Chapter 9: Shady Past

Words : 1724 Updated : Jul 31st, 2025

"Are there any decent folks in prison?" As the words came out, Arthur lowered his head in silence. Zachary looked even more upset, but Pierce seemed pretty unfazed. He'd come to terms with reality three years ago. Now, he just felt bad for his parents, who'd been looked down on because of him. How did they get through these last three years? "Ailee, Pierce isn't an ex-prisoner, and even if he was, the government already forgave him. Who are you to talk? Is having a cousin like Pierce that embarrassing? Don't forget, your total score in six subjects wasn't even as high as his." Zachary took a deep breath and said firmly, "You must arrange a job for Pierce. If you look after him and help him, we as elders can rest easier. And also..." "Alright, alright, enough already. I agree, okay?" Ailee waved her hand impatiently and said to Pierce, "You, wait for me downstairs at eight tomorrow morning. I'll take you to the company to report, but you can't tell anyone you're my cousin. That's it, I'm busy!" With that, Ailee stormed back to her room and slammed the door shut. "That kid has no manners, honestly." Zachary felt both angry and helpless, shooting a helpless smile at Pierce and Arthur. "Don't take it to heart. Since Ailee agreed, she'll help." "Alright, then we won't disturb you any further. We'll be on our way." Once things were settled, Arthur grabbed his son and got ready to go. "Rosemary, we'll be going now. Sorry for the disturbance." "You know you're bothering us and still came? Must be on purpose." Rosemary, done with her face mask, waltzed into the bathroom, ignoring how pissed Zachary looked. "You two take care on the way back. Do you have enough money? Take a cab." As he spoke, Zachary reached for his wallet to offer some money, but Arthur refused. In the elevator, Arthur sighed, "Pierce, don't hold it against your aunt and cousin. It's normal for them to have issues with us. Your uncle's helped us out a lot. With our family's situation, who wouldn't be scared?" "I don't blame them." Pierce shook his head. He wasn't trying to comfort his father. He genuinely didn't blame them. The only person he hated now was Estella. "That's good." Arthur saw a spark of hope. "Wake up early tomorrow and go to the company with Ailee. Don't be picky about the job. I believe in you. If you put your heart into it, things will get better. Earn more, get married, and your mom and I can rest easy." "Dad, I understand. Let's go home." Pierce sounded calm. The father and son walked home. By the time they arrived, Dallas was already asleep. Pierce wanted to have a good talk with his parents, but when his mother found out he was going job hunting with Ailee the next day, she shooed him off to wash up and get some rest. Pierce had no choice but to go along with it. Lying in bed, Pierce considered his plans. After the interview, he'd find Estella. He had to settle this score, not just for himself, but for the three years of humiliation his parents had suffered. How did Fernando end up with Estella? Were they planning to get married? And then there was Dallas's illness. Blood Mold Toxin was a slow-acting poison, almost impossible to cure, and required a variety of rare herbs. Now that his brother and sister-in-law were gone, he couldn't let anything happen to Dallas. "I'm back, and nobody's messing with the Jackson family ever again!" With that vow, Pierce fell into a deep sleep. Early the next morning, Elena had already taken Dallas to kindergarten, and Arthur was getting ready to open up the stall. "Hurry up and eat, then get going. Remember, be honest and work hard." With that, Arthur headed out too. Pierce wolfed down breakfast, grabbed a bread for the road, and headed to his uncle's place. As he arrived downstairs, Ailee was coming down. Ailee looked every bit the modern office worker. She was stylish and sharp. But when she saw Pierce, she frowned a little. Then, she relaxed when she remembered her boyfriend's plans from last night. "Ailee..." "Don't call me that, especially not at work. It might look bad for me." Ailee quickly interrupted, heading toward a parked Mercedes. "Sit in the back." "Alright." Pierce didn't mind. He hopped in the backseat. It was a Mercedes C. Young women love it, the interior's nice, but otherwise nothing special. "Ailee, is this your cousin? The ex-con?" The guy driving shot a mocking look at Pierce in the rearview mirror. "Cut it out," Ailee said. "Just drop him off at the company for his interview. I've got a client to meet after." "Don't worry, babe. We won't be late." The guy grinned, "Babe, you look amazing today." Pierce could tell this guy was Ailee's boyfriend. "You're such a sweet talker. Alright, drive on." "Okay, my queen. Please fasten your seatbelt. Your chariot is ready to go!" Ailee giggled from the passenger seat. "Hey, ex-con..." "It's Pierce Jackson." Pierce's eyebrows shot up. He wasn't about to be pushed around, especially by someone he didn't even know. Calling him 'ex-con' repeatedly was looking for trouble. "Alright, alright, Pierce Jackson." The guy went on, "I'm Hogan, Ailee's boyfriend. Since we're all family, I've got a few words of advice for you." Hogan winked at Ailee and, while driving, said, "Navy Technology's a high-tech company. Without a degree or experience, you'll be lucky to land a security gig. Maybe you won't even pass the interview." "You should be ready. Your background isn't flawless." "Navy Technology?" Pierce thought. Wait, wasn't that the same company Kailey Hill gave him yesterday? He was about to interview at his company. "Also, Ailee and I are just junior managers, so we don't want you screwing up our chances. You'll get off at the next intersection and walk the rest of the way." "Sure, that's fine." Pierce wasn't bothered. Honestly, he didn't want to listen to their sappy flirting, especially Hogan, who was such a suck-up. Pierce was disgusted. "Pierce, don't blame me. Life's tough, and your past isn't decent." Feeling guilty, Ailee showed a hint of sympathy. "No worries, I'll get out of here. Drive safe." The car stopped, and Pierce got out and walked away.

Chapter 9: Shady Past

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