Ice and Fire novel Chapter 408

Jackson was relieved that Cherry wasn't upset anymore. He smiled as he gazed down lovingly at Cherry, and gently stroked her cheek. He concluded, 'I am so lucky to such a smart, considerate wife who knows me so well. She's the perfect partner and mother. Joe inherited some outstanding genes from her.'

Cherry wanted to know, "Jackson? What are you going to do to Mond?" Her eyes reflected her curiosity as well as concern.

There was a look of consternation on Jackson's face, and he furrowed his brow as he considered Cherry's question. After a short time he told her, "I don't want to hurt him."

"But Jackson, he hates you so much…!" Cherry blurted out. She couldn't understand why Jackson didn't want to hurt Mond. She wondered, 'Did Jackson do something horrible to that hurt Mond at some point?'

"Well, to be honest, if I were him, I would probably hate me too, " admitted Jackson.

His admission left Cherry with more questions than ever, and she couldn't help probing deeper, "Does Mond have reason for such a deep hatred of you?"

Jackson looked away, so Cherry couldn't see the shame or pain he felt. "Maybe." he murmured.

Derek walked in slowly, balancing four cups of coffee carefully, on a tray.

As Derek approached he quickly peeked at Cherry. On seeing she no longer looked angry, he remarked teasingly, "Well now Jackson, you appear to have a talent for knowing how to calm Cherry down quickly."

"She's my woman, of course, I do!" Jackson asserted in an overbearing manner.

Cherry knew Jackson didn't want to continue their discussion anymore, so she dropped it; fearful he would become upset.

"Derek, what have you and Jackson been doing to keep busy lately? What're your plans?" Cherry asked as she smiled warmly at Derek.

Derek handed Jackson a cup filled with coffee, and his eyes twinkled mischievously, "We pretty much, just hang out killing time and relax." His brows wrinkled some when he paused, and as he handed Cherry her cup of coffee, "As for a plan? We haven't actually figured that part out yet, " Derek shrugged casually.

"Well, I think you two have rested enough! It's about time for you gentlemen to come up with a plan!" asserted Cherry in a very motherly manner.

Derek smiled, "Yes, ma'am!" taking Cherry's words to heart.

Jackson sat on a sofa leisurely sipping his coffee in silence.

Selina returned just then carrying a pile of papers.

"Jackson, here are the JS Group's financial files for you to review. Please, let me know if there are any errors in my work, " Selina smirked as she handed them over.