Silence washed over the entire room, as his aura continued to oppress everyone sitting. He flashed his dark eyes to meet with his aunt directly, making her look down instantly.
The Von family's patriarchal legacy weighed heavily on its members, fostering an environment where male offspring held paramount importance. Jason who is blessed with an extraordinary intellect, was the light of his family's aspirations.
His parents' focus on him was evident, as they groomed him to inherit the family name and legacy.
Jason's sister struggled to get attention, her efforts often met with fleeting acknowledgment. Though it was clear his parents loved her, their priority was unmistakable.
Jason's arrival had elevated his mother's standing within the family, but she still faced disdain from relatives eager to secure the family's wealth and title.
Jason observed, realizing the tensions. His sister's attempts to impress were frequently overtaken by his own accomplishments, creating a cycle of favoritism.
The family's patriarchal terms had created an hierarchy, where males held sway and females played secondary roles.
" Grandmother, please proceed to speak." Jason urged again, losing his patience at the time went on.
" I wanted to tell you that I've found you a bride." his grandmother continued after noticing the reaction of the other family members. " I know you told me not to bother, but do you realize that if you fail to get engaged by next week, you could be stripped of your title? It's under the terms and conditions, but we gave you time since you were still too young. I'm worried the position might fall into the wrong hands, my dear."
Grand Mrs Von's words cause Fredrick to scoff, but he didn't dare to utter anything. He couldn't risk his share being deducted by Jason.
The old woman could see the reaction on their faces, but she knew what she said, and didn't regret it. She loved all her children, and grandchildren, but they all assumed that she had always been partial, and favored Jason more.
" Aeh, I see." Jason replied with an amused chuckle, " So who will strip me of my title, if I don't accept the wife?"
The room fell silent, as if the air itself had been sucked out, leaving only stillness. Jason's words was like a confrontation which sent shivers down the spines of everyone there. What he'd said to Carolyn earlier sounded like a threat. It made them loose the confidence they'd been building.
Eyes darted around the room, searching for someone, anyone, brave enough to speak. But fear had held them back, and tongues seemed rooted to the floor. Jason's gaze settled on each person, his dark eyes piercing and menacing. Few dared meet his stare, instead making to study the floor, the walls, or their own hands.
His perfect features, accompanied by his dark hair, seemed captivating from where he sat, radiating an aura of power and control. His athletic physique added to the intimidation factor, making him appear almost unstoppable.
The silence went on,Hearts pounded, and palms grew sweaty. No one wanted to be the one to speak, avoiding Jason's wrath.
In this silence, Jason sat, his dominance still unchallenged. " Jason, please." His grandmother spoke up, finally breaking the silence. " For my sake, please get married… Before I die, I need to see you with someone who is willing to be your wife."
Jason's eyes fell on his grandmother with one unmoved facial expression. He had found someone already, so there would be no need for that.
" I sent her to your hotel suite today. Didn't Your personal assistant tell you? I thought you'd be well aware before you came here." She raised her brow questioningly.
" I knew. That's why I rejected her already. I only attended this meeting today because I won't be accepting her as my wife. I don't need your help." Jason replied dryly.
Grand Mrs Von's heart ached by her grandson's cold words. " You haven't even met her yet, I'm sure you'll love her. She's from a wealthy background."
" I won't be repeating myself after this. I've rejected her." Jason crossed his legs arrogantly, as he watched the faces of everyone in the room.
" J… Jason d… do you realize that's grandmother you just spoke to… I… in such manner."
" Jason, I have no choice but to support the other's now. It seems even I am unable to make you be with a woman. My dear… I…"
Fredrick's eyes lit up upon hearing his mother's statement, a little of his lost courage suddenly came back as he spoke, " that's what I've been telling you all these while, mother. He's ungrateful and worthless. My son…"
" I already have a fiance. So there will be no need for another wife. She's staying with me in my hotel suite." Jason interrupted him, with an unnoticeable smirk playing on his lips.
His grandmother stared at him and chuckled, " it's fine if you don't want my help, but you don't have to lie." Nobody believed him anyway.
" Her name is Jackie, and I'm bringing her in tomorrow." After saying this, he stood up.
Jason, the infamous billionaire, had a mysterious woman staying with him in his luxurious hotel suite? It seemed quite unfathomable. Whispers and sidelong glances circulated, with everyone finding it hard to comprehend this unexpected development.
Uncle Carl's expression twisted into a skeptical sneer. "Jackie, huh?" he thought to himself with a silent chuckle.
Jason's reputation, a ruthless, cunning, and calculating individual who prioritized the family business above all else. The idea that he would suddenly take in a woman, especially one so seemingly unknown, raised more questions than answers.
The room went on with hushed conversations, as people silently concluded that Jason's actions were merely tactical. A clever way to buy time, divert attention, or perhaps manipulate others to his advantage.
"Jason showing a softer side?" someone whispered, incredulity dripping from their voice.
"I wouldn't bet on it," another murmured, shaking their head.
Jason was in fact pleased to see the look on there faces. They'll definitely be surprised if she were to show up tomorrow. ' Aeh, I shouldn't have named her Jackie.'