<b>Chapter </b><b>611 </b>


    The insult was as blunt as a p to the face, leaving Gary red with embarrassment.


    He knew all too well that Jareth was a ruthless renegade, a man who thought himself above all others. Still, with the prospect of Jareth’s taking over as CEO, Gary had expected him to show some restraint, especially in front of Barry.


    But restraint was not in Jareth’s vocabry.


    Barry, the family patriarch, wanted to reprimand his grandson, but upon reflection, he found no fault in Jareth’s words. Gary’s antics and his fair–weather friends were nothing to be proud of.


    So, with an awkward cough and a tactical sip of water, Barry tried to diffuse the tension.


    Mrs. Fairhaven, on the other hand, was less able to hide her difort, Jareth, how can you speak to your uncle like that? Show some respect!”


    “Ha, don’t be too hard on Jareth. To us, he’s still a kid.” Gary’s wife April, chimed in, trying to smooth things over with a warm smile, “Jareth, your uncle is known for his bluntness. That’s why he has few friends; he’s chased them all away. He didn’t mean to offend you don’t take it personally.”


    With a raise of his eyebrow and a swirl of his wine ss, Jareth remained unfazed. This tag–team of good cop, bad cop was nothing new to him. Despite Gary’s physiological problems, because of which, he couldn’t satisfy her in bed, he never let April want for anything material. Yet, in spite of the hollow shell of their marriage, April remained. They were less a couple than a pair of would–be thieves, each as bloodsucking as a leech, eyeing the Fairhaven Group with greedy intent.


    Jareth’s frosty gaze locked onto Gary and April, his jaws clenched tight. One day, he woulde crashing down on them like a p of thunder, and those pests would be squashed.


    Dinner was served, an array of delectable dishes, but Jareth touched none of it, nursing only his wine.


    Little did they know, his wife had stuffed him like a Thanksgiving turkey on the car ride over, leaving him ufortably full.


    Truth be told, even the finest delicacies couldn’tpare to the simple, home–cooked meals in their cozy vi. Without Mari by his side, everything tasted nd.


    “Jareth, why aren’t you eating?” April asked with feigned concern, “This steak was flown in just for you. Your grandpa went to great lengths to please you.”


    “I’m not much for beef, it upsets my stomach, but I appreciate grandpa’s care, Jareth replied dismissively.


    “Upset stomach? My boy, you’ve always been strong. When did you develop such an ailment? Isn’t Lily looking after you properly?” Mrs. Fairhaven’s face creased with worry.


    “Mom, it has nothing to do with Lily.”


    “You’ve always been carefree, and with your busy schedule, it’s no surprise if you’ve neglected your health. Not to mention that Abernathy girl you’ve been fussing over, with time going by, it’d take a toll on your b*dy.”


    At the thought that her son was entangled with the murderer’s daughter, the pent–up grievance Mrs. Fairhaven had couldn’t be released at that moment, so she only could make insinuations, “Eating outside certainly won’t be healthy, and when you find something amiss with the b*dy, it’ll be toote!”


    “Mom, call her Mari or Ms. Abernathy, but not “that girl“. Jareth’s voice deepened, a stern edge to his words, “She has never spoken ill of you and has always shown respect. I expect the same courtesy extended to the woman I love.”


    Mrs. Fairhaven was left speechless, her grip on her cutlery trembling with rage. Thatmon girl, that spawn of a criminal, was stealing her son right from under her nose!


    Gary, witnessing the scene unfold, found sce in his son’s indiscriminate wrath – even his own mother wasn’t spared. He smirked inwardly, Mari was Jareth’s Achilles‘ heel.


    If he found a good chance and yed his cards right, she could be the perfect leverage to turn the tables on this defiant brat.


    *Jareth, I heard from your uncle about the horse races; you brought your girlfriend for everyone to meet.” April stirred the pot, “I was sick that day and couldn’t make it. It’s a shame I didn’t get to meet Ms. Abernathy. Tonight’s family dinner would have been the perfect asion for you to bring her along”


    Jareth ignored April’s baiting and turned his piercing gaze to Barry, “Would that be eptable, Grandpa Barry?”


    “What?” Barry was caught off guard.


    *Next time, may I bring your granddaughter–inw, Mari, to join the Fairhaven family dinner?<b>* </b>