Winner Takes All

Artist Warnock trembled and was totally conflicted. He was a master artist of the country and being at the top of his field, he naturally had his pride and dignity. His reputation extended internationally and was revered by his peers.

With his status, apologizing to anyone professionally was a distant concept not to mention to lower himself to a young man.

When they saw that Warnock didn't intend to budge, Director Lansing continued to lecture him, "You stubborn ass! Do you refuse to believe me or Mable?"

Minister Mable sighed, "Go after Jack, it won't be considered as losing face."

Being the son of the head of the Hughes family who could make his father against his duty to be filial, was someone who was worthy of this master artist's respect and apology.

Artist Warnock suddenly realized the situation. He could disregard Director Lansing's words but now that Minister Mable also urged him to apologize to Jack, no matter how stubborn he was, he must know that there was more to this than meets the eye!

Artist Warnock took a deep breath and hurried out of the hall!

"Dad, mom, I'm going after Jack!" Amber ran out of the Bamboo grove excitedly.

Now that the misunderstanding had been resolved, it was as if Amber was in hell one moment and then went to heaven in the next. Which girl wouldn't hope for her parents to accept someone who she loves? Artist Warnock also quickened his footsteps.

It was so silent in the hall that you could hear a pin drop. Steve and Rosie had not come to their senses. The events of that night had changed too rapidly. From joy to fury and now to astonishment. They wanted their old friends to help ensure that their daughter's boyfriend was a decent man but who would expect it to turn into such a huge misunderstanding? When they thought of their attitude towards Jack, the two of them became extremely embarrassed.

Steve looked at Minister Mable and Director Lansing.

"We were friends for so many years and you still hide information from me?" It was obvious that he was referring to Jack!

"We can't tell you directly." Minister Mable shook his head and said with a deep gaze, "Steve, do you think that you have made your fortunes and reputation overseas?"

Steve paused for a moment and nodded. He wasn't someone who was shy about his achievements. His wealth overseas was just as what Mable said. Otherwise, he wouldn't try to set Amber up with oil barons and moguls from the silicon valley. Only when everyone stood on the same level would they be able to continue to prosper. Otherwise, who would respect him?

Minister Mable smiled and with a trace of disdain, "No matter how rich you are, you won't be richer than him!"

Slap!

Steve was stunned and started to flush in red. What Minister Mable said was exactly one aspect which he felt superior over Jack but now it was like a ruthless slap across his face. Before Steve could react to what Mable said, Director Lansing nodded, "Mable is right."

Slap!

Steve's pupils constricted as if he was slapped for a second time.

"Can both of you elaborate?" Amber's mother asked.

Minister Mable shook his head and look at Steve, "Cherish this. Amber has stepped up the social ladder. Whether she can enter this family will depend on your family destiny!"

After he said, he and Director Lansing left together, leaving Steve and Rosie to ponder deeply about this. Jack signaled them not to reveal his identity and for them to say to this extent was already based on their decades of friendship.

After a while.

Amber's mother started to speak, "Steve, do you believe them?"

Steve smiled bitterly and heaved a sigh, "Mable and Lansing will never joke on this matter."

"Then Jack... the way we treated Jack, was absolutely inappropriate." Rosie frowned.

A joyous occasion was turned upside down by a drawing to cause such a misunderstanding. She felt guilty about their attitude towards Jack.

After a pause, Rosie said, "Why don't we stay here for a few more days. We'll find a reason to meet up with Jack and apologize to him to resolve this misunderstanding."

"Apologize?" Steve twitched his eyebrows, "Is it appropriate for us to apologize to him?"

Rosie said angrily, "Than do you intend to have our daughter sandwiched in between? How can you as a father not care about your daughter during this crucial time?" "Okay then." Steve sighed again and agreed. He continued, "But we are just staying here for a few days and now our contact with the Hughes family will have to be shelved." He became very disturbed when he thought about this.

"I know that you always wanted to utilize the Hughes family to push your accomplishments to a higher level. I agree and had always supported you in this."

Rosie's tone was very tender and her eyes were full of love, "But Steve, Amber's our only daughter. Your achievements are beyond what countless people can dream of. We are wealthy enough. Now the happiness of our daughter should be our main objective."

"But..." Steve wanted to explain himself.

"I don't wish that due to our moment's folly, we caused Amber to miss out on her happiness. Even if we disregard Jack's family background, his achievements are rather admirable now. If Amber and Jack were to break up because of us, then how will you be at peace with your conscience?"

Rosie raised her voice, "Or do you think that Amber will accept the oil barons or silicon valley moguls?"

Steve was in a daze and smiled bitterly.

Immediately, he said outrightly, "How about this. Since we're here for a few more days, we'll arrange to meet Jack again and apologize to Jack. That will be considered as the actual session for him to meet us." "Now that's a good father!" Rosie smiled lovingly.

Jack was nowhere to be seen when Amber and Warnock ran to the carpark of the club. They only saw a Rolls Royce driving out of the club.

Amber frowned.

Warnock anxiously questioned the security guards. His expression changed when he found out that Jack was inside the Rolls Royce. In his mind, he repeatedly replayed the words of Minister Mable and Director Lansing which caused his heart to race.

When Amber heard the conversation between Warnock and the security guard, she quickly took out her phone to call Jack. Her call was promptly answered.

"Hey, Jack! You silly rascal. Why did you leave so quickly? Please don't be angry!" Amber said pitifully as soon as the call went through.

"I'm not angry." Jack laughed.

How could he not be angry?

Amber explained, "The misunderstanding had been resolved. Mr. Warnock looked at the artwork again and verified that it was genuine. He was also looking for you to apologize. Can you don't leave? I apologize on behalf of my dad and mom."

What happened just now was totally unfair to him. She wanted to fight for Jack but she was powerless to do anything. Now that the misunderstanding had been resolved, she hoped that Jack would not misunderstand her parents.

"Okay, silly girl. In that situation, I will only make things difficult for you if I don't leave. I'm really alright. Have a good rest." Jack ended the call when he finished.

In the Rolls Royce.

Mr. Ward looked at Jack and smiled, "Master Hughes isn't angry?"

"Amber had already wagered her entire life when she came to me during the most difficult period of my life." Jack shook his head and smiled warmly, "How can I get angry with her parents over such a small issue?"

After he said, his expression turned serious, "Even if I was unhappy, it would be because of you. I was only supposed to have dinner with Minister Mable, how could you prepare a genuine drawing valued in excess of twenty million yuan for me to give it away? Isn't it too extravagant?"

Facing Jack who suddenly erupted, Mr. Ward answered innocently, "Was twenty million yuan too much?"

"Isn't it?" Jack asked in return.

Mr. Ward shrugged his shoulders, "Each gift your father gives is no less than a hundred million yuan. Previously when your father had dinner with an oil baron in the western border, your father even gave him an oil field."

Jack, "..."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐