Chapter ten

Mr. Garrison narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Work? Are you still working at the hotel? And Since when do you work late?"

Jason shifted uncomfortably. "It just happened, sir. They needed extra help tonight."

Mr. Garrison crossed his arms. "Hmm, we'll see about that. But don't make it a habit. I won't tolerate laziness."

Jason nodded quickly. "Yes, sir, I understand. It won't happen again."

Mr. Garrison grunted and waved him off. "Freshen up and come downstairs, I have something to discuss with you."

Jason hurriedly retreated to his room, relieved to have avoided insults. 

Jason took time in his room, in fact, he forgot. He was extremely tired and needed a good rest.

As he was tossing on his bed, trying to get some sleep. He heard his name. 

Jason! Jason!!.. Quickly he got up, knowing fully well who the voice belonged to. Jason rushed to the living room. As soon as Jason got there, Mr. Garrison was already grumbling.

"What is wrong with this boy? Jason! What is keeping you waiting? I want to see you now!"

Jason was already in the sitting room, “I'm here Sir,” 

Mr. Garrison glared at him, his eyes were filled with anger. What he wanted to share with him was just too important. It might be a chance for the garrison family to receive favor and revive their dead family business. 

"Jason, you have been daring me. I hope you’ll be ready to dance to the tune that you are playing. You are always late to everything, such a useless, good-for-nothing boy." Mr. Garrison scolded. 

Jason trembled and stammered, "Sorry, Sir, I was too exhausted. please, Sir, it wasn't intentional."

"Shut up, useless boy. Now, Listen carefully. Liam Homer and his wife are changing their mansion’s interior decoration, and many suppliers have shown interest. In two days, they will be calling on the interested companies to have a professional chat with them. You are going to represent the Garrison family. You will show them what it means to be in this business. Don't forget that the Homer family is among the top three richest families in the world. You'll impress them, and make them hire our family. I've heard rumors that they have a taste for expensive and luxurious things," Mr Garrison declared.

Jason kept his hands on his back and bowed slightly. "Yes, Sir," he responded nervously.

Mr.Garrison dismissed him by waving his hands, but as Jason was about to leave, Mr Garrison’s voice stopped him.

"Ever since you came into this family, you’ve never brought happiness or money, this is your opportunity to redeem yourself. Don't disgrace our family name any further. Prove to me that you can be useful," Mr. Garrison cautioned.

"Yes, Sir," Jason answered, feeling anxious. He hadn't done this type of business before. Mr Garrison never let him close to his business. Jason wondered how he was going to cope without knowing interior decoration.

Leaving Mr Garrison living, Jason remembers his words, it was hurting and harsh. The Garrison’s family despised him and made his life difficult because he couldn't be as ruthless and heartless as they wanted.

Jason decided that he would try his best to make them see his worth. He went to his room and began to research interior designs. It all sounded new to him, he didn't even know where to start or what to do. 

But he didn't stop.

As Jason was contemplating what to do, he heard footsteps approaching the basement where he slept. Zoey entered the room.

"Did my dad tell you that you'll represent our family at Homer’s interior design contest?" Zoey inquired, looking around with a smug on her face.

"Yes, Zoey, your father spoke to me," Jason replied with his head bowed.

Zoey frowned, "What are you doing here? Hope you are getting ready. Please do some research before going," she urged.

Jason wanted to complain, but he shut his mouth up. He didn't want any problems. "Zoey, I don't even know anything about designing," he confessed.

"You're useless. You've never done anything worthwhile, which is why you don't know how to do a simple design," Zoey remarked, pausing for a moment before continuing, "Come with me."

"Thank you, Zoey."

Jason followed Zoey eagerly as they made their way to an old storage room in the house. He thought that Zoey wanted to show him something good, but to his surprise, Zoey gave him an old magazine, actually a decoration magazine that was half torn.

"Now, take this. Read it, it will help you navigate all about decoration. While you read, also be creative," Nora instructed.

Jason was disappointed by what he saw. He had hoped for a real-life picture of how the design would look, but here he is, holding an old, torn magazine. Nevertheless, he had to attend the contest and make his family proud, so he accepted it with a grateful nod.

Jason reached his room and quickly laid down the magazine and started studying it. It was stressful but he had to do it.

While he was studying it, Mr Garrison popped in. He saw Jason with the magazine and quickly got curious, asking him where he got that from. 

Jason was scared and told him it was Zoey who gave him the magazine to help him prepare.

Mr. Garrison examined him and said, "This magazine is more important than your life, keep it safe and return it after use."

Jason nodded.

As Mr. Garrison made his way out, he stopped by the door. And turned, “Jason, this is one simple task I have given you in a very long time. if you fail. You don't want to know what would happen to you. Even death will not save you.”

With fear, Jason stammered, "I’ll try my best sir.”