Ice and Fire

How about Stephen? Was he reliable? Could she trust him? Since he said that only John could be trusted, did that mean that he was actually untrustworthy? Did he conceal something from her? Or did he knew everything all along but he didn't dare to speak it out to her?

Cherry knew better than anyone in her heart that Jackson was the answer of the whole riddle. Everything happened because of Jackson, and everyone was scared by him. They all listened to him and did anything that Jackson ordered or required. No one dared to say no to him, and no one dared to speak their thoughts out. But why could Jackson frighten so many people all at once? Wasn't there anyone who could talk to him like his equal?

Cherry then heard the door open, and after she turned around, she saw Jackson come in.

"Have you finished helping Joe with homework?" asked Jackson, while walking closer to Cherry.

"Yes. Has Grandpa gone to bed yet?" asked Cherry.

"Yes." Jackson then stood in front of Cherry, and as he held her in his arms, he said in a tender voice,"Are you tired? How about we go to bed and rest now?"

"I'll take a bath first and then go to sleep," answered Cherry.

"Okay, then I'll go to read a book in the study. Go to bed if you're sleepy," said Jackson.

After he saw Cherry walk into the bathroom, Jackson went to his study.

Actually, Jackson didn't read a book in the study, and instead talked with Derek over the phone.

Derek's voice sounded clear in Jackson's ears though the speaker. "Jackson, your nephew's party is set at 8 p.m. the day after tomorrow," he said.

Jackson thought that John, as the Governor of the city, must have made some arrangements for the party. He knew that all of the elites from the business, political, and military circles would participate, especially the ones from the business circle, and he guessed that perhaps more than half of the attendees would be businessmen.

not necessary to get there too early," calmly said Jackson.

the bank

sort of hesitation. Cherry was the only person that he could think

of a reason as to why Joe's name couldn't be written on

my heart, your sister-in-law is the most important," said Jackson firmly. Although he also loved his son, his wife was already an indispensable part of

"Okay," replied Derek.

of something, and he asked,"Has

yet, but if you give an order, he won't be able to withdraw a

ask,"Have you finished handling

has

have a strange feeling about this party. Something will happen!" said Jackson,

nervous, and said,"Jackson, Mond

will happen." After a while, Jackson continued to say,"And I'm most worried

afraid that Cherry would find out something?" asked

will also show up. Wherever Mond is, disaster follows,"

to think, and then said,"Some things and some people have to be faced if they have to, but Jackson, if my sister-in-law finds out

what Derek said, Jackson had no idea of what he should reply to him.

of him in a daze. He

had stayed in the study, but when he returned to the room, he saw that Cherry had already fallen asleep. Jackson changed into his pajamas and lay in the bed, holding Cherry

into Jackson's arms, and in

her forehead and then also closed his eyes