Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 56

Carter stood up abruptly, announcing, “Granddad, if you insist on being like this, then I see no point in carrying on with this conversation.”

“Stop right there!” Abel roared.

Carter stood stock still.

“Carter, you’ve grown up. You’re your own man now. I don’t wish to resort to the same forceful tactics I employed when you were a child. I hope you can show a little maturity and prove that my decision to entrust Scott Group into your hands was a wise one,” Abel said in a gentler tone.

Carter turned and faced Abel squarely. “Granddad, with all due respect, I would like to make my own decisions when it comes to love.”

Resigned, Abel replied, “Fine. I won’t force you then. It’s getting late. It’s about time for dinner.”

Carter quickly said, “Granddad, there are some business matters that I’ve yet to deal with…”

Abel eyed Carter with disapproval. “Carter, look at you! You’re trying to fool me with the same tired, old excuses even at this age.”

Having been exposed, Carter said, “Granddad, now that I come to think of it, it’s all been settled. Let’s head downstairs for dinner.”

Only then did Abel beam. The two of them then proceeded down the stairs.

Over the lavish meal set for seven, Faye eagerly kept an eye out for every opportunity to nudge Carter and Jennifer closer. However, Carter would smoothly evade each pointed question, rendering Faye’s efforts futile.

Faye eyed her son haplessly, then said, “Carter, Jennifer just got home. There’s a lot of things for her to catch up on. You’re familiar with the place; you should bring her around for a few days.”

Carter replied, “Mom, I’ll be busy with work for the next few days. Our collaboration with Radcliff Corporation is about to commence in a few days. I won’t have the time to accompany Ms. Larson. Why don’t you bring the Larsons around instead, Mom? Just put all of their expenses on my tab.”

Faye gave him another look, saying, “The Larsons are our family friends. There’s no need to be so formal around them. You and Jennifer played together as children. You even said that you were going to marry Jennifer when you grew up! Have you forgotten all about that?”

Carter skillfully deflected the question, “Mom, I’ve forgotten quite a bit of my younger days.”

Faye looked at Jennifer and said kindly, “That’s all right. I suppose one could still say that the two of you are childhood sweethearts. How about bringing Jennifer to the office with you to take a look around tomorrow? She’s still unfamiliar with much of how we do things here. You can take her under your wing if she goes to work at your company.”

“Mom, I remember you saying that Ms. Larson graduated with a Master’s degree from Logan University. It would be a waste of her intellect to work at our company,” Carter said with a patient smile. He looked as if he was genuinely concerned about the utilization of Jennifer’s talents.

Jennifer finally spoke. Her voice was gentle and soothing to the ear. “Carter, my parents have been praising you to the skies, making me very curious about you. If you don’t mind, I’d like to work at your company. It just so happens that I’m rather interested in design as well.”

Carter fixed his eyes on Jennifer.

“Carter, it’s rare that you’ll receive an application from such a highly-educated girl like Jennifer, who doesn’t despise your small company. Now that she’s expressed her interest, there’s no excuse for you to refuse,” Faye warned.

“Well then. Since Ms. Larson has spoken, I shall not pass up on such a talent indeed. However, my company is rather strict about observing proper hiring procedures. I’d have to take a look at Ms. Larson’s resume first if she doesn’t mind.”

Jennifer laughed. “Of course I don’t mind! I’ll personally deliver my resume to your company tomorrow. I’ll need to trouble Carter to guide me when I start work then.”

With a crafty look, Faye added, “Carter, Jennifer has been living overseas since she was young, but she hasn’t been exposed to any of those dirty tricks that they play at the office. You must watch out for her when she goes to work at your company and not let others take advantage of her.”

Carter nodded robotically. “Yes, Mom.”

After dinner, Carter once again tried to excuse himself on account of unfinished business at work. However, he was halted in his tracks by Faye’s urging. “Carter, Jennifer just came back today and hasn’t been around. Why don’t you take her out?”

Before Carter could refuse, Jennifer immediately broke in. Smiling, she said, “Carter, I don’t know this place very well. Do you mind taking me out for a little tour?”

Carter had no choice but to swallow his objections. “Mr. and Mrs. Larson, perhaps the rest of your family can join us as well.”

The Larsons shook their head immediately. “You two go ahead. Young people have their own things to talk about. We don’t want to be a wet blanket.”

Faye joined in gleefully, “You young people should be spending more time together! Carter, be sure not to bully Jennifer.”

Carter nodded.

After they got into the car, Jennifer dropped her air of bashfulness and openly demanded, “You don’t like me, do you, Carter?”

Carter frowned, feeling rather displeased with Jennifer’s sudden about-turn in attitude.

“You’re overthinking, Ms. Larson. It’s our first meeting after all. You’re a family friend, and I feel totally neutral toward you,” Carter replied evenly. Without their parents around, Carter saw no need to keep up his facade.

Jennifer laughed. “Carter, you rejected Scott Group and came out to establish your own business. From the five people you had at the beginning to the present ever-expanding pool of employees, you’ve developed your company with a remarkable boldness that I admire greatly. I’m fascinated with you. Today was, in truth, a matchmaking session, which I’m sure you’ve managed to perceive as well. If you don’t mind, we can try dating for a bit.”

“I mind,” Carter said simply.

Dumbfounded, Jennifer looked at him. “Why? What’s the reason for it? Am I not pretty enough for you?”

Carter shook his head. “No. You’re gorgeous actually, Ms. Larson. However, I’m already in love with someone else. Her looks and family background may not be as well off as yours, but I’m not interested in anyone else besides her.”

Jennifer laughed haughtily. “Is she your girlfriend?”

“No, I’m still pursuing her.”