Time for a check up
Chapter 68 Time for a check-upUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. “Ah! Doesn’t it feel so nice that everything is back to normal?” Jace commented as he settled himself into a chair, twirling in it. Xander made a face and got up to pick up his suit. “Where are you going?” “Thanks to you and uncle, I no longer have a private moment because you all keep meddling.” He replied with a frown. “We wouldn’t be doing that if it wasn’t for your good. Why do you enjoy making us out to be the villains?” “Maybe because you all are. I told you I am fine.” Jace huffed in exhaustion. He hates how they always go back and forth on the discussion. “Xander, you will regret it soon if you don’t take things seriously.” “I am taking the medications regularly. What else do you want from me?” Xander sounded frustrated. “It is beyond that, Xander. And you know it. You chug down alcohol at will. Your lifestyle is not helping.” “Probably, if you spend a day or two in my shoes, you will get to know if alcohol is a worthy companion or not.” He scoffed, walking away. Xander had a frown on his face until he got to the hospital. Jason didn’t bother to ask him what the matter was and only went ahead with the tests needed. “See, you didn’t die all through it.” Jason mocked Xander. Buttoning up his shirt, Xander snickered. “You know what I hate about all this? You need to check me every time like I am some kindergartener.” “You never stop acting like one. So I don’t feel sorry.” “You are worse than my dad.” “I take it as that. I want steak for lunch.” Jason said, putting on his suit. “I haven’t even agreed yet.” “You promised; don’t make me force it out of you.” Huffing, Xander headed towards the door, not responding. They drove to the nearest restaurant and made their order. Jason watched as Xander played with his food. “What is wrong?” He asked. Xander shrugged. “You know I wouldn’t take any offense if you admit the truth of my condition to me.” Jason sighed. “Why are you so negative? I have told you countless times that I wouldn’t insist on your situation without a way out. Xander, you know what to do, yet you make Jace and me run after you like children.” “I do not have that kind of time.” “Are you listening to yourself? You haven’t had time in the last eight years, or are you intentionally choosing not to be better? Is this a way of punishing yourself or what?” Xander tightened his jaw stubbornly. “Of what use is it anyway?” “I thought Nina was the trigger you needed? Now that she is back in your life, shouldn’t you be eager to want change?” Jason let out a long breath. “Are you scared?” His lips quivered as he stared down at his hand. A dry chuckle escaped his lips. “Will that make me a coward?” “No, son. It just shows you are man enough.” “It bothers me. What if it doesn’t work out? What if I get excited for nothing? Also, I hope she will let me in, and everything will fall into place.” “It’s partly damaged, Xander. Your in-depth happiness will fuel the treatment to work faster. Not clear it out like it never existed. Please, son. It won’t be just your happiness when it all falls into place. We would be most happy, too.” Xander nodded. “Alright, I will do all I need to do. And I do take my pills regularly. Jace is such a snitch.” He scoffed. “Jace loves you too dearly. You should be nicer to him.” He grinned. “You need to see him in his element. He is such an annoying person.” “Your loved ones are the most annoying because they love you.” “Yeah, right.” Xander coughed lightly. “I have been meaning to ask. What is the state of M&M foods at the moment.” Jason chuckled. “It’s getting worse. The banks are insisting on taking down the company to get their money. And they are suggesting to sell. X&J foods topping the chart has also made their future appear dim. Without sales, they can’t push forward as a company.” A light smirk appeared on his face. “I guess it’s time to make a move then.” “What do you intend to do?” “Just as Nina has said before, she plans to take the food industry to the next level, which I am certain would work out great. And as a businessman, I don’t see any reason not to feed on an opportunity to tackle an opponent. So I want to buy them out with Nina heading that sector.” The older man looked impressed. “I must say, you know your onions well.” “Well, X&J didn’t get to where it is now without me making major decisions. So, I would like a meeting with the board and shareholders. Let the negotiation begin. Our business plan will be ready when you give us the go-ahead.” “I will suggest our next meeting. Be rest assured. How is Nina doing, though? Has she been going for her checkup regularly?” “She can be quite stubborn, you see. She works too hard and makes me feel guilty. But she has been attending her appointments.” “I can imagine. You also need to understand how much Nina has to do to prove herself.” “To what extent? X&J stocks have gone up since she took over the food sector. I am already elated having her by my side.” “You should tell her that, not me. And probably, you need to step up your game to make her stay with you this time.” Jason cleared his throat after wiping his mouth and stood up. “Very well then, thank you for lunch. I had a sweet time.” Xander muttered. “You just had to poke me, didn’t you?” He chuckled. “It wouldn’t be fun if I didn’t. But thank you.” “You are welcome, uncle. I will drop you back at the hospital.” “Sure thing.” He replied, following him to the exit.