Uncle J.R
Chapter 45 Uncle J. RThis content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
JASON’S CABIN, NEW YORK. “Is it you, Uncle J. R.?” Nina asked, still in disbelief. Jason’s eyes almost watered. “It’s me, Nina. I can’t believe you have grown this much. How did I miss your growing up this much?” Xander watched silently as the drama unfolded. The both of them stood up to hug each other. Only then did Jason notice the bump hiding behind Nina’s sweater. He held her gaze with shock in his eyes. “Is it Xander’s?” He asked, looking towards his nephew with a distant emotion in them. Nina chuckled. “Not at all, sir. It’s a long story.” “Well, this is your home now. You are welcome to say everything until whatever time.” Jason assured. “What happened?” Nina asked when she returned to her seat. “I waited for two years, constantly watching the door with the hope that you will walk in again. But you never did. I was transferred from one foster home to the other, which was tormenting, by the way, until I got a chance to live my life and forget everything.” Jason rubbed at his face. “Those bastards. I paid them well enough to send you to just one foster home and ensure you never lacked anything. Even went as far as sending your monthly stipends to the warden that I believed was the more thoughtful and nice one.” “You did?” She questioned. “Why?” Nina asked, sharing a look with Xander. “I did that because I would be away for a long time. And knowing my wife, she wouldn’t have made it easy for me to handle, and I wanted to do everything to keep her.” “Where is she?” “We are divorced.” “How did you come to know Nina, uncle?” Xander asked. Jason smiled at the memory. “She was six when I went for a medical outreach with some staff members to orphanages around the city. Nina struck me better than any other child. She was quiet but bold at the same time. She is a brilliant one, too. We got off immediately, and I visited every time whenever I had a free day. She made me forget all my worries, and we would talk for so long like she was an adult.” “I remember how you always sneak me a chocolate.” Nina giggled. “Some of my friends were becoming jealous of how much you cared for me. But they didn’t hesitate to mock me when you never came forward intending to adopt.” “He didn’t exactly marry the best partner,” Xander mumbled. Jason shrugged. “I should have listened to my instincts and adopted you without her knowledge. My sister, Venus, Xander’s mum, would have gladly accompanied me. However, I love Ria too much to do something behind her back. I didn’t stop coming intentionally. My ex-wife insisted she wanted to move to Paris, so I left everything I had here in charge of people I could trust, including your welfare, and moved with her. I stopped calling you directly, hoping you would have found a family that cherishes you. I can’t believe they did nothing.” “Did you try to find her when you returned home?” His nephew asked. “Paris was a hellhole. Finding out about my woman’s adulterous lifestyle shattered me as soon as I dropped at the airport. The orphanage was the first place I drove to to find Nina. However, none of them could produce her forwarding address. They said she cut ties with them and even called her ungrateful for taking all the money I sent to her without looking back.” Jason replied. “Those evil folks. I never took anything from them, and they didn’t give me anything. Instead, they made every minute of my life miserable. But I am glad to be here now. It’s so nice to see you after such a long time, Uncle J. R.,” Nina grinned, reaching for his hand. Jason patted her head lovingly. “My beautiful princess. You have grown into an amazing young woman. So tell me, what happened afterward?” Nina glanced back at Xander and inhaled deeply before narrating her entire ordeal to Jason until that moment. She didn’t fail to mention Andrea’s influence, too, in blocklisting her from getting another job. He stared in disbelief. “They did all that to you? It is a pure act of wickedness! How could they do such to you?!” “It’s because they could. I don’t know what would have become of my life if Xander hadn’t come to my rescue.” Nina admitted. Jason held her hand. “Trust me, Nina. You are my daughter whether I was able to adopt you or not. Please, if you need me to do anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. I am willing to do anything for you.” Xander cleared his throat and sat up. “This is exactly why we are here. I didn’t even realize you two share a bond. As I know, you are a major shareholder in M&M Foods.” “And I am beginning to regret it.” He hissed, looking pissed. “Don’t regret it just yet, uncle. Remember, the food branch of my empire has been doing well in the market. It’s all thanks to Nina’s brilliance. And we have learned that M&M is experiencing financial difficulties and might have to sell out. We want information on that. And we can achieve so much if we have the shareholders and board members on our side.” Jason nodded slowly. “It is going bad as we speak. There isn’t enough money to pump in, and the stock market will collapse if the press gets hold of the inside activity. From my source, they have been downsizing since last month, and some contract workers are the major employees.” He paused to think. “I have heard of your brilliance, Nina. But, like I said before, business and personal relations are miles apart. If I join hands with X&J Foods, can you keep it at the top for the next ten years?” “I will bet my life on it to do everything I can,” Nina assured. “Nina, my darling, you do know if you want to show these folks that did you dirty who truly is the boss, it is by indulging in an act of success-driven revenge. So I will ask you again: are you sure you are fueled enough to change the industry?” She held his gaze, nodding her head in a more determined manner. “Yes, sir. I will do all I can.” Jason smiled brightly. “That is my girl. You are still very much the same. I am so glad I found you again. Thank you, Xander.” He said, staring at Nina lovingly like a father who had just reconnected with his child. “Same here.” Nina cooed. “You two are making me jealous.” Xander snorted. “Of course you are.” Jason chuckled. “I will let Xander know whatever information is necessary, and you can handle it afterward. It will take a while, but trust that it won’t be long. They have to pay for their sins. How long are you?” He asked, staring at her belly. Nina rubbed at it gently. “Six months and a week.” “That is so nice. I think you should put it to bed before getting involved fully. Don’t you think?” Xander nodded in agreement. “I think so, too.” Nina frowned. “You can’t stop me from going to the office.” Xander chuckled. “I didn’t say I would. Don’t be so paranoid. But you must promise to start working from home when you are due in a month.” “I agree with him as a doctor,” Jason added. She pouted a bit. “Fine.” The men laughed softly at her and for the first time in a long while. Nina felt at ease.