Chereads / NOT WITHOUT YOU, JACK MASON / Chapter 12 - THE LAYOUT

Chapter 12 - THE LAYOUT

"Is that… a Neiman Marcus Fighter?" one student exclaimed, awestruck.

"Look at that Harley Davidson!" another whispered, nudging his friend.

"Who are these guys?" a girl asked, eyes wide with admiration.

Jack noticed the crowd gathering as they parked, each of them exuding an air of mystery and power. His gaze swept over the crowd briefly before he dismounted, his calm composure contrasting with the awe-filled stares of the students around him. He adjusted his helmet, feeling both the excitement of the new path before him and the weight of his responsibilities.

Just as Jack was about stepping he heard a car honking behind him, it was Sam and Rueben, they just arrived. All five went to class together.

When Jack entered the class all the students were all excited because of how he gave them a nice time during his birthday at The Grand Hotel. The students cheered and they were in a very happy mood.

The first lecture quickly ended, and Jack left with Thomas to meet Morgan so he could have a private viewing of the layout. On getting there, they parked at the second gate and walked back to the main entrance because they missed their way. On getting the the main entrance Jack told Thomas to relocate the car and the bike to the main entrance and just look for a nice place to park. He now walked into the office alone.

Jack met a very beautiful lady, her cleavage was almost pouring out of her white blouse that was well tucked into her black body hug skirt. Wearing a six-inch heel, She was quite alluring. She had red lipstick on and her black long hair flowed almost to her waistline, with well-nourished skin glowing all the way. She stood by the door of the reception, Jack guessed she was the receptionist so he approached her with respect.

''Good morning ma'am, please I am looking for Morgan.

The lady whose name is Dorothy turned to face Jack, she gave him a nasty look after looking at him from head to toe, she felt he was too young to look for her boss and why would he just say Morgan without adding Boss or Mr. Seeing that Jack walked in alone, he wasn't holding a car key she already assumed he was a good for nothing.

'' Who are you ? she asked with all sarcasm

''I'm Jack, from Boss Richard, I have an appointment with Morgan to see the layouts before the auction begins.

He is very busy and will not have the time to see you, not today and not tomorrow, I don't know who Boss Richard is and don't want to know either and you can leave, thank you. She took long strides and sat on the receptionist's chair. There were a few people at the reception, and they stared at Jack scornfully after Dorothy spoke to him that way. Jack walked into the office and sat down. Soon the other people were been called into the office to see who they had appointments with. After about two hours, a very rich-looking man walked into the office, Dorothy and some other colleagues started fawning at the man. However, they all ignored Jack. Sat sat patiently waiting.

"Hello Sir, how may I help you?" The man looked around the office and saw Jack and another young lady sitting down. While three other sales workers sat around a table discussing. After assessing Jack and the other people around him, he felt none as important, so he alone could be attended to on time, he needed to put on airs, showing off the keys to his Bentley. he adjusted himself.

Is your manager around? I want to see him.

Dorothy smiled at him, displaying all her dental formula, proof that she spent a lot of time taking good care of her teeth. Dorothy was out to please him. She acted both as a receptionist and also a part-time house agent. The competition was tough between her and her colleagues, not to mention some new student workers who had just been newly employed.

Dorothy was desperate to make her huge commission if the man in front of her was ready to buy a house, nothing or nobody would stop her, she was ready to do all it took. She quickly adjusted her blouse making sure her cleavage was in a fuller view, the ball of ice snow-looking flesh on her chest bounced as she walked to the man, stretched her beautiful fingers towards the man for a handshake

'' Hello, I'm Dorothy and you are?

The man took out his complimentary card and handed it to her while shaking her hands. '' You are beautiful Dorothy he smiled, his eyes fixed on her chest like he was ready to devour her any moment from now, his thought was clouded with lust. 

 '' I am President Xiao of G Group''. 

'' Thank you. Which of the Managers, are you looking for? Are you here to buy an apartment or rent one? and do you have a previous appointment?

As she spoke she glared at Jack scornfully, belittling him with her eyes.

President Xiao noticed the scornful look she had toward Jack and felt something must have happened between them and decided to take advantage 

'' Of course, buy an apartment! He added I want to also see Mr. Morgan, call him out for me.''

'' Dorothy smiled happily and spun around, ''Okay just a minute''. She knocked on a door and walked in after a few words were said to her through the door.

Boss Morgan someone wants to see you, he's outside. May I ask him in?''

Morgan had been waiting for Jack for more than two hours, he only just got off the phone with Richard who said Jack had been at his office for a while. Morgan was trembling with fear, after hearing Jack had been waiting for him, he had also been here so where was Jack, immediately he heard Dorothy mention someone was waiting outside for him, he thought it was Jack.

Immediately Dorothy entered the office, President Xiao turned around and noticed there was one spare chair, but it looked broken. He only had a fierce gaze on Jack 

'' Young man I would like to sit on your chair, here take a hundred dollars and sit on that other broken chair, while you give me yours''

Jack was surprised but ignored him. Why would he give his chair to someone for a hundred dollars, if it were the Jack of before he would willingly do it for fifty dollars but now, looking at this man standing before him, Jack would not employ him as a servant, and now he wants his chair?

'' I'm talking to you, President Xiao raised his voice, '' I said give me your chair for a hundred dollars, or you think it's small, here I will double it'', he dipped his fingers in his pocket and brought out two hundred dollars and threw it at Jack's feet. '' Take it and get up, I need that chair, that should be enough right, a poor man like you, from your looks, should be a student. When I was a student two hundred dollars was a huge sum for me, so get up '',

He walked towards Jack reaching out to pull him up from the chair. The other sales workers were whispering in the background, ready to watch the show and if possible fuel the whole argument. They were sure that Jack was not here to purchase an apartment.

The Lady sitting next to Jack slowly left where she was sitting, she didn't want to get entangled in the drama,

'' Just give him the chair'' one of the sales workers yelled at Jack. ''How can President Xiao who is here to buy a house sit on a broken chair, while you sit on a comfortable chair, yet you have been here for a while, Boss Morgan does not want to see you, you are here relaxing while important clients are standing. ''

Another female colleague chimed in '' Are you worthy to be sitting, while our client is standing? can you afford to rent a house?

'' The last female colleague wasn't going to be outdone in this, so she added her voice of rage '' We know people like you, you act all rich and powerful, yet you are empty and poor.''

''This chair is free, Jack pointed at the other chair the lady who stood up was sitting on before, why don't you take it? ''

President Xiao glared at the lady who stood up angrily, feeling she took away his chance to reduce Jack to nothing, and then turned again to Jack, thinking he had no time to waste on her

'' You waste, he roared like a wild beast wanting to snuff the breath out of Jack, I have offered you two hundred dollars already. He pointed his index finger at Jack almost touching Jack's chest, I want your chair, not hers, are you trying to prove tough? you think that is not enough, I can add another hundred to make it three hundred but I insist I want your chair'' his eyes were red now.

Jack barely even looked at him, like he wasn't there at all and this made President Xiao almost explode with anger. When has he ever been ignored or looked down on in his life, being the head of the James Family, he had always been respected and honored by all around him both at the office and home. He felt it was time he showed Jack who was the Boss

He lifted his hand and slapped Jack but before his hand could touch Jack, he was kicked so hard away, that he rolled out of the lobby almost five meters far away from Jack. President Xiao coughed out a few drops of blood, as he held his stomach rolling on the ground. Was started as a little show-off from him had escalated into a huge commotion.

'' You dare to hit me?'' he coughed a few more drops of blood. he managed to take out his phone from his pocket, determined he would mess the life of Jack up'' I, President Xiao will make you pay. You like to fight right? I will get fighters for you to teach you a lesson.''

He dialed a number and sent his address to them'' Hurry up and come now, he yelled into the phone'' 

This was the only time Jack glanced at him because he wondered why he had to yell into the phone.

The commotion in the lobby was rising higher, there was chaos, those who had supported President Xiao were screaming at the top of their voices, although they did not see how Jack kicked President Xiao, they only witnessed his falling and saw him spitting blood. Although they had fear in their hearts, they had to speak for President Xiao so they could eventually get some commissions when he bought the apartment he needed. 

'' Do you know President Xiao is the head of the Famous James family?

'' How dare you touch him with your dirty hands, just wait

'' You are calling for death, right? President Xiao's brother is Lucas, the head of the underground hidden dragon world. You asked for it this time.

When Jack heard the name Lucas, he wasn't sure if it was the same Lucas that his late mother was his benefactor but he wasn't scared. He had learned to fight and defend himself from Racoon village because he was always bullied by others so he grew a thick skin, and learned to fight and defend himself. Jack had even fought with eleven people at the same time and came out unscarred.

So when he kicked President Xiao, no one saw him because of how fast he did it. His strength was high-ranked but he knew how to hide his strength through his breath.

Jack did not call Thomas for backup, he knew Thomas was in the car but he also knew he was stronger than Thomas but he had never shown it openly. So today he felt he had to use President Xiao as a scapegoat.

However, soon enough Thomas who sat inside the Porsche car noticed an unusual movement of about six cars that speedily drove to the entrance of the office. Thomas also hurried in as well, knowing Jack was also there to see Morgan. The safety of Jack was uppermost in his heart. He ran in afraid Jack may be in danger, however, he never expected the whole issue to have anything to do with Jack. He has always seen Jack as a harmless young man.

As he approached with caution, he saw Jack standing face to face with President Xiao, while about eight thugs surrounded them with different weapons, Thomas recognized Xiao as the head of the Famous James Family but Thomas alone also knew that President Xiao had offended who he had never should have offended, Jack Mason.

Unknown to Xiao, Jack was from the Hidden Mason Family he had called Lucas his uncle to come along with some thugs to deal with Jack

'' I told you I will deal with you and make sure you leave here a cripple, you dare to kick me, you are just trash, a waste like you, with no background Xia James kept yelling at Jack, all of you what are you waiting for? Kill him for me, beat him to death, and feed his body to the fish in the river to eat, In all Jack stood unafraid, and expressionless Immediately the thugs rushed at Jack and there was a shout from inside the lobby '' Stop it ''

The thugs halted, it was Morgan who screamed. He came out with Dorothy and was shocked at the scenario he saw. How could there be a fight so suddenly in his office, who are these people?

'' Oh Boss Morgan, I'm glad you came out in time, I am about to put this man in his place, yelled President Xiao. Looking at him, Morgan recognized President Xiao, unlike Jack he hadn't seen him before. 

President Xiao what brings you here to my office he asked, he had to give Xiao a face because he knew Lucas and knew Xiao was a brother to Lucas. He also thought it was Xiao by chance that Richard had sent to him. 

'' I came to buy an apartment and this good-for-nothing wretched man refused to allow me to sit, he even kicked me and so I want to teach him a lesson and feed him to the fishes or let him kneel and kowtow to me three times apologizing before I will let him go. Xiao saw Dorothy beside Morgan and felt the need to show more strength to please her, he wanted to have her in his bed that night and this was a perfect time to show off.

'' You again, Dorothy pointed her finger at Jack, I knew you were bad news immediately you walked in asking for Boss Richard, despite delaying you, you found the slightest opportunity to cause trouble for our special client President Xiao ?

She reached out to slap Richard, you need to be dealt with, after I slap you, I have taken revenge for President Xiao and the securities will throw you out so Xiao's men will deal with you outside. 

Your blood is not worthy to stain our company floor

'' Slap. slap slap'' was all the sound that echoed inside the lobby, Dorothy fell to the floor before her fingers could touch Jack, Thomas had slapped her three consecutive times, her lips were cut and blood stained them, dripping to her white blouse. Dorothy held her mouth trying to stop the blood from staining her blouse

'' You slap me? Are you from outside the city, you don't know who President Xiao is?

''How dare you want to slap our Majesty, Master Jack'', Thomas asked glaring at Dorothy as he took slow steps towards her, then stopped. President Xiao, Thomas turned and looked at Xiao, pointing, I know, but who are you he pointed at Dorothy. In the presence of our Majesty, you are nothing, even Xiao you are nothing. 

You should kneel or I will feed your families to dogs and clean the streets with your blood, immediately after he finished speaking he kicked Xiao again.

'' I said kneel, he bellowed, the aura that came from Thomas was far beyond the ones the thugs had. They took some steps back not knowing what to do after seeing Xiao kicked again and Dorothy's face slapped severally

When Morgan heard what Dorothy said, that she had delayed Jack from seeing him since, it was then he took a look at the young man again, was this the person from Richard?

He was so scared and at the same time upset with Dorothy, '' You stopped him from seeing me, Dorothy why? I told you I was expecting a very important person, how could you have delayed him on purpose at the lobby, so who was the person looking for me he asked angrily staring at Dorothy

Dorothy pointed at Morgan, I thought you would prefer to see President Xiao and not him, so I delayed Mr. Jack.

You thought?

Why is there so much confusion here another strange voice asked. It was the voice of Lucas, he had just hurried over because of the distress call he got from his nephew President Xiao James, the head of The James family. Saying he had been bullied here.

Immediately he spoke, Xiao jumped from his knee, sensing his savior had arrived, he quickly started reporting the issue to Lucas, and even Dorothy stood up from the ground also. they both felt Lucas being the most feared underground Lord, would put Jack in his place.

Morgan saw that Lucas had arrived and knew this wasn't going to be an easy matter to solve but he already decided he would stand by Jack because he was closer to Richard and he knew Dorothy was the cause of all this. If Richard heard of this, how would he be able to explain all this mess, he also heard Thomas refer to Jack as 'Our Majesty', he knew this wasn't as simple as it looked.

''Uncle Lucas that's the person that bullied me, Xiao pointed at Jack cursing hard at him he kicked me so hard that blood came from my mouth, beat him for me, or I will not have peace within me. Lucas turned to face Xiao who had blood stains on his lips and was suddenly very angry

''Come out you bastard, today I will make you and your ancestors beg me for pardon '', he was so angry, how could he face his grandfather knowing his nephew was humiliated like this in public, who was he? He was Lucas, also known as the 'fixer'. He was highly connected to the underground world and also to the elite. He could fix and destroy anyone or anything. 

He walked toward Jack and was ready to curse again, them he froze . Everyone was expecting a showdown of who is most stronger and powerful but they were surprised Lucas stopped. Morgan was already standing in front of Jack when he saw Lucas walking toward Jack but he was surprised when he saw that Lucas halted his steps and froze in shock' Of course Morgan knew he didn't have such power to make Lucas freeze on the spot so he turned around seeing Jack's expressionless face, with his eyes as deep as the abyss, the aura around this young man was scary, one he has never seen before. He wondered who he was.

Lucas was about to speak '' Your... Jack interrupted him quickly

'' So Lucas you are the city underground King, you give people like him the strength and power to insult me right?

Everyone present was shocked at the way Jack addressed Lucas, the shock on Xiao was too much, he almost wet himself

Thud, Lucas knees collided with the ground, I didn't know it was you

'' So if I was someone else with lesser strength, you and your nephew will make me and my ancestors beg for mercy today?''

'' No, Lucas shook his head, It wouldn't have been like that ''

'' Jack smiled but it wasn't a smile that reached his eyes. Pointing at Xiao '' Your nephew wished to break my legs and hands then feed me to the fishes in the river, well its a dog-eat-dog world''

He turned to face Lucas, '' I heard you are the king of the underground world you know how it's done right, do unto others as they wish you''.

Lucas's face paled immediately, and Xiao felt all the blood on his body had drained, '' Uncle Lucas who is this person he asked in fear because he saw the expression on Lucas's face, he knew he was doomed.

Jack smiled, his teeth as white as snow but it was a chilling smile that drove fear into his opponent. '' I am someone who you shouldn't have offended''

Dorothy shivered in fear due to the tables turning, the young man she and her colleagues looked down on was not as simple as they thought he was. A man that Lucas was afraid of, who on earth is this young man? If she had known things would turn out this way she would have just been nice to this young man when he came. 

She was very scared!

'' Is there any other way? Lucas asked pleading with Jack,

'' Make him a cripple and let him kowtow thrice, by apologizing. My grandmother warned me never to spare my enemies, but Lucas, Jack paused, you said my mother was your benefactor so I can spare feeding him to the fishes of the river''

''Thank you for your mercy''. Without much delay Lucas stood up and stepped on Xiao's knees with heavy force, everyone heard the sound of bones breaking and the chilling cries of Xiao, the thugs all fell on their knees, including Dorothy and her colleagues who had mocked Jack earlier.