Aiden Thompson followed the assistant to the sidewalk, stopping under an old oak tree. Rex Thompson's eye-catching Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked right there. The streets of New York were buzzing with activity, the noise from Times Square echoing with honking horns and chattering crowds. Street performers were showing off their juggling skills nearby, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Pedestrians around them wore a mix of business suits and trendy clothes, showcasing the city's vibrant, diverse culture.
The assistant opened the car door and motioned for Aiden to get in. In the backseat, Rex Thompson sat with a serious look on his face.
Aiden bent down and got into the car. Without greeting Rex, he sat down and immediately said, "What's this about? You can't be serious if you think I'm here for a casual chat."
Rex Thompson raised an eyebrow at his rudeness, clearly irritated. "You've only been out of the house for less than a year, and already you've gotten pretty full of yourself."
"Wasn't it you who just put me in my place back there? You really piled it on thick," Aiden said, teasing him a little.
"Hmm." Rex Thompson gave a low grunt. "With your attitude just now, I've been easy on you. I bet Benjamin Harris probably gave you a little lecture afterward."
"As you predicted. Just like you predicted," Aiden shrugged, his tone indifferent.
Rex Thompson smirked slightly, looking pleased with his judgment. "You're probably thinking, 'Why is it me getting criticized when it was you who was being a pain?'"
After a brief pause, Rex continued, "Simple. Because I'm the client, and you're the service provider. In this cutthroat world, that's the brutal reality. Some things just aren't up for debate—forget about fairness."
"Well, thanks for making the trip just to give me this 'valuable' lesson," Aiden said sarcastically, his tone dripping with irony.
Rex Thompson clenched his teeth, clearly frustrated by Aiden's stubbornness. "I see you don't know how to back down! You're really getting under my skin here."
"I don't think I did anything wrong, so why should I change?" Aiden shot back, not backing down.
"You…" Rex's face turned red with anger as he clutched his chest. "You're trying to kill me, aren't you?"
Seeing his father struggle, Aiden's heart softened a bit. He leaned forward with concern. "Are you having heart trouble?"
Rex Thompson shot him a sharp look. "Mind your own business, Aiden."
Aiden sighed in exasperation, thinking his father was as stubborn as ever. "Dad, you're not getting any younger. You need to take better care of yourself."
"Yeah, well, it's your fault I'm so stressed out!" Rex grumbled, not letting up.
Aiden decided to stay quiet. He knew his temper was just as quick as his father's, and neither of them would back down.
There was a brief silence in the car. After a while, Rex Thompson spoke up. "I'm planning to spin off the investment division into a subsidiary. If you come back, you'll be in charge."
Aiden Thompson didn't hesitate. He immediately declined. "I'm not ready to come back yet."
Rex Thompson was surprised by the direct rejection, his eyes widening. "What, you think you're too good to come back and take over the family business now?"
Aiden Thompson didn't want to argue with his father anymore, afraid it might worsen his health. He patiently explained, "I'm an adult now. I can't rely on the family forever. Let me go out there and make my own mark. Think of it as a way to grow and learn."
"You think the outside world is that easy? Without money or connections, you're just another face in the crowd. What are you going to do when it gets tough out there?" Rex Thompson said dismissively.
Aiden Thompson responded firmly, "Whatever I achieve out here, it'll be because I earned it. I'll make it on my own."
Aiden's tone was sincere, and Rex Thompson couldn't argue with him. He frowned, muttering, "Suit yourself, but one day, you'll realize how tough it is out there and come back asking for help."
Aiden Thompson smiled. "It's getting late, Dad. You should get some rest. I'm heading home now."
**
Aiden Thompson returned to his apartment. The place felt cold and empty without Grace Li around—she was still out of town on a business trip. Without her presence, the apartment seemed especially quiet. He sat down on the couch, pulled out his phone, and sent her a message.
Aiden Thompson: Busy?
Grace Li: Just got out of the shower, about to watch some TV.
Aiden Thompson: Got time to chat?
Grace Li: I'll just text, I'm sharing a room with Olivia.
Aiden Thompson: Cool.
Grace Li: So, how'd that investor meeting go today?
Aiden Thompson: It was hell.
Grace Li: What happened?
Aiden Thompson: The guy was a total jerk—bad attitude, super hard to talk to, and nitpicked every little thing.
Grace Li: LOL, that bad?
Aiden Thompson: Ever dealt with someone like that?
Grace Li: Oh, for sure. You know how some rich folks are—think the world owes them something just 'cause they've got money. They treat everyone like their personal assistant, expect you to jump at every little demand. Honestly, sometimes I wanna punch them in the face.
Aiden Thompson: You'd definitely wanna hit this guy too if you met him.
Grace Li: Hahaha!
Grace Li: But you kinda get used to it. In a cutthroat city like New York, it's survival of the fittest. Sometimes, you gotta swallow your pride to close the deal. If it feels like a blow to your ego, just remind yourself—humility's part of our roots anyway. No big deal lowering your head once in a while.
Aiden Thompson: You've got a point.
Grace Li: But hey—gotta have your principles. No one should treat you like a doormat. As long as they don't cross the line, it's fine to bend a little. We can win respect with what we bring to the table, not just by kissing up.
Seeing her playful use of "fine to bend a little," Aiden couldn't help but smile. His mood instantly lifted.
Aiden Thompson: Learned something new again.
He often felt that, whether as a colleague, a friend, or a partner, meeting Grace Li was one of the best things that had ever happened to him. She was sharp, grounded, and at thirty, had a clear-eyed view of the world. She didn't follow the crowd and always had her own way of thinking. Every conversation with her left him with a new perspective.
Aiden Thompson had always been a stubborn guy—just like his father. The two of them butted heads constantly because neither was willing to back down. But with Grace Li, it was different. She always knew how to strike the right balance. Being around her was easy, and with her, he felt completely at ease.