The Revenge of The Worthless son in law

12. Feelings

While Jordan filled Jason in on the conducts of the company, he kept thinking about Phil's outrageous behavior.

Jason was aware that he was rude and arrogant, but he never knew he was violent as well. Had he raised his hand against Lauren as well?

Probably not.

Besides, his mother in law– or ex mother in law– would never let a man lay a hand on her daughter. No matter how obsessed she may be with making money, surely her daughter's safety's should be important to her.

Then his mind went back to Jordan's reacty, when Phil raised his hand to hit her, she didn't look surprised. She didn't even try to stop him, the expression she had on was a sad one, almost like she was used to it.

Were they married?

But if they were married, why did they have different last names? Though through their two years of marriage, Lauren had refused to change her name as well. She said it was a process that was too long and time consuming for her. Almost like she had known that something like this would happen in their future.

Was their marriage all an act from the start? But for what reason? He wasn't rich back then, and she didn't know about his family finding him and making him the CEO, if she had known, then surely she wouldn't have filed for a divorce.

"Mr Decker?"

He heard the faint sound of Jordan's voice and Jason realized he was supposed to be paying attention. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something." About your relationship with Phil and how it could help with his revenge on him. He added in his mind.

"It's okay si– I mean, Mr Decker. I was just telling you about the different branches we have under the industry."

"Okay."

"This building is our headquarters, this is where we deal with all the income earned from the other branches. Then if anyone wanted to work with us, or pitch in a business proposal–"

"--like Phil." Jason noticed the slight twitch in her composure when he mentioned Phil, meaning she was still concerned about what happened earlier.

Had he caused more trouble for her by stopping Phil's arm?

But there was no way he could just sit by and watch him hit her, that would make him as much of a monster as Phil was.

"Yes sir, like Phil." She agreed rigidly.

Even the way she said his name was off. The curiousity was killing him, Jason really wanted to find out what was going on.

But how was he supposed to bring it up without sounding like he was intruding in her personal matters?

"So, the other branches?" He asked and she forced a smile on her face.

"Right. Under the Decker Industries, we have the Decker Automobile, which deals with vehicles, like the name implies.

They deal in the repair, sales and making of vehicles.

Then the Sterling Homes, which is basically more or less a real estate company. They manage properties, invest and develop homes. Then they also flip houses, and for extra touch…there's a mini company that deals with decorating and remodeling of homes.

And last but not least, the popular Sterling Medical Groups. They import and export drugs and invest in some hospitals. They also create drugs and cures for different sickness and diseases. Then they own the Primrose Hospital, and recently I heard the the current Executive Director is planning on buying another hospital."

"Don't they need permission to do that?"

"He does, but due to the absence of the CEO, some of the staff have been acting rather out of line. Your grandfather was the one taking care of everything but, the workload is way too much for just him to handle. And there is only so much I can do as a secretary."

So that was the reason Matthew was so intent on him resuming work so quickly. The company was a mess and his poor grandfather's heart condition was making it impossible for him to be active.

"Then we have much work to do."

"Right, but first, the Deluxe Dance is this weekend."

"Right." The traditional ball where he was supposed to meet his allies…and enemies.

Speaking of enemies, Phil would probably attend as well. He seemed like he was well connected in the city. And he would probably go with Lauren.

If that was the case, then maybe, just maybe…

"Jordan, would you like to be my date to the dance?"

"What?" She dropped the booklet and pen she was holding, her attention focused on Jason who was smiling at her. "You want me…to go with you…to the Deluxe Dance?"

"Yes." He watched her expression go from uncertainty, to fear, then slowly a devious smile worked its way to her lips.

Maybe this could work.

She was probably feeling like she was using him to get back at Phil, and he wanted to use her to get back at his ex wife and Phil, so it was perfect.

"I'd love to go with you sir."

"Great."

~•~><~•~

"Jason,"

He paused as he heard his name. It was Lauren.

"Hey." He said without taking his eyes off the milk carton on the shelf. He was low on groceries so he had gone to Erika's Store to get a refill.

"How are you?"

"If you want to ask about the money I said I'd pay, be patient. I'm working on it." If it was the money she was after, he was definitely going to give it to her. As soon as he was completely settled in.

"No that's not it! I was just genuinely asking how you're doing."

"Okay, then I'm good. Thanks for asking." He didn't understand what she was playing at.

Why divorce him and suddenly turn nice and want to be friends with him? It didn't make sense at all.

"What's wrong? Does the fact the we got divorced mean we can't be friends? I don't understand the reason you're being so cold to me."

Jason scoffed at her statement. "You don't understand?" That was bullshit!

How could she say she didn't understand?

"Jason, I–"

"Did you find everything you need?" Erika appeared at Jason's side, cutting Lauren off.

"Yes, I believe I did." He smiled at Erika and put his arm around her shoulders. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be behind the counter?"

"The new kid is doing that. So I'm here to see what my JP needs." She seemed to understand what Jason was doing because she rested her head on his chest and put her arm around his waist.

"Well your JP is trying to decide on the milk he wants and–"

"Are you serious Jason?"

"Oh Lauren, you're still here." He knew his statement hurt her but he didn't mind. She had to feel what she made him feel, only then would he be satisfied.

"I was just leaving." She dropped the shopping cart she was holding and stormed out of the store. As he watched her leave, Jason felt bad. He couldn't remember the last time he saw her cry, and even that time, he wasn't the cause.

After she left, Erika untangled herself from Jason and he was surprised to see a frown on her face. "What is it?"

"Next time, give me a little heads up, okay? Don't go making my heart race for no reason." And with that, she walked away.

Make her heart race? Was Erika falling in love with him?

Now that he was thinking about it, there was an unfamiliar emotion in her eyes when he had touched her shoulders.

Jason wasn't so sure he was ready to fall in love just yet, he wanted his revenge on his in-laws first, and then there was his family's legacy that he had to carry on.

As much as he hated it, he realized he might have to stay away from her for a while. "I'm sorry Erika, but I can't afford to be around you for now."