Ice and Fire novel Chapter 443

Something changed in Derek's face and he spoke up suddenly. "Jackson, we should fight back. If this continues, I don't know what's going to happen next."

Jackson nodded in agreement. "You're right. I'll take care of Eric and Jonson. You, watch Mond. I don't think he'll cause any trouble for the moment, but let's keep an eye on him for now."

"Understood, " Derek affirmed.

There was a moment of silence before Jackson spoke again. "However..."

Puzzled, Derek observed Jackson's features and asked, "What?"

Jackson furrowed his brows, mildly lost in his thoughts. "Do you think Mond killed the butler?" He had no evidence. Besides, the truck driver was already dead, so there were no leads to follow.

Derek fell deep in thought. He had never considered this possibility before, but he furthered its premise to ask, "If so, why did he kill the butler?"

"Because the butler knew some secrets of his, " Jackson explained. "Actually, I suspected the butler had been in touch with people outside the family. It's no surprise that he might contact those that hate our family. He must have contacted people from our past, namely Mond, Sally and Stephen. Ruling out those who couldn't have done it, Mond and Sally are the only ones who could." He was confident in his deduction.

"That does make sense. But could it be Sally?" Derek inclined his head.

Jackson sighed, following his deductive reasoning. "Unlikely. I know Sally. She's not smart enough to order the butler to do it."

"Then, Mond is the only possibility, " Derek replied firmly. "Five years ago when he returned to this city, he already had some power and money. We barely even noticed. Now, I am forced to admit that he is incredibly powerful. He owns a very large and wealthy group, not to mention his own huge fortune."

It was all true. Jackson couldn't ignore it any longer. "We can't just casually ignore him anymore."

A feeling of helplessness shadowed Derek throughout their conversation, and now it reared its head. "Jackson, I don't understand, " Derek complained. "Why is Mond always standing against you? Is it entertaining, killing each other like this? Does he get some sick pleasure from this?"

"Never mind, " Jackson replied. He felt it too, but it was futile. "There's no use complaining now. Surprisingly, I can actually understand him. My Grandpa was always so cruel to him. He must hate my Grandpa so. He fights against me because it's unfair. It's just so simple, he is upset. I live a stable and happy life, while he drifts about, never really settling in or finding home and family."

Derek frowned, shaking his head, "But, when he left, Grandpa left him a large sum of money, definitely enough for him to live comfortably for life. And I bet the assets he owns now were gained by using Grandpa's money."

There was no argument to that. Jackson remained silent. He had also wondered why Mond continued the way he did. Jackson had to accept it: he couldn't change Mond's mind. Mond had to decide it for himself, and Jackson had no idea how to help him change his own mind.

It was easy to see what Jackson was thinking, and Derek agreed. He didn't want to be Mond's enemy either. He'd much rather be friends or even close buddies.

"Try not to overthink it, Jackson, " Derek tried to console Jackson. "Anyway, you've done nothing wrong. We'll figure out how to deal with Mond." It was an all-too common habit of Jackson's, dwelling too much on things. Derek hoped that Jackson would take his advice.

Jackson took a deep breath, clearing his mind. He decided he would try to take Derek's advice. There were problems enough without him adding too much stress due to worrying. "Alright, " he acquiesced. "Do as we discussed. You'll take care of JS Group, and I'll handle Eric."

"Got it, " Derek affirmed, adding, "Be careful. If you have problems, call me immediately."

"I will."

That evening, Jackson enjoyed dinner with his family. Afterwards, Joe retired to his bedroom and Jackson embraced Cherry in the night air on the balcony.

Held tightly by the strong and safe arms of her husband, Cherry gazed upwards at the twinkling sky.

"Baby, " Jackson blurted without warning.

"Yes, what is it?" His voice interrupting the still night caused Cherry to turn her eyes to him.

Jackson mulled his words over in his mind before finally speaking. "I want to ask you something." He knew if he didn't, he would always be worried.

His wife continued to look at him sweetly. "You can ask me anything, babe, " she replied.

"When Grandpa was still alive, did he truly tell you nothing about the token?" Jackson asked gingerly. As soon as the words left his lips, he regretted them. He feared Cherry would be angry for him doubting her word. He did believe her, but he hoped she could just think on it once more. If she still said no, he would be able to go on with his plans without worry plaguing his thoughts.

Astonished, Cherry shook her head. "No." She stared into her husband's eyes as she responded. "Grandpa never mentioned it."

Silence filled the night air again as the husband and wife watched each other.