Artist Warnock trembled and was totally conflicted. He was a master artist of the country and being at the top of his field, he naturally had his pride and dignity. His reputation extended internationally and was revered by his peers.
With his status, apologizing to anyone professionally was a distant concept not to mention to lower himself to a young man.
When they saw that Warnock didn’t intend to budge, Director Lansing continued to lecture him, “You stubborn ass! Do you refuse to believe me or Mable?”
Minister Mable sighed, “Go after Jack, it won’t be considered as losing face.”
Being the son of the head of the Hughes family who could make his father against his duty to be filial, was someone who was worthy of this master artist’s respect and apology.
Artist Warnock suddenly realized the situation. He could disregard Director Lansing’s words but now that Minister Mable also urged him to apologize to Jack, no matter how stubborn he was, he must know that there was more to this than meets the eye!
Artist Warnock took a deep breath and hurried out of the hall!
“Dad, mom, I’m going after Jack!” Amber ran out of the Bamboo grove excitedly.
Now that the misunderstanding had been resolved, it was as if Amber was in hell one moment and then went to heaven in the next. Which girl wouldn’t hope for her parents to accept someone who she loves?
Artist Warnock also quickened his footsteps.
It was so silent in the hall that you could hear a pin drop. Steve and Rosie had not come to their senses. The events of that night had changed too rapidly. From joy to fury and now to astonishment. They wanted their old friends to help ensure that their daughter’s boyfriend was a decent man but who would expect it to turn into such a huge misunderstanding? When they thought of their attitude towards Jack, the two of them became extremely embarrassed.
Steve looked at Minister Mable and Director Lansing.
“We were friends for so many years and you still hide information from me?” It was obvious that he was referring to Jack!
“We can’t tell you directly.” Minister Mable shook his head and said with a deep gaze, “Steve, do you think that you have made your fortunes and reputation overseas?”
Steve paused for a moment and nodded. He wasn’t someone who was shy about his achievements. His wealth overseas was just as what Mable said. Otherwise, he wouldn’t try to set Amber up with oil barons and moguls from the silicon valley. Only when everyone stood on the same level would they be able to continue to prosper. Otherwise, who would respect him?
Minister Mable smiled and with a trace of disdain, “No matter how rich you are, you won’t be richer than him!”
Slap!
Steve was stunned and started to flush in red. What Minister Mable said was exactly one aspect which he felt superior over Jack but now it was like a ruthless slap across his face.
Before Steve could react to what Mable said, Director Lansing nodded, “Mable is right.”
Slap!
Steve’s pupils constricted as if he was slapped for a second time.
“Can both of you elaborate?” Amber’s mother asked.
Minister Mable shook his head and look at Steve, “Cherish this. Amber has stepped up the social ladder. Whether she can enter this family will depend on your family destiny!”
After he said, he and Director Lansing left together, leaving Steve and Rosie to ponder deeply about this. Jack signaled them not to reveal his identity and for them to say to this extent was already based on their decades of friendship.
After a while.
Amber’s mother started to speak, “Steve, do you believe them?”
Steve smiled bitterly and heaved a sigh, “Mable and Lansing will never joke on this matter.”
“Then Jack… the way we treated Jack, was absolutely inappropriate.” Rosie frowned.
A joyous occasion was turned upside down by a drawing to cause such a misunderstanding. She felt guilty about their attitude towards Jack.
After a pause, Rosie said, “Why don’t we stay here for a few more days. We’ll find a reason to meet up with Jack and apologize to him to resolve this misunderstanding.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Winner Takes All