Ice and Fire novel Chapter 956

Chatting and laughing, the six sat together, their smiles a reflection of the happy times.

"Oh, I almost forgot it. I have one thing to tell you and Jackson," Mond said in a serious tone, as he turned to look at Cherry.

"What is it? Tell me, I'm all ears," Cherry replied in a casual tone.

"I am planning to go abroad so I can stay with Natalie and her mother. I will then leave the working of ZM Group to Lawrence," Mond declared.

This announcement left all the others silent. Wilson, Derek, and Selina had their gaze focused on Lawrence's parents.

Surprised, Cherry and Jackson glanced at each other dumbfounded.

Jackson narrowed his eyes towards Mond, and asked, "Are you not going to return ever?"

"I will return. But I don't know when that would be," Mond replied honestly. He had no intention of hiding his plans from Jackson and Cherry. Looking at their confused expressions, he explained, "Natalie has grown up. I have barely kept her company the last few years. I owe her a lot. Now I want to be a good father to her. Before she gets married, I want to spend some more time with her."

On hearing this, Cherry and Jackson became engrossed in their thoughts. 'I understand. He isn't joking. He must have thought all about this before making this decision, ' they mused.

Wilson and Selina exchanged glances and nodded to each other in agreement. The former then said to Cherry, "I and Selina have also thought a lot and decided to let Lawrence take over the H King Group."

"Wilson, you..." Cherry was too shocked to even continue her sentence.

"Cherry, Jackson, you know that Austin has been abroad for a long time now. I don't think he intends to take over the H King Group. So we decided to let Lawrence run our company. We can't trust anyone else apart from him," Selina expounded.

"Oh, yeah, we both have become old. It's time to leave our business to the younger generation to handle," Wilson supported her.

When Derek heard this, he became agitated. Transfixing his eyes on Jackson, he broke in eagerly, "You haven't forgotten what I had told you earlier, have you?"

Jackson nodded his head. Of course he had remembered Derek's proposal as well. But he was taken by great surprise that his son might have to take charge of three companies now.

"What do you think of this, honey?" Cherry turned and asked for her husband's opinion. 'I can't make a decision on Lawrence's behalf. These are very important matters. I should first listen to Jackson's opinion, ' she decided.

After a long pause, Jackson opened his mouth. "Are you sure about the decisions you have made?" he asked with a scowl.

"Yes, I am," Mond replied with a firm look.

Derek and Wilson nodded in reply too.

"After we have lunch, let's first go to the JC Group. If Lawrence agrees to the proposal, I too will be okay with it," Jackson began. "It's up to him. If he has no problem, you can hand over your companies to him."

"Okay. We need to inform Lawrence and let's wait for him at the company," Derek agreed immediately.

"I am going to call Lawrence," Selina chimed in, as she talked towards the balcony with her phone in her hand.

"You have suddenly put on so much weight on my son's shoulder. I feel so sorry for him," Cherry began, a hint of concern reflecting from her face.

"We all think of Lawrence in high esteem. We believe that only he can do a good job with our companies," Derek comforted Cherry.

"If he has any difficulties in his job, we will be there to help him," Mond assured Cherry.

"We know you love Lawrence, Cherry. But we also treat him like our own son. He is a competent young man, and he needs more practice with business. Perhaps it's a good thing for him. He could use this opportunity to hone himself," Wilson reassured Cherry. He understood her concern for her son but he thought it was good for Lawrence's future prospects.

Jackson held Cherry's shoulder and said tenderly, "Honey, we are first going to ask Lawrence's thoughts on this. If he agrees, we should respect his opinion and support him. Even if he makes a few mistakes in the beginning, we will not go bankrupt."

"Jackson has a point. Even if we don't run the companies, we can still lead comfortable lives like other members in our circle," Mond butted in. The Chu, Lu, Xu and Yuwen four families had already earned their reputation and status in this city. Even without the companies, they still had connections and power with us. These intangible assets would keep them bound to the upper class.

"Oh, yeah, Mond is right. Don't worry," Derek persuaded.

When Cherry looked at Mond and Derek, it allayed her concern. When she gazed into Wilson's eyes, her apprehensions were dispelled instantly. 'I believe his judgment. I'm lucky to have met him. I can tell by his eyes he has a very high expectation for Lawrence and he hopes that even I can have more faith in my son. Perhaps they are right. I should trust my son, ' she pondered.

Cherry turned to stare at Jackson. In a commanding tone, she said, "If Lawrence meets any problems, you must help him."

"No problem. He is my son. Of course, I will be there when he needs my help," Jackson replied without any hesitation. 'Women always have lots of worries and fears in their mind, and so does she. I have to understand her concerns, ' he thought.

...

In the CEO office at the JC Group, Lawrence sat on his swivel chair. He rested his hand on the arm and looked deep in thought. There was something that was bothering him.

He had just received a call from Selina and learned about their plans. 'If I agree, I will have to be in charge of JS Group, H King Group, and ZM Group, ' he thought. He had considered about Derek's offer and decided to take over JS Group if his father didn't oppose the idea. But now he was caught unprepared, as he was expected to take charge of three companies at once.

In the afternoon, Lawrence was going through some files in his office. Suddenly, his telephone rang breaking his reverie.

"Your father has taken the lift to your floor, Mr. Lawrence," the receptionist said politely.