Chapter 58

Vernon reached out and tapped the contract in his hand. When he raised his eyes to look at me, his gaze was filled with mocking pity. "Joshua, do you see this? This is real power! Didn't you say you wanted to see how I'd mess with you? Well, have you seen it now?" Holding the contract like some invincible shield, Vernon seemed to think that he had rendered me helpless just by securing the factory I had intended to lease. I let out a laugh, shaking my head. "You really are an idiot." "What did you say?" Vernon was furious. He pointed at me, retorting angrily, "Joshua, who do you think you are, huh? Let me tell you something. "Gerald keeps you around because he sees you as nothing more than a useful blood bag. He just wants you to stay by his daughter's side for life, to serve her, him, and the whole Smith family! "Do you really think he sees you as his son? Stop lying to yourself!" The more he spoke, the more worked up he became, as if he would go to any lengths to get at me. He