Chapter 9 Help Your Cousin Secure a Good Position

It was always like this. Back then, I liked Yvette, but my dear dad didn't miss a chance to strategize for me. Of course, he had his motives—marrying into the Jenning family meant his company could flourish. Ever since I got married, every time he called me back, it was always about using my connection to the Jenning family. I was nothing more than a pawn for his ambitions in my past and present lives. The words I heard most from him were to keep Yvette happy so he could leverage her influence. Never once did he care about how I was doing in this marriage. And me? I clung to a shred of familial affection, bending backward to help him. In a way, Yvette was right—I was a useless freeloader, dependent on her to survive. Suppressing the turmoil in my chest, I picked up another piece of fish, my eyes cold with mockery, and said flatly, "She doesn't owe us anything. I won't ask her to help. If you need funding, write a proposal and talk to her directly. If your project is truly good, why wouldn't she invest?" It was the first time I had gone against him. The others were stunned, unable to believe that the usually spineless me would have the guts to talk back. My dad's authority as the head of the household had been challenged. He slammed his fork on the table and pointed at me angrily, his face red. "Owen, you ungrateful brat! How dare you talk back to me? "You think so little of me when I can still care for myself and earn money. What will you do when I get old? Will you even go as far as to kill me? "Let me tell you, as long as I'm your dad, I'll always be in charge! You married a good wife; what's wrong with asking you to help? Whether you like it or not, you're doing this!" Aunt Lexi grabbed his arm to calm him down, then turned to me with a sugar-coated plea. "Owen, you married into the Jenning family, but this is still your home. "If your family is strong, wouldn't that make it easier for you? It's not a big deal; just ask Ms. Jenning to help with some funds. Your dad will be happy, and the family will be better off. Isn't that good for everyone?" I laughed coldly. They wanted to sacrifice me to benefit them. Of course, they would think it was great. But I didn't want to make a scene. I would let them gloat for a few more days. Soon, I would make sure my dad's life's work crumbled to dust. He would end up ruined and alone, begging for forgiveness. "Handle the company's business as you see fit. We'll deal with the rest later." Upon seeing that I relented, my dad's expression softened slightly. "That's better. Also, talk to Ms. Jenning about getting Jackson a position at the Jenning Group." Jackson's attitude changed instantly when he heard this. He looked at me with anticipation. "Owen, I really can't stand those low-paying, high-stress jobs. You've got to set me up with something decent." I slammed my fork onto the table and asked coldly, "Why should I?" Jackson froze, staring at me in disbelief. Aunt Lexi was equally surprised, though she quickly forced a smile. "Owen, you're Jackson's cousin and Ms. Jenning's husband. He just graduated and doesn't have much experience. Starting at another company would mean working from the bottom, doing all the dirty jobs. "You know how I've spoiled him. He's not cut out for that kind of hardship. This is just a small favor for you; it's nothing difficult. I'll thank you in advance!" I raised my hand to stop her. "Hold on. I haven't agreed yet. Don't thank me just yet. Every time I come home, it's always something. First, it's about investments. Now, it's about jobs. Don't you think you're pushing your luck?" Their faces darkened visibly. My dad slammed the table angrily. "Brat, who do you think you're talking to—" I cut him off with a sneer. "Let's be clear. In the past, I've helped with whatever I could. But from now on, I won't go groveling to Yvette for anything on your behalf. If you need something, ask her yourself. "Dad, you know that favors are harder to repay than money. If she gets fed up, divorces me, and demands compensation, I'll be left with nothing. You'd better think about what to do then." The room fell into an awkward silence. Eventually, he relented with a grunt. "Fine. Let's eat before the food gets cold." Jackson and Aunt Lexi exchanged a glance, their teeth grinding in frustration, but they didn't dare say anything else. I glanced at them with a faint smile, then continued eating leisurely. Out of everyone, I was the only one enjoying the meal. Everything tasted great with a healthy body. After dinner, I went upstairs to find some of my old clothes to wear. As I reached the landing, I overheard Aunt Lexi whispering to my dad, "Doesn't Owen seem different? He used to be such a pushover. Why is he so defiant now?" I ignored her and went to my room, finding that most of my belongings had been discarded. Maintaining my composure, I rummaged around and finally found a shoebox in the back of the closet. Luckily, I still had a pair of canvas shoes I had bought in college. I put them on, deciding to buy new clothes on my way out. When I turned, I saw Jackson standing at the door, his eyes filled with mockery. I didn't intend to engage with him, but he blocked the doorway and looked at me with a smirk. "Do you need something?" I asked. "Of course," he said slowly. "Are those two small things we mentioned earlier so hard for you to achieve? Or are you just that insignificant in Eve's eyes? Or are you afraid of me getting close to her if I work at Jenning Group?" I stared at him, unamused. "Why not ask her yourself? That would save us both the trouble." "You're just afraid Eve might fall for me and dump you because I'm younger." Watching his self-satisfied expression, I couldn't help but laugh coldly. In Yvette's heart, there was only her prince charming. Where did Jackson get the confidence to think she would like him? Was it just because he was younger than Yvette's prince charming? "How about this? I'll call her right now. You can ask her yourself. If she agrees, you can start working at her company." To my surprise, he agreed enthusiastically. I dialed Yvette's number and put it on speaker. "Hello?" Her vibrant and elegant voice came through. Jackson excitedly snatched the phone, deliberately pitching his voice like a coquettish flirt, "Eve, it's me, Jackson." There was a pause on the other end before she replied, "Where's Owen?" I raised an eyebrow, unable to discern her mood from her tone. Still putting on his act, he said sweetly, "He's right here, but I wanted to call you myself. I have a favor to ask." "What is it?" Yvette asked. "Eve, I just graduated and was hoping to work at your company. You're so kind—I'm sure you wouldn't say no, right? "But Owen thinks I'm younger than him and fears that you might favor me and neglect him, so he's not too keen on me going."