Chapter 249: But I'm Not Him (part one)

Edward furrowed his brows upon seeing Jessica stagger out of his office. They had been together for many years; He wouldn't be so cruel to her if she didn't keep pushing her luck. He had to end it violently.

He kept silent for a while and paged his assistant. "Anna, come to my office, please." His voice was cool as usual.

Edward thought it was time to put an end on what Coco had started; otherwise Jessica might get the wrong idea and kept bothering him. While she was stuck with the mess of the Lin Group, he must make the first move to get things under his control again -- before something unexpected came up.

"Mr. Mu." With a confused look, Anna knocked on the door and shuffled in. She saw Jessica leave just now, and she wondered what had happened in the office earlier between Jessica and Edward. Jessica seemed happy when she came into his office, but devastated when she left.

"Here's the thing. Anna, have our entertainment company deal with Coco's scandal perfectly; I want to see the press release before tomorrow. And fire her afterwards. If she is shameless enough to ask for compensation, give her the number as per the contract. FX International Group doesn't need troublemakers like her. Famous actress? We can cultivate another one if we like. There are dozens of talented girls out there who know how to behave themselves."

Playing casually with his pen, Edward sneered and gave Anna his order. If Coco wanted to play games with him, he would happily play along -- by his rules. No one would sign someone who had been fired by the FX International Group. Coco was totally screwed this time.

"Copy that. I'll arrange it at once." Anna sighed inwardly. She felt a little sorry for Coco. She was done in the industry. She was the second one being fired by Edward in a rage. The first one was also a famous star and she dared to drug Edward. Anna only hoped Coco would be luckier than the last one, who was now a prostitute at some club.

Thank you Anna. You may go." Edward seldom attended any of the press conferences. He wouldn't need the manager of his entertainment company if he had to handle the press himself. Edward still remembered how foolish the manager was during the last press conference. He had to send Aaron over to save the day. If he couldn't handle Coco this time, Edward would be happy to change the name on the payroll.

"By the way, Mr. Edward, Mr. Jonathan called this morning. He said they will be home tomorrow. Would you like to drive to the airport by yourself, or should I arrange for someone to pick them up?" Anna thought of the call she received earlier and reported it to Edward. Mr. Jonathan was Edward's father; and Edward hadn't seen him for years. Anna figured that he might want to go get his father by himself. He must miss his father a lot.

"What? The old man is finally coming back here?" Edward sneered. He wasn't excited about the news at all. He had been doing perfectly well without his parents. He could take care of himself without them.

Certainly. Would you like to meet them at the airport yourself?" Anna widened her eyes and quietly waited for Edward's answer. Anna knew little about Edward's parents. She was employed by Edward and had been here just awhile. The only thing she knew about them was coming from senior employees' mouths. They were legendary figures in not only the company, but the entire S city.

"No. Send someone to pick them up." Edward refused without any hesitation. He had been on his own for so many years, which had driven him further apart from his parents. They were more like strangers to him at this point. He didn't like to think that way, but that's how he felt.

"I see. I'll leave you to your work." Anna cast an inquisitive look at Edward and left his office. She could sense that the burden Edward was carrying had gotten heavier recently. He looked weary and frustrated. Edward brushed his hair with his hand and sank into his chair. He closed his eyes to catch a catnap. His memories about his parents were so vague and distant. He didn't remember how a warm family felt, because there was no warmth in his family when he was little.

People said he was cold and distant, his personality probably had something to do with his isolated childhood. He had learned long ago never to hope for anything, for there was always disappointment waiting for him. He learned to be cold and emotionless. He wouldn't change or care for anyone, and that was how he could protect himself. But Daisy saw through him; she saw the weakness in him. He didn't have to pretend in front of her; he could be himself. And he was crazy about her for that reason.

He didn't care for Daisy at first. He certainly didn't want his children to go through what he had suffered, growing up in a family without love, so he made the decision to have no children at all. Hence the surgery was done soon after the wedding. He hadn't expected that Daisy would get pregnant after their wedding night, and she gave him a lovely son. He eventually became the dead-beat dad he hated because he wasn't there for Justin when he was little.

That was his biggest regret. So he was doing his utmost to make it up to Justin. He tolerated all his pranks; he gave him everything he wanted; he even let Justin drive away all the women by his side one after another. Justin had turned his life completely upside down, but Edward had never been happier. He loved to watch his son laugh, cry, play and on top of that, grow up. He vowed to himself that his family would always come first no matter how busy he was. He would give Justin the happiest childhood.

Standing outside of the building, Jessica was furious when she saw Justin step out of the car. She clenched her fists and glared at him. Were it not for this little bastard, Edward would love her child! Would things be different if this bastard was gone?

"What are you doing here, old lady? Here to see my daddy? He doesn't want to see you. Forget that already?" Justin remembered Jessica, the woman who stayed by Edward's side for a long while. How could he ever forget such a woman?

"Little boy, where are your manners? Is that how you address your elders?" Jessica held back because Justin was Edward's son. But she wouldn't just swallow her pride and go away since Justin had thrown the first punch.

I'm polite when I have to be. My manners are for those who I respect, not for you. You are not worthy." Hands folded, Justin looked up at her and sneered. He looked exactly like a younger version of Edward.

"What did you just say? You filthy little bastard! Let's see how long you can smile after I have this baby." Jessica was pissed off. Edward had been repeating that she's not worthy; and his son said the same thing. She didn't dare to show her fury in front of Edward, but she wouldn't take this mockery from a little brat.

"Where are your manners? I'm not a bastard. I have a daddy and a mommy. Please show some respect, in case the same thing happens to your child someday." Justin hated it most when people called him 'bastard'. He was so eager to fight back that he ignored the hint lying in Jessica's words.