A Question of Marriage Read Online Free PDF Page A

you to stay away from my son will two million be enough?”
    Payton was silent for a moment as she walked over to a chair several feet away from him and sat down. If he thought he could buy her off he had another thought coming.
    When she didn’t respond he spoke. “Well?”
    “Well what?” He wait for her to continue, but she didn’t say anything. “Have you nothing to say?”
    “I don’t know whether you realize it or not but I’m not easily intimidated by men like you, you know why? Being in this business, I’ve learned a few things. Number one, when the wealthy feel threatened by something, they think by throwing money at it, it’ll just go away. I’m thinking you consider me a problem correct?”
    “Yes.”
    “I see. Well here’s the thing, Mr. Cain, if you didn’t want Jordan to be with me, then why did you threaten to disinherit him if he didn’t find a woman to marry? Did you not think backing him into a corner would produce this kind of repercussions? I’m sure you were aware of our friendship, even before he invited me to your home, considering you keep such close tabs on his personal life.”
    “I’m his father I’m only looking out for his best interest.”
    “I’m guessing finding someone who meets with your approval correct?”
    His expression changed slightly. “I’m glad you understand.”
    “Oh I understand alright. I understand that you want to continue to manipulate and control your son. It’s as if you believe he’s incapable of making his own decisions. You don’t want him to be happy.”
    J.D frowned. “That’s absurd , of course I want him to be happy.”
    “If that were the case , then why did you put those stipulations on him?”
    “I’m his father , I’m only looking out for his best interests.”
    “I’m guessing that would be making sure he picks a “suitable woman”.”
    “What’s wrong with wanting the best for my son?”
    “What about what he wants, Mr. Cain? Does he not have a say in his own life?”
    “Children don’t always know what’s best for them , Miss Hollister, perhaps when you’re a parent you will understand.”
    “When I have children , Mr. Cain, they will be your grandchildren.”
    He looked appalled by her statement. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”
    “You won’t, it’ll be between me and your son.”
    He gave her an assessing look. “You aren’t afraid of me , are you?”
    Payton stood up. “Let me tell you a story , Mr. Cain, it’s about a girl who, when she was in third grade, was afraid to walk to school alone, you want to know why? She was afraid because of a bully, who was the tallest kid in her class and used that to her advantage by intimidating the smaller kids. That little girl was one of them. One day she decided that she wasn’t going to be afraid anymore, so the next day, when she saw the other girl she stood up to her, sure she got a black eye for her efforts, but the other girl got the message and never bothered her again. The next time she went to school, the girl befriended her. You remind me of the bully, Mr. Cain, throwing your wealth and status around, testing your adversaries to see if they can be easily intimidated by you. When that doesn’t work, you threaten them, so they’ll turn tail and run. Just like that bully, you don’t scare me. I actually pity you, you know why? You’re only doing what you were taught.”
    J.D Senior looked dumbstruck. “You impertinent woman,”
    “I don’t think so, what I am is a woman who cares about your son. Jordan is an adult, he doesn’t need your approval, but he would like your blessing.”
    “Well he w on’t get it,” J.D Senior declared, as he stood, grabbing his cane. “I see coming here was a waste of time, you refuse to see reason, good day, Miss Hollister.” and then he walked out.
    Stepping back behind her desk , Payton sank down in her chair, scrubbing her hands down her face, somehow she knew this situation was about to get much