Chapter 28
The Hatton Banquet dinner was coming up, it was an annual ceremony thrown every year by the Hatton family celebrating the growth and honor of all Hatton companies in America. The annual banquet dinner was mostly attended by the elites of the elite, it was a feast of royalties and there was never a stone left unturned in the preparation for this feast.
The two Hatton brothers sat before their father in his grand study, dressed smartly in designer suits wih Ethan sitting upright and ready to please while Jackson slouched a bit, he was his father’s favorite and he knew it and he didn’t need to overdo.
“What’s the plan for the banquet dinner” their father asked, his pristine glasses hanging lazily on his nose as he reviewed some documents before him and Ethan cut in immediately before he could finish his statement.
“Invites have already been sent out to the top 1 percent and the elites, royalties and important dignitaries around the country” Ethan replied, his face expectant.
“So you’re in charge of the event Ethan?” The man asked but before Ethan could respond Jackson spoke up
“I am” he said and Ethan turned to look at him, a surprised look but tainted with disdain and shock.
“What? No you’re not Jackson” Ethan said but Jackson totally ignored him facing his father instead, a sly smile playing on his lips.
“I believe I should handle all areas of the banquet yearly dinner this year. Ethan has handled previous years so I guess it’s my turn now. I believe I’m more than capable”
“But you don’t -”
“Have what it takes?” Jackson completed Ethan’s statement as their father watched curiously and somewhat amused
“What makes you think so? I’m not the one that fumbled a 30 billion dollar deal”
Ethan rolled his eyes, Jackson was never going to let him live that down
“So what’s your point?” Ethan asked.
“My point is, it’s my turn. It’s only fair. You have Hatton tech to take care of, my coming out should be the banquet”
“What do you mean coming out? What are you? Fifteen?”
“Oh hush please” Jackson sneered, looking at their father who was fully focused on them.
“What do you think dad?” He asked
“Do you think you can take on that responsibility Jackson” the old man asked looking directly at Jackson and Jackson held that stare.
“Yes father, I can”
“Then so be it, let’s see your skills and see if you can do better than Ethan. I’ll be certainly looking forward to this year”
“Thank you father” a bright grin appeared on his face as he winked at Ethan, ignoring the frown on his face. Jackson knew he wanted this year to be different, he had the plans lined up in his head, he wanted to stand out even though personally this wasn’t a vendetta towards Ethan.
He walked out of the study with Ethan following closely behind him and grabbing him by the shoulder
“What do you think you’re doing Jackson?” Ethan asked and Jackson raised a brow at him
“What do you mean brother?”
“The banquet dinner, I’m always in charge”
“And this year father put me in charge, deal with it. You don’t have to be in charge of everything”
“I’m the first son” Ethan said and Jackson sighed in response, moving closer to Ethan now. They were nearly the same height so Jackson found it hard to be threatened by his brother.
“Here’s something you need to know brother, i had no interest in the company till you put me down in front of father and now I’m only this because I think it’s only fair that I’m in charge this year. Do you understand?”
“What do you know about organizing this” Ethan asked him and Jackson smiled.
“How about you wait and find out” he said and turned around to leave. On his way out, Jackson took out his phone and dialed Emily’s number, she picked immediately, her voice soothing and already setting fire to his heart
“Jackson” she breathed into the phone
“Any chance you could spare me a part of your day today, are you busy?”
“Not really, just studying for my GED exams, what’s up?” She said
“I need your help with a few things, I’ll pick you up 2 for brunch and we can talk”
“Does Ethan..?”
“This has nothing to do with Ethan” he interrupted her “Don’t mention Ethan for the mean time okay”Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.
Emily paused for a while before she spoke “I’ll be at the library”
She wasn’t surprised when Jackson showed up at exactly 2pm and sending her a short text that he was outside and she quickly packed up her books. She met him standing beside his car, dressed in a grey sweatpants and black tee shirt, he had some dark sunglasses on and his ginger hair tousled in a seductive way. He took of his sunglasses the moment he saw her approaching, his bright eyes smiling already.
“So what’s the gist” Emily said first, placing her books atop his car as she spoke from across the passenger side of the car.
“I sort of need your help, but first I’m starving” Jackson said.
“Same” Emily replied “Where do you have in mind?”
“No idea but get in and we’ll stop at any place that attracts our attention. Deal?”
“Not a bad idea” Emily smiled before getting into the car.
“Apparently we’re not supposed to see each other, after what went down two weeks ago I’m surprised you’re still trying to see me” Emily said, glancing at Jackson as he drove. One hand on the steering, the other nervously trying to hold her hand, but still he felt anxious to cross any boundaries.
“I can’t help that I’ve missed you Emily”