Jayson poured all his energy into work, whether it was the resort or his own company. Business boomed, and he threw himself into it with enthusiasm. The one suffering, however, was Mr. Smith, who worked alongside him. Mr. Smith observed how Jayson had changed at work—he was even less lenient than before, his iron discipline harsher and more uncompromising. Everyone in the company treaded carefully, terrified of inadvertently offending their boss.
Jayson threw himself fully into his work, and his company soared to new heights. Several major financial outlets had tried repeatedly to land an interview with him, but he remained an elusive figure.
The last time he appeared in the media was during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the resort, alongside Sidney. Since then, he had declined all interviews, unwilling to expose either his personal or professional life.
Finnegan had known about the Bali incident for a long time but had never voiced his opinion. He believed Jayson could handle it himself. However, when certain news reached his ears, he decided to remain silent, waiting for Jayson to approach him. But Jayson never did. Then, upon hearing about Sidney's separation from Jayson, Finnegan finally sent for him.
Jayson had been dodging the summons by claiming he was too busy with work, but his prolonged excuses eventually angered Finnegan. Finally, Finnegan called him personally in a commanding tone, leaving Jayson no choice but to comply.
Finnegan, seated in his wheelchair, watched as Jayson entered the house. Jayson greeted him with a single "Dad," then sat on the sofa to his side without saying another word.
Finnegan started by asking why the young couple had separated. Jayson paused for a few seconds, as if lost in thought, before finally answering, "I guess it was just incompatibility."
Jayson chuckled lightly, feeling that the answer was too vague, but Jayson didn't seem willing to elaborate. He didn't feel the need to discuss his relationship with Sidney with anyone else.
Finnegan asked if he wanted a divorce.
Jayson didn't answer. He had never thought about divorcing her, nor had he considered how to get her back. It had just been dragging on, almost like avoidance.
"Look, young people shouldn't jump to divorce so easily. Try to soften up a bit. Women just need a little attention and patience—once you do that, they'll listen."
Jayson didn't respond or nod. In his mind, he wondered, is Sidney the type of person you can coax? It seemed like he hadn't even tried to coax her.
"Have you ever coaxed Mom?" Jayson countered.
"I didn't understand back then. Now I regret not saying more kind words to her. Don't let yourself regret it. Of course, if you two really can't get along, I won't say much more. Just think it through." Finnegan spoke, his voice rough from smoking too much, coughing between words.
"So, you called me here just to talk about this?" Jayson didn't think it was that simple.
"Deandre is dead."
"Mm."
"Is it handled cleanly?"
"Mm."
"You really don't need to do this in front of Sidney. She can't handle it."
"I didn't think it through at the time. I just wanted him gone."
"Go and coax her some more, explain things to her. She'll forgive you."
"What's there to explain? I don't regret it."
"For her, that was a matter of silencing someone for good. How could she possibly accept it?"
Jayson picked up the coffee on the table, took a sip, then set it down with force. He said to Finnegan, "Don't worry about this. I've always handled my own affairs, and this one is no different. Just focus on your health."
Jayson stood up, hands shoved in his pockets, and left with a graceful air.
After he left, Finnegan ordered, "Get that coffee tested!"
"Got it!" The person responded and took the cup.
Finnegan sat in his wheelchair, looking out the door at the son who seemed so close, yet so distant. He actually wanted to ask what his son was thinking about Deandre's final words.
But in the end, he didn't ask.
