She Isn't Qualified

Aleckin bore his piercing glare into his grandfather's face. The patriarch did the same—gritting his teeth upon seeing his grandson's spine made of steel now. 

He should be happy about it. He trained Aleckin as someone with nothing to fear. However, his good grandson is practicing this dominance over him.

"Hah. I'm telling you, Aleckin. You can fool around all you want. But you can never display this behavior before, Jacob Davies! Yelena will be your only wife!"

Aleckin pursed his lips. He was tempted to reveal the truth that he and Yelena were divorced. They were waiting for the one-month cooling-off period to complete the procedures.

"Grandpa…" 

Aleckin opened his mouth. But Aleksandr cut him off with a question.

"Do you think I didn't know about those women you meet and dine with?"

Aleckin chuckled, amused at how his old man acted childishly. 

"Grandpa, those are official dinners with our business partners. This kind of setting is not new to you."

"Exactly! I knew very well why those companies sent their female executives! I've been there, Aleckin."

Aleckin gritted his teeth in irritation. Never in his life did he ever compare himself to his grandfather. He would never live a life like his, nor would he ever become like him. 

He harbors an ill feeling toward the older man.

"I'm not weak like you. So, we are not alike, Grandpa." 

Aleckin was vocal about his thoughts but could not finish his sentence when the tip of Aleksandr's golden cane landed on his face. 

The bystander servants on the corner of this massive mansion gasped in horror. 

However, despite the blood streak from his left cheek, Aleckin ignored his wound. Instead, he even steeled his chest and straightened his back. He stood still, with no trace of emotion across his face, meeting his grandfather's glare.

Aleksandr sneered, seeing his grandson would not bow down but was disrespectful toward an elder. 

"I'm telling you one more time, Aleckin Kalix Ferrero! Jacob Davies is a righteous and faithful man. He remained loyal to his wife even after her death. Jacob never remarried. Instead, he devoted his love to his only daughter, Princess Hailee. After he learns that David Herbert has a daughter, and it happens that she is married to our family, Jacob wishes to meet Yelena, his goddaughter."

Looking at his grandson meaningfully, Aleksandr paused and added, "We cannot miss such an opportunity."

Aleckin snorted upon hearing his grandfather mention Jacob had learned that Yelena was married to him. His grandfather sounded too believable. But of all the people who knew Aleksandr well, it was him. His grandfather flexed his marriage—the reason Jacob learned about it.

Trained by Aleksandr Alessio Ferrero, he knew that the older man had dug up all helpful information about Jacob Davies—something he could use to win the latter's favor.

Aleckin suspected the older man had been planning this all these years. It was no wonder his grandfather was out to please Yelena.

"Are you listening, Aleckin?" 

Aleksandr's booming voice pulled Aleckin out of his reverie. He sighed long and replied, "I did not, Grandpa. So, please… Can you repeat from the top?"

Aleksandr's face crumpled from rage, and his body shook uncontrollably. How dare his grandson satirize him like this? 

"Did I give you too much power, Aleckin Ferrero? Don't measure my patience with you! Do you think I cannot kick you out of the family?" he threatened.

However, Aleckin simply tugged the corner of his mouth. 

He said, "Then? Please do so as soon as possible."

Aleksandr rose from his seat and was about to hit him again if it weren't for the two people emerging at the door in hurried steps toward the older man. 

"Grandpa, please calm yourself down. I advised you not to become emotional." One of them is a young doctor. He appeased the older man and reminded him of his condition in a lower voice that Aleckin could not hear. Afterward, he turned his head and shot Aleckin with a warning gaze. "You can't upset your grandfather, bro!"

"Tsk. Would I have become rude if it weren't for this old man's pry?"

"Tsk. Do I become upset if it weren't for this bastard?"

The two said at the same time.

The young doctor, Rolan Gibson, didn't know whether to cry or laugh at this scenario. He was unsure whom to talk to when the grandson and grandfather were strong-willed. "Fine! But, Aleckin…"

"Your words were just futile. Stop wasting your saliva, Rolan." Aleksandr cut Rolan off. 

The young doctor cried internally. He wants to get out of this mansion and let these two kill each other. But as someone who swore to save lives, he cannot abandon the older man.

"Then, Grandpa, don't forget to cool off," Rolan Gibson reminded him, and he walked to the side. Then he noticed the wound on Aleckin's face. "Holy shot! Grandpa, let me tend to Aleckin's wound first. Your grandson is the face of the Ferrero Group of Companies. Didn't you know that he was invited to be on the cover of a famous magazine?"

Hearing that, Aleksandr's face brightened up.

"Is that true? Then, this is the perfect chance to introduce my granddaughter-in-law! They can feature Yelena as well."

Aleckin and Rolan dropped their jaws on the floor. The latter lowered his head for the mistake he made. Well, he just wanted to lighten up the atmosphere. But who knows, it would only cause more trouble? Aleckin is shooting him a murderous glare for being nosy and talkative.

But Aleksandr was oblivious. He continued praising his granddaughter-in-law.

"She is beautiful and elegant. The true essence of a noble woman! Yelena is perfect to stand by your side, Aleckin."

Aleckin scoffed. He mused, 'It looks like my grandfather has become a lunatic as well. His case looks severe. His eyesight seems very terrible as well. What makes that woman elegant? Maybe she is charming, but…'

He was disgusted by her fashion sense.

"Eyes here, Aleckin!" The older man ordered, tapping the tip of his cane on the floor. He noticed Aleckin frown with disgust.

Aleckin met his grandfather's fierce gaze, waiting for him to continue blabbing nonsense.

"Give me that magazine's contact info. I'll make arrangements. The photoshoot and interview must be held in this mansion."

Aleckin darkened his countenance as he refused resolutely. "No. The magazine is all about cars. That woman does not deserve to be featured at all. I'm certain she does not have any knowledge of this industry. Thus, what right does she have? She would never be qualified to be featured in that Engine magazine."

ENGINE is a magazine featuring sportscars, supercars, race cars, and expensive stylish cars.

In the past two years, they only invited successful motor companies, the best car racers, and wealthy owners who purchased the said cars to feature in their magazine. 

News spread in his circle that the owner of this magazine would appear on its third anniversary, which was half a year from now. He has been working hard to be noticed by their chief editor. 

Hence, he designed FREEDOM, hoping the Engine Magazine would take notice of Ferrero Motors.

But then, that damn woman will steal his thunder? 

'That woman is getting on my nerves!'