Xavier's POV
"You know what, Lisa. Why don't you leave so I can have a little chit-chat with my uncle." I said, trying to hide my anger and annoyance.
Not only did I hate the fact that my uncle came in and interrupted us. I also hated the fact that he was standing in my house.
And he had the audacity to say this was his house. What a load of bull-shit.
Lisa nodded and started dressing herself.
She was so quick. I didn't even have a chance to say anything else before she dashed out of the dinning room.
I stared straight at my uncle and raised my eyebrows.
"What did you say? Did you just call this house yours?" I asked.
"Yes. Xavier. I own this house. You know I was supposed to be the owner of this mansion. The owner of all the Jackson's wealth but your stupid father stole everything from me." My uncle yelled.
I chuckled. He looked so pathetic.
He was so pathetic.
He was a disgrace to the Jackson family.
My grandfather had two sons, Charles Jackson, my uncle, the firstborn and Arthur Jackson, my father.
Yes, my uncle was supposed to be the owner of the Jackson family's wealth and every asset. It was his birthright to inherit everything. In the Jackson's family all the wealth went to only one child. The first child. It wasn't shared.
So my uncle was supposed to inherit everything. All the wealth, all the assets, all the money, all the power and the connections. But, he had no idea how to manage it. He was reckless.
Gambling, women, drugs and drinking were the things he did best. And, he would go crazy when he was denied access to more money.
The day he tried to shoot my grandfather, for not approving of his lifestyle, was the day, my grandfather disowned him.
My grandfather kicked him out of the house and stripped him off all his rights and possessions.
My uncle had almost run down the family's fortune. So, my grandfather had to step in and make some changes.
He put my father in charge. And he gave him all the rights.
But, my uncle didn't take it well. He tried to steal it all. He stole and embezzled millions.
Until my father caught him. When that happened, my uncle ran away.
He hid. From my father. But, now he was here. Right in front of me.
And seeing him angered me. I wanted nothing more than to punch his ugly face.
"I'm pretty sure that my grandfather made the right choice when he handed over all of his wealth and assets to my father and stripped you from everything. You're a disgrace to this family. I may have been young but I know what you did. I know everything, uncle. And I'm going to make sure you never get your hands on our money." I shouted at him.
I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists.
I was so close to punching him. So damn close.
My uncle let out a long dry laugh. It was a mocking sound. Like he had something up his sleeve.
"What's so funny?" I asked him.
"It's really unfortunate that your father isn't alive anymore. He did such a good job at keeping you in the dark. It's funny. You really don't know about the rules of the Jackson family." He said.
"Rules? What fcking rules? What the hell are you talking about?" I asked angrily.
I was about to grab him by his collar, when Henry walked into the dinning room.
"Mr Jackson. Morris, the family's lawyer is here. He's in your office. He's requesting to speak to you…." Henry said and turned to my uncle.
"And Mr Charles Jackson too." Henry added.
What? I stared at him confused.
Why was the family lawyer here? I didn't call him. Why did he want to speak to me and my uncle? Was this my uncle's doing?
My mind was going haywire. I knew something was up. Something was wrong. And, I had a bad feeling about this.
I looked at my uncle. He had a grin on his face.
That grin was irritating the fck out of me.
What was he planning? I hated being left in the dark.
"What the hell are you playing at, uncle Charles? Why are you actually here? Are you the one that called the lawyer" I asked him.
"What are you hiding, Charles?" I questioned as I moved closer to him. My tall frame towered over his.
I wanted to smack that stupid grin he had on his face.
I wanted to punch him.
"Don't worry, Xavier. We'll talk. Me and Morris will explain everything to you. But first, let's meet with him. He's waiting." My uncle smirked.
"Come, Henry. You will come with us too."
He commanded and started walking.
I clenched my jaw and followed behind him.
"I know your uncle, Mr Jackson. I grew up working under him and your father, before your grandfather disowned him and I must tell you, he's a very manipulative man. He's cunning and shrewd. There is no telling what he might be planning. He will use any means possible to get what he wants. I have a bad feeling about this meeting. Whatever happens, please be careful. Stay calm. You need to be on guard. You need to keep your head straight." Henry whispered in my ear.
"Your uncle is a very bad man. Trust me when I say this. Growing up, he was a nightmare. Always yelling and throwing things. He was violent. He was an alcoholic and a gambler. And he was so jealous of your father. Your grandfather gave all the assets to your father, not him. So, your uncle did the worst thing possible. He tried to ruin your family and he succeeded. He stole and embezzled millions, until your father caught him." Henry told me.
"I know he's back for the money, Mr Jackson. He's back for the mansion, companies and all the properties that belonged to your father. But, they belong to you now. And he can never have them. So, he will try and find another way. A different method to take everything from you. Just stay strong and be alert. Be careful of what he does and says. And always, always listen to what the lawyer says." Henry warned me.
"Thank you, Henry." I have Henry a pat on the shoulder.
"Now, let's see what they have to say."
*****************************************
When we entered the office, Morris was already stead on one of the leather seats.
His bald head was glistening from the sun.
His eyes were glued to his phone and his fingers were typing furiously.
I noticed that Morris was holding a briefcase. He also had some folders and files with him.
Whatever he wanted to discuss must be serious.
"Mr Jackson." Morris greeted immediately he saw me. He stood up from his seat quickly and bowed.
"How are you doing, Mr Jackson?" He asked.
"I'm good, Morris. Please, stop with the formalities. You can just call me Xavier. We've known each other for a long time now. So, let's drop the formality, okay?" I said.
"I'm sorry sir. You're my boss. I just can't help it. You're Mr Arthur's son." Morris smiled nervously.
"You've grown up, Mr Jackson. You look so much like your father." Morris said.
"Thanks, Morris." I said.
Then Morris turned to my uncle.
"Mr Charles Jackson." He said and stretched his hand out to my uncle.
But, my uncle ignored him.
"I don't need your greeting Morris. You're nothing but a mere peon. A puppet. Don't think I forgot that you were the one that advised my father to kick me out. You were the one who convinced him that I wasn't good enough for the company and the Jackson family." My uncle glared at him.
"Charles, we only did what was best for the family. You were going down a very dangerous path. We couldn't allow that. You were gambling and spending recklessly. You were stealing from the family." Morris replied.
"If your grandfather hadn't disowned you and kicked you out, I'm so sure you would have squandered all the generational Jackson's wealth. We couldn't let you do that. You were a ticking time bomb. And, you could have ruined the Jackson name and reputation. Your brother was a much better fit for the company and the business. He was more mature. Calm. And, he was much more reliable." Morris added.
"You can say what you want, Morris. You can say whatever is good for you and the Jackson family, but I will never accept it. I deserve to be the head. I deserve to own everything. It is my birthright. I'm the first born and I will do whatever it takes to claim what is mine. Even if I have to kill for it." My uncle gritted his teeth.
"Enough!" I yelled and slammed my hands on the table.
I was tired of all this arguing.
All I wanted was for them to get to the point.
"Can you just shut the fck up uncle? I'm tired of your rants and complaints. This is not why we're here, is it?" I yelled at him.
Then, I turned to Morris.
"Can you please explain the purpose of this meeting? Why are you here, Morris? Is there something I should know?" I asked.
"Yes. Mr Jackson. If you can all take your seats, we can begin." Morris said.
Morris took out some files and folders and laid them on the table.
My uncle and I sat opposite him, while Henry stood beside me.
"So, what is it that you wanted to tell us, Morris? What's the reason for this meeting?" I asked.
Morris cleared his throat.
"I was in my house one day, when your uncle, Mr Charles Jackson called. He came to my home and we discussed about the Jackson's generational rules and how they apply to you. After the conversation, he asked me to arrange a meeting with you, today. So, I came here to see you." Morris said.
I shot my uncle a quick glare. The b-astard. So, this was all his idea.
I knew Morris wouldn't just show up in the mansion without a good reason.
"Okay. What are the generational rules, Morris? Can you explain them to me?" I asked, eager to hear what he had to say.
"Yes. Of course. According to the Jackson family rules, which was first established by your great-great-great grandfather, Sir Edward Jackson, may he rest in peace. All the sons are not allowed to fully inherit their father's wealth and assets until they are married and has an heir." Morris replied.
What? My eyes grew wide. This has to be a joke right?
Married? Did he just say I couldn't fully inherit my father's wealth and properties because I wasn't married?
That was ridiculous. That was the stupidest thing I had ever heard.
I couldn't believe my father or Henry had never told me about this.
I couldn't believe that this was actually true.
This was some kind of a prank. A stupid joke.
"What the hell are you talking about, Morris?" I yelled at him.
"It's simple. You are not the full owner of all the Jackson's family wealth and asserts because you're not married and you don't have a child. As the only son of Arthur Jackson, all his assets and properties now belong to you. But, in order to fully claim and receive all of it, you have to be married and have a child. That is the Jackson family generational rule." Morris said.
"The rule was made to ensure that the money and wealth of the Jackson's family would always remain in the hands of the Jackson's family, in its bloodline and it's male offspring. It's a very old rule. So, you have to follow it." Morris added.
"So…So what does this mean?" I asked.
"Does this mean my uncle will take control over the assets? Is he the reason why you're here?" I questioned.
"No, Mr Jackson. Your uncle won't have any part in the Jackson's will. His name was completely erased from all the Jackson's family will and papers. You are the sole owner of everything. But, according to the rules, you won't be able to make full decisions or claim full ownership. Only a member of the family who is married with a child can do that." Morris explained.
I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.
Fck.
"Are you saying that I need to marry someone? Or, I can't own and run all the businesses that belong to me?" I asked.
"Yes. Exactly. If you want to be a full owner, a decision maker and an heir, then yes. But for now, Mr Charles Jackson son, Trevor Jackson will be helping you in managing the company." Morris replied.
"Trevor will be handling all the companies and businesses, but it will all go into your name. When you are married and have an heir, then, all the wealth and properties will go to you."
I was stunned. Shocked. Did Morris just say my uncle's son, my cousin, Trevor will be running the companies?
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
What the actual fck.
I looked at my uncle. He was smiling.
Why was he smiling? Was this his plan all along? Was he trying to destroy me by having his son take over the businesses?
That was fcked up. That was just wrong.
I was about to speak again but my uncle beat me to it.
"My first son Trevor Jackson, is married with a child. He will be handling the businesses until you are married, Mr Jackson. That means he will be in charge of everything. And you will be the one assisting him." He said and smirked.
Then he turned to me and whispered
"I promise you Xavier, by the time you get married, you won't have any company or business left to run. I will make sure I take every single asset and you will be left with nothing." My uncle laughed.
My anger was boiling. I wanted nothing more than to strangle the b-stard.
"You can't do this. I'm the only child. Everything should go to me." I said, gritting my teeth.
I turned to Morris. I was desperate. There had to be a way out of this. There was no way I would allow Trevor or my uncle to lay their filthy hands on anything that belonged to me or my father.
"Isn't there a way around this, Morris? Tell me there's a loophole. I can't get married or have a child. Not yet. I can't be a father. So, isn't there a way around it?" I asked, looking straight into his eyes.
"There is no way around it, Mr Jackson. For you to be the full heir, you need to have a wife and a child." He told me.
"So you're telling me I have to give Trevor the power and control over my father's business and companies now." I yelled.
"I can't do that, Morris. They will run down the business. You know my uncle is a disgrace and so is his son. They will ruin the Jackson's name and reputation. My father and my forefathers worked so hard to build everything up. I can't allow them to ruin everything we have built. I can't allow them to destroy all his legacy and achievements. It will be a complete disaster." I pleaded.
"Hey, don't talk about me or my son like that, Xavier. How dare you? We are not incompetent. We will do a fine job at running the company." My uncle protested.
I rolled my eyes.
"Please, shut the fck up uncle. Let Morris and I have a proper conversation." I said.
I turned back to Morris.
"Isn't there a way you can hold them off. At least until I find a way out of this." I asked.
Morris rubbed his chin.
He had a serious expression on his face. Like he was in deep thought.
"There's a way. You have to get engaged before the end of this week. Then, the wedding has to be done in the next 30 days. The wedding must be done within a month. Once you are engaged and are on your way to marriage, your uncle and his son will be unable to take control." Morris told me.
"Okay, let's do it. Set up the engagement. As fast as possible. The sooner the better." I told him.
"And who will you marry? There's no way you can find a woman to get engaged to before the week end." My uncle asked. I knew he was angry at the news. Angry that his son won't be taking over.
I smirked.
"Lisa. Lisa Smith." I told him.
"What?" My uncle yelled. "You can't be serious. Lisa. The maid."
"You want to marry the maid, Mr Jackson. Are you sure?" I heard Henry ask. He was shocked by my statement too.
"Yes." I replied. "I'm going to get engaged and marry Lisa, the maid. That will solve our problem, right Morris?" I said, proudly.
"Uhhh…No, Mr Jackson. That won't work." Morris replied.
"What? What do you mean by that, Morris. It will work. Right? The engagement has to be done and the wedding has to happen within 30 days. So, if she agrees to marry me. That should solve the problem, right?" I asked, confused.
"That won't work, Mr Jackson. To have a valid engagement and marriage, the woman has to be part of the billionaire's club." Morris stated.
"The billionaire's club?" I asked. "What the hell is that, Morris? Is it some kind of club or organization? Why must I marry from there?"
Morris cleared his throat and took out a pen drive.
He opened it and a file popped up.
"The billionaire's club is a secret society for the top wealthy families and people in the world. The members are known as the Elite. Only the wealthy and the most powerful members can join. Every wife of the Jackson's, including your mother, was a member." Morris explained.
"Marrying from the billionaire's club helps to expand the expand the Jackson's wealth and influence. It also helps to increase your reputation. It is a must." He added.
I leaned closer to him and took a peek at the screen.
I noticed that the pen drive had information and profiles of top politicians, famous artists and athletes, movie stars, top CEO's and billionaires.
"If you want to have a successful and legal marriage, Mr Jackson, your bride has to be a member of the billionaire's club. The members are extremely wealthy and are from the upper class. They are rich and powerful. So, Lisa Smith, the maid will not be qualified." He said.
"I'm sorry, Mr Jackson, but if you want to save all your father's wealth and property, the only way is if you get engaged and marry someone from the billionaire's club. Only then will it be a valid engagement and marriage."