Chapter 328 An Unreasonable Request
My mother’s countenance changed slightly right after listening to my answer. I wondered what she was pondering in her heart at the moment.
“What’s wrong, Mom?” I questioned her in puzzlement while looking at her with furrowed brows.
“I have something yet to discuss with you, Anna,” my mother answered me after remaining silent for quite some time.
While uttering those words, she was also staring at me with a troubled look. That was the expression she would always make when talking about money. Therefore, I could not help but speculate if she was about to ask for money again. Michael gave my family two hundred thousand only a few days ago. There’s no way they could spend it all so quickly. Right?
“What is it?” Despite recognizing that my mother would probably make yet another unreasonable request, I still decided to question her calmly.
“As you can see, Steven’s leg has almost recovered. Since you’ve said that you want him to be independent, could you ask Michael to arrange a less-strenuous job for him, Anna?” Even though she was talking to me, my mother’s gaze was toward Michael. It was apparent that she was waiting for him to give a response.
I felt a little reluctant to accept my mother’s request as I did not want to rely on Michael on everything.
However, I could not say anything since my mother had already made her request known. The only thing I wished for was for Michael to express his stance.
Upon hearing my mother’s request, Michael continued having his meal elegantly as if he was ignoring her. Consequently, I frowned in displeasure because of his attitude but refrained from saying a thing since my parents were present.
My mother and I were looking at Michael at the moment while I suppressed the dissatisfaction in my heart. Fortunately, Michael did not disregard us for too long as he placed the cutlery on the table and responded, “I think Steven is probably not suitable to work in operational settings. Fret not, though. He can still work in the security team.”
When I heard Michael’s proposal, I was a little unhappy because security was a job that would not bring any development in one’s career. Nevertheless, I acknowledged that Michael was a person who would never allow personal relationships to get in the way of work-related issues. Moreover, I was pretty familiar with Steven’s actual capability. Michael’s willingness to grant him a job was only because of my sake. Otherwise, he would have no permission to even step into Joyful Success in all likelihood.
“Security team? Is he going to be the head of security?” My mother stared at Michael with a thrilled expression, seeing that he had arranged a job for Steven.
Once again, I knitted my brows when I heard my mother’s words. It was already a profound act of goodwill for Michael to grant Steven a job, but she still wanted him to be the head of security.
Concerning what kind of person Steven was, I believed Michael knew enough about him to determine the position that suited him the most. It was beyond the bounds of possibility for him to take the role of the head of security. Besides, the wage for a security guard working at Joyful Success was already a lot higher than other places.
“It’s not too appropriate for a newcomer like Steven to be the head of security straight away. Others may think that he has used connections. Anyhow, I will observe his performance at work. If he performs well, he will get promoted.” Instead of being upset with my mother’s words, Michael gave her a tranquil reply.
Due to the ambiguity of Michael’s answer, my mother was at a momentary loss for words. She thought he had already made clear that he would promote Steven if he performed well at the company.
As for me, I knew full well that Michael was only entertaining my mother. In conformity with Steven’s personality, it would already be a success if he caused no trouble at work.
“I’ll leave Steven’s matter to you then.” Although Michael’s arrangement was slightly different from my mother’s expectation, she was still well-pleased since Steven had secured a job.
Following the meal, the housekeeper cleaned up the dining table instantaneously. Given that he had to deal with lots of work at the company, Michael left swiftly. Conversely, it seemed like my mother had no intention of leaving just yet.
After Michael had disappeared from her sight, my mother sat beside me and looked at me hesitantly.
“Is there something else you want to talk about, Mom?” I took the initiative to ask my mother before she enunciated anything. Judging from her expression, it was evident that she had something to say to me.
“You’re right, Anna. There’s another thing I need to say.” Rather than revealing what she wanted to say directly, my mother proceeded to stare at me in diffidence. Her reaction made me even more curious about the topic she intended to tell me.
“Cut to the chase, Mom.” Not only did I hate to beat around the bush with my mother, but doing guesswork on others’ thoughts was repugnant for me too.
“Steven is about to work in the city, Anna. As you may have already realized, he’s unfamiliar with this area. His wage might not be able to cover the rental if he stays outside on his own as well. What if he moves in here and lives with you? Both of you can also look after each other,” my mother answered at long last. Yet, I was baffled by her request.
As a result, I fell into a daze for quite some time, wondering if something was wrong with my hearing. Did Mom say that he wants Steven to live in Michael’s mansion? That’s impossible!
Based upon Michael’s personality, he disliked dealing with strangers. Steven’s character was abhorrent to him as well. For those reasons, he would never allow Steven to stay with us.
Furthermore, the owner of the mansion was Michael, not me. That further proved that it was improper for Steven to live there.
“I’m afraid I have to reject your request, Mom. It’s unbefitting for Steven to stay here.” I looked into my mother’s eyes for a while before refusing her.
I had no choice but to make that decision as I knew Michael would most definitely oppose the idea of Steven staying with us. Not only that, I did not want him to live there too.
The second she heard my refusal, my mother’s countenance fell as she looked at me with vexation.
“There are so many rooms in this huge mansion. Steven is only going to occupy one room. That’s such a small favor! Could you bear to watch your brother being all alone without support? Do you want to see him sleep on the streets without a proper shelter?” she reprimanded me with an accusatory tone while glaring at me.
“When you and Dad return home, you can let Steven continue to stay in the house you’ve rented. Besides, that house is much closer to the company in comparison with this mansion.” Since I did not intend to argue with my mother, I explained patiently after letting out a sigh.
Unfortunately, my explanation had little influence on the matters my mother had determined—she would always assume that I was making excuses. The current incident was no exception.
“No way. I won’t be at ease if Steven lives by himself. Other than that, who’s going to wash his clothes for him? If he stays here, there are housekeepers to assist him with that.”
