Chapter 32. Jackson’s Decisions

"How's work at the office?" Papa asked while flipping through a magazine on the table. His morning visit surprised me. Usually, Papa would ask me to come over to discuss various things about the new policies I was launching, especially with the big shareholder meeting approaching.

"So far, so good, Pa." I sat in front of him, observing Papa's face. More wrinkles seemed to appear, reminding me of all his efforts to make us happy. Since childhood, Cedric and I had always been in our comfort zone. Papa always strived for the best, but it was Mom who set limits on everything. There were times when they clashed in opinions, but Mom always won with her arguments.

"They need to learn to understand that what they receive requires sacrifice, Pa." That's what Mom would say every time we whined about wanting this and that. It wasn't as simple as it seemed; we had to strive first before Mom would grant it. Even though I knew Mom was just the intermediary.

Like now. Before I co