on his face that Jack is less of a man. All Mr. Andrew did was continually try to put up fights between Nancy and her husband, and he would enjoy the show from the side.

‘I’ve been busting my hump for him, so I think it's about time he returned the favor. He can't possibly refuse; besides, this is a matter of life and death.’ His thoughts were full of conviction.

He took the next cab and alighted at his father-in-law’s mansion.

Mr. Andrew’s political party colleagues came to congratulate him on his new position. So, as he approached the door to the living room, Jack heard some chattering and laughing voices from inside. Jack gently pushed the door open and walked in.

The slightly advanced man, wearing a luxurious outfit made by the Louis Vuitton collection, shook his head in disgust at the sight of Jack. He glared at him and said, “What are you doing in my house?”

“I am sorry I interrupted your meeting, but please, sir, you need to hear me out,” Jack said without sparing a minute.

“I need your help, sir.” At that moment, Jack knelt on the floor, ignoring the fact that he was in the midst of other people aside from his father-in-law. “My sister has medical attention that requires two million dollars for surgery.”

“Haha haha.” Mr. Andrew’s laughter echoed in the room. “This young man wants to dupe me, that's hilarious, you know.”

“No, sir, it's nothing close to that. I can't even think of such an act. My sister’s condition is very critical currently, and the surgery shouldn't go beyond two days. You can come with me to the hospital to see her.” Jack said with all sincerity.

“How dare you!” He rebuked quickly. “If I were you, I wouldn't have shown up here asking for money. All you do is move around and beg for money while your mates are out there, working their asses out for a means of survival,” Mr. said without blinking an eye.

“Dad, don't you think you are pushing this too far? It has not called …”

“Ptooey!”

Mr. Andrew spat on the ground in disgust, interrupting Jack. “Who are you calling dad? I can't give birth to such a good-for-nothing man who can't provide for his family properly. Please watch your mouth.”

Having known his father-in-law for a while now, he finds every slightest opportunist to criticize him. Jack was pissed, but there was nothing he could do because he had no balls to reply again to him.

“Your presence in my family is nothing but a smear on my reputation! You are an excuse for a man.” Mr. Andrew pulled no punches as he spoke.

‘Is that how low he thinks of me? So a man isn't a man unless he is rich?’ Jack thought. His face was cooked with embarrassment, but he still had to lighten it up immediately to speak up.

“Sir, don't I deserve your help? I have always assisted you in every little way I could with regard to my discipline. Why don't I get this one favor from…”

Jack was about to say more when Mr. Andrew stopped him.

“Enough of giving yourself recognition you don't deserve. I would have still sorted myself out just because you were available. Besides, I wouldn't have to pay for services I could get from you freely.” He knew Jack deserved all the flowers, but he would rather die than admit that.

Still on his knees. “I am so sorry about that, but right now, I will do anything to save my sister. My sister will die without this surgery.” He asked in a pitiful tone, like that of a child who was begging his mother to buy him some candy. He looked so close to shedding tears.

At that point, the guests exchanged uncomfortable glances, but despite that, Jack stood his ground.

“You will do anything, huh?” He paused, not quite sure if his guests were already thinking he was heartless. He has his reputation to protect, and so he made Jack an offer. “I will give you the money…”

On hearing that, Jack was overwhelmed with joy; he stood up quickly and ran over to hug him.

“Please, don't get any closer. Besides, I’m not done yet.” With that, Jack stood still. “I will give you the $2 million, but on one condition: you will have to divorce my daughter.”

That was a difficult and cruel deal for Jack. He knew he could not divorce a woman he loved so much, and moreover, they had a two-year-old daughter.

“Is that all my marriage meant to you?” Jack questioned with self-pity.

“Too little?” Mr. Andrew tuned down his voice a bit. “That's alright; I will double the money. I’ll give you 4 million dollars.” Mr. Andrew said placidly, trying to mock him.

“How can I divorce my wife? I can't afford to leave my wife or my daughter.”

Mr. Andrew scoffed, “Your daughter would be better off without you because you are a failure as a father and as a husband. Besides, one who can't take care of his sister, I don't see the possibility of taking care of my granddaughter.”

“This is quite unfair, sir.” Jack barely said.

“It's not my fault that you can't afford it, so just be grateful and accept the offer.”

Jack was beyond speech, but he needed to make his intentions clear. “I can't do that, sir.”

“Oh, Gosh! The nerves of this wrecked man. What are you still loyal and righteous about? Don't you need the money? It's not like you have many choices.” Mr. Andrew snapped. “Don't you know hesitating with your stupid excuses will simply lead to your stupid sister’s death? If you are still playing the loyal dog, you will only be the one to lose.” Mr. Andrew spoke bluntly and recklessly.

“I am sorry, but please don't get me wrong on this, sir.” Jack begged, getting on his knees again.

“Pick up your dignity from the ground and leave at once.” As you can see, I was with important dignitaries before you got in.” Mr. Andrew was out of patience. “If you desperately need the money, you know what to do. Divorce my daughter, and you have it. It's a win-win for you; I won't bother you with anything again and you will have the money to save your dying sister.”

Jack stood up and left, feeling flabbergasted. His thoughts spun around as to where to go next and solicit help. He was never giving up on his only sister.