Jackson's POV
I tiptoed towards the door, making sure not to make a sound. It was almost midnight, my head kept running and I could barely see ahead of my feet. The amount of alcohol I had taken today was inexcusable. Especially after that gold digging whore who came by my hotel today.
'Jackson,' The heavy voice came from within the room, causing me to pause.
The door slammed shut behind me the minute I entered our living room. the air was thick with tension as I relaxed my shoulders and stared at my father.
'We need to talk.' His look of Disapproval did nothing to ease the tension. I had the edge to roll my eyes knowing that this was going to be yet another dreadful conversation.
'Father,' I forced a smile as I stepped further into the living room, trying to act sober.
'Sit down!' he gritted his teeth, something he always did whenever he was angry about something. That's something that always happened to be me. no matter what I did my father was always scrutinizing me. micromanaging my every move. I hate it. I just wanted to have a little fun.
'What's on your mind.' I asked, as I settled on the sofa.
Jackson, I have been hearing things about you. and so have my friends and all the colleagues that we have in the company. your reputation is not getting any better. and you have to understand that it is no longer about you..'
'Dad, please, again with this.' I bellowed, feeling frustrated. 'I'm only having a little fun. I'm not hurting anyone.'
'That's the thing, I have let you have your fun and behave like a child for far too long. This has to end. You have to grow up, son and that can't happen when you are still maintaining this Facade of yours.'
I rolled my eyes as I sat up. I should have known he was going to press me about this today as well. my father and I had had this conversation a thousand times. and it always ended on the same note. with him angry at me and I simply not caring.
' Dad you have to understand that this is my life. and I'm enjoying it the best way I know how. there's nothing wrong I'm doing and just like I said I'm not hurting…'
' You're hurting the company Jackson. Your reputation is smeared on the family business and it's not looking good for anyone. The Miller Ruse corporation has been built on integrity and principles. Your image as Playboy undermines the values that stand for not just as a business but also as a family. clients are beginning to question the credibility of Miller Ruse Enterprise.'
I leaned forward, letting my words play out with a defiant tone. 'I am not interested in playing corporate puppet.'
A short moment of silence passed between us as his expression hardened. I could see the judgment behind his eyes. And it wasn't pretty.
' Your actions not just as my son but as the next heir to the Pearson Empire puts us all in jeopardy. Your actions reflect on all of us and right now it is tarnishing our name.' he explained with a raised tone, clenching his fists in anger.
'The Miller Ruse name can handle a little scandal.' I scoffed, and to which I was met with a loud bang when my father's fist collided with the glass table between us, smashing it in half.
While my father's temper gave him a name, he never let it get the best of him. Not until today. His display of emotion had caused me to sober up that instance. I was at a loss of words as I stared at him.
'Our associates are losing faith in the stability of our business because they see you as a liability. We have investors who have put in a lot of money into this company. If you're going to take over one day they simply don't believe that you can make the right decisions because of the kind of man you are proving to be. I have worked hard to build this company and I will not let you do the opposite with your reckless behavior.'
I looked up at him, reading in between his words. I sat up, nervously wiping my palms against my pants.
'Dad, what are you saying?'
'I am saying that I won't let you be the next CEO of the company,' he answered in a heartbeat, 'And I won't give you the allocated inheritance either. No son of mine behaves this way. No son of mine acts recklessly when the family name and business is in jeopardy.'
His expression was armored with pain and disgust. He looked at me with so much disappointment.
'Dad, please.' I got up, mirroring his actions, 'There's no need for rush decisions.'
'Rush decisions are all you've been doing, Jackson. There's not a single honorable thing going on in your life. I matched you up with a respectable woman. Remember, the collaboration between our families would have caused the expansion of our company, but you squandered that too. And now you want us all to sink with you.'
The seriousness behind his voice told me everything I needed to know. His words sank inside me acting like the wake up call I had needed to hear. The family business had never been something I needed to worry about. My father always took care of it. I figured that when it was finally time I could settle down and get serious. and I could do what was required of me.
'It's not what you think.' I let out, and he scoffed. 'I have a woman I love, that's why it didn't work out with the Iranian princess.'
He turned his body to me, his eyes squinted as he searched mine.
'What?'
'I wasn't sure what you would think about her, but things are serious between us, dad. I..I..I asked her to marry me last night. She is a good, wonderful girl but she..'
'Are you telling me the truth?' He quipped, a slight sign of hope. I shook my head as I stepped forward.
'Yes father. I am.'
'I can't trust you anymore. For all i know, this could be fucking lie to save..'
'She's pregnant.' The words hung in the air between us. Silence engulfed the room as we stared at each other.
The realization of what I had done only hit me a few moments after.
'Then bring her to me, and if you're telling me the truth, we can talk about your future son.' He said, with a pleased tone, as he tapped my shoulder. I smiled slightly, even though my heart was beating out of my chest.
Oh no! What had I done? I needed to find that girl.