The Cherished Wife

Jack stayed silent while Xylos let out a weary sigh. "That boy is just like I was at his age. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He's not right for the Lennon family, and he's not right for Lennon Group. Both the company and the family are yours. When I'm gone, you have to look after Ari and Jamie. They're your only family left in this world, after all."

Jack's grip on the documents suddenly tightened, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.

Outside the door, Jamie clenched his fist tight, his face twisted into a grimace of malice that mirrored Jack's exactly.

Xylos was determined that Peter would not return this time. The folks who used to shadow Peter's every move had bailed on Lennon Group to join Nexus Group, the new hotshot company that had skyrocketed to fame in Cascade City in less than three years. "Get on it ASAP. I want the lowdown on Nexus Group!" Jack demanded, his eyes glued to the stack of papers before him. He glanced up at the woman standing a short distance away. "And what are you doing here?" "Jack..."

"It's Uncle Jack to you!" Jack's eyes flashed with annoyance. "This is a workplace, not a family reunion. What's your business here?"

"Jack, does it have to be this way between us? You know I've never really seen you as my uncle. We..." Ari's voice trailed off as she bit her lip, struggling with her emotions. "Why did you marry Tania? You know what we had when you were with me..." "That's enough." Jack rose to his feet, his gaze on Ari as steady and unyielding as a glacier. "How many times do I have to spell it out for you? I'm Uncle Jack, your elder, and that's that."

an elder to me. I've been by your side since I was sixteen. You left me alone

grip tightened on

her away with a force that left no room for argument. "You chose

of it mattered from the day chose to follow you. Deep down know you

Ari, you're nothing more than a niece to me. Your feelings are

icy as he stared at Ari. "If Dad finds out about this, you and Jamie could be kicked out of the Lennon family.

you think

I got pregnant out of wedlock Grandpa

got that guy to marry into the Lennon family.