At this moment, Abner, who was working overtime at the company, was not in a good mood.
Because he had received a call from Caroline.
Not long after Caroline divorced Gary, she remarried and a few years later gave birth to another son.
After forming a new family, she invested all her energy into it, rarely coming back to see Abner.
During their younger years, both Eric and Charlotte's mother would frequently visit them, taking them to live with her. However, Caroline never did.
With her maternal affections redirected elsewhere, Abner's presence had seemingly become expendable. Only later, as Abner ascended the ranks within the company, did she entertain the idea of forging a closer connection with him.
Not only for herself, but also for the son she had with her current husband.
"Abner, I've reserved a place for us tonight, as agreed. Let's have dinner together."
Abner did not agree. "I've been very busy recently."
Caroline was silent for a moment. Then she said, "It's just a quick meal. It won't take up too much of your time. We haven't seen each other for so long, and Mom misses you."
Abner frowned and agreed in the end.
After work, he went straight to the agreed location.
Guided by the waiter, he reached the private room. However, upon catching sight of Jerry lounging nonchalantly inside, engrossed in his phone, he abruptly halted in his tracks.
Caroline saw him and quickly reached out to pat her youngest son on the shoulder.
Jerry put down his phone and stood up with a smile. "Brother, long time no see."
Abner's face was expressionless. He greeted Jerry and Caroline before sitting down.
Abner sat alone on one side, while Caroline and Jerry sat on the opposite side, clearly revealing the contrast in the levels of intimacy.
"Is there something you want to talk about?" Abner asked directly.
Caroline's smile froze, and Jerry's expression turned dark.
Caroline said, "No rush, you must be tired after a day of work. Let's have dinner first."
Having uttered those words, she retrieved the menu and proceeded to order a selection of dishes tailored to her youngest son Jerry's preferences. Contemplating her forthcoming conversation, she entertained the idea of ordering dishes in accordance with Abner's taste as well, but struggled to recollect his culinary preferences.
In the end, she could only hand over the menu. "See if there's anything you want to eat."
Abner took the menu and handed it to the waiter.
"What do you want to say?" Abner asked again.
Jerry looked at Caroline. His eldest brother had always been cold. He had never liked him, but he had no choice but to build a good relationship with him.
But it would be impossible for him to lower his head and beg Abner.
Every time Abner looked at him with that cold gaze, it made him feel like he was being looked down upon.
Caroline smiled and said, "I heard that you guys are also bidding for the land in the south of the city?"
A dark look flashed across Abner's eyes, but he remained expressionless. He didn't answer Caroline and waited for her to continue.
Even though Abner was her son, Caroline felt afraid of the expressionless Abner.
As a result, her words were tinged with a noticeable lack of confidence. "The Lance Family's assets aren't entwined with real estate," she began, "So this bid might appear dispensable to you. However, it holds tremendous significance for your brother. His grandfather has made it clear that securing this project could pave his way into company management. You're aware that, post-graduation, your brother is destined to be a mere company employee. He'll be susceptible to being stomped by anyone, and…"
The rest of Caroline's words remained lodged in her throat.
Abner glanced at her indifferently. After hearing the first two sentences, he already knew what she wanted from him.
A bitter sneer formed within him. It was a familiar pattern. During his childhood, Caroline had treated him as if he were invisible, seldom visiting. As he matured, her appearances were consistently centered around her beloved youngest son.
She wanted him to clean up the mess and pave the way for his brother, who had never been close to him.
With just a few words, she wanted him to give up the bid that he had prepared for a few months.
Furthermore, the enormity of the decision weighed heavily on him. Even contemplating such a significant issue in isolation seemed implausible. If he were to genuinely proceed with this, how could he ever face the company and Gary in the days to come?
"Dad is personally overseeing the bidding process this time. I'm not in a position to make that decision," Abner stated, rising from his seat and readying to depart.
Jerry didn't expect Abner to refuse directly. He panicked and quickly looked at Caroline.
Caroline hadn't anticipated Abner's unyielding rejection. Rising hastily, she exclaimed in an anxious tone, "Abner, you must help your brother. You're aware that his cousins are all observing him closely. He's in a difficult position."