C85 Three Conditions

Old Master Freeman expects me to kneel?

Has he lost his mind?

Westley's feet halted at the doorway, yet he couldn't bring himself to leave.

Turning back, he caught sight of Sayeed, in a fit of rage, pointing at Reeve and commanding him to kneel.

"Dad, what are you saying?" Reeve questioned, thinking he'd misheard.

"I said kneel!" Sayeed's voice boomed.

His face was devoid of smiles, his expression icy with an air of undeniable authority.

Clearly, Old Master Freeman was livid.

Only then did Reeve grasp the gravity of the situation and quickly knelt down.

"What is the Freeman family's thirteenth ancestral teaching? Recite it for me!" Sayeed demanded, hands clasped behind his back.

Reeve, not daring to contradict Sayeed, earnestly replied, "The Freeman family's thirteenth ancestral teaching states that we must confront all enemies of the Freeman family at any cost. And for every benefactor of the Freeman family, we must repay them with everything we have!"

"Do you truly grasp the significance of this teaching, Reeve?"

Sayeed sighed before continuing, "I included this teaching specifically because I feared you might become the kind of disgraceful scoundrel who fails to acknowledge a debt of gratitude or forsakes loyalty for personal gain."

"I..."

Reeve found himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

Old Master Freeman fixed him with a stern look and declared, "The Freeman family has weathered numerous challenges over the years. We've faced many adversaries, and we must respect and learn from those who engage us honorably. As for the dishonorable ones, we will show no mercy."

"When you wield power, the assistance of others is merely the cherry on top. But in times of hardship, those who extend a helping hand are truly providing aid when it's needed most."

"Fortunately, I count more friends than foes. I've always treated those willing to assist me with the utmost respect, and I make it a point to repay them twofold. After all, repaying kindness with gratitude is the cornerstone of the Freeman family's success."

"If we ever forget to repay our benefactors, then the Freeman family, including you, would never enjoy the standing we have today!"

As Sayeed Freeman's speech progressed, his fervor intensified, his voice rising to an almost roaring crescendo.

"Dad, I was wrong!" Reeve's face flushed with contrition.

Sayeed paid him no heed, pressing on, "Dr. Jimenez is a man of great integrity. He was willing to save my life and yet declined any form of repayment. And you, you dared to paint him as a scoundrel."

"Tell me, has your conscience been devoured by a dog? Do you still count yourself as a member of the Freeman family? Are you truly capable of bearing the weight of leading our family with your character?"

Reeve felt a heavy sense of dread at his father's words.

Among the Freeman siblings of this generation, Reeve had access to the most resources.

Yet, his brothers were equally determined to prove their worth to Old Master Freeman.

Ultimately, the reins of the Freeman family's decisions still lay in Sayeed's hands.

If Elder Freeman deemed Reeve's behavior unacceptable over this incident, it would signify a gradual erosion of Reeve's influence. He might even be ousted from his current pivotal position within the family—a prospect he dreaded above all.

"Dad, I truly regret my actions. I vow this instant never to defy our ancestral teachings. Should I break this oath, may lightning strike me dead."

With these words, Reeve bowed deeply before the Freeman family's ancestral tablets, tears streaming down his face.

Westley was uncertain about the genuineness of Reeve's display.

Nonetheless, the sound of Reeve's kowtowing resonated loudly, his fervent gestures nearly damaging the floor tiles.

Reeve then turned to Westley, bowing earnestly, "Dr. Jimenez, I was wrong. I should never have treated you that way!"

Faced with such a heartfelt apology, Westley found it impossible to harbor resentment. He simply nodded in acknowledgment and said, "Uncle Tang, it's alright."

Sayeed sighed, stepping forward to grasp Westley's hand, "Dr. Jimenez, I apologize for not guiding him better. Please, don't take it to heart."

"There's no need for apologies. I can be impulsive too, so I hold no grudge," Westley replied with a gentle smile.

At that moment, everyone was busy exchanging compliments.

"You are such a sensible kid," Elder Freeman remarked with a sigh. "But you must understand my predicament, child. The Freeman family's ancestral teaching is to repay kindness, and I must honor that."

Noticing Westley's mouth twitch, Sayeed quickly added, "Here's what I'll do—I'll agree to any three conditions you set forth. You can present these conditions at any time, and I promise to fulfill them. Does that work for you?"

Westley was well aware of the old man's stubborn streak. If you didn't agree with him, he'd likely never stop nagging.

"Since you're so determined, I have no choice but to respectfully comply," Westley said with a wry smile.

"Fantastic. Now I can rest easy."

Elder Freeman burst into a hearty laugh. "Dr. Jimenez, there's one more favor I need to ask of you."

"Oh? What might that be?" Westley asked, caught off guard.

"I'd like to invite you to stay for dinner. Would you accept?" Sayeed asked, hopeful.

"Sure. It just so happens I'm feeling a bit peckish," Westley replied with a grin.

"Reeve, go tell the staff to start preparing the meal," Sayeed instructed, unable to contain his excitement.

"Right away!"

Reeve dashed off to make the arrangements.

Sayeed and Westley settled back into their conversation, their enthusiasm growing by the minute.

The old man had met more people than he could count in his lifetime, but Westley was a rare find—so young, yet so worldly and witty.

In contrast, his grandsons were nothing but disappointments, concerned only with indulging in pleasures.

...

Outside the Freeman estate, a red Ferrari stood parked.

Olivia, clad in a beige coat, waited anxiously at the family's closed gate.

The gate soon opened, and a maid with a stately appearance emerged.

Olivia approached her eagerly, asking, "Please, has Uncle Tang considered my request?"

The maid replied with a calm yet haughty tone, "I'm sorry, Miss Rogers. I've relayed your message, but he's asked you to return home."

"Could you possibly make an exception and let him know I have something of great importance to discuss with him?" Olivia Rogers implored.

"I've passed on the message. However, he's currently hosting a distinguished guest and can't spare the time to meet with you. It's best if you head back," the maid replied icily.

With that, she shut the door firmly.

"A distinguished guest?" Olivia's brow furrowed in concern.

She cast a glance at the Freeman family's imposing red door, a touch of bitterness in her heart. This was the true nature of a grand family, marked by its haughtiness and indifference. No doubt, the 'esteemed guests' they were entertaining inside were deemed worthy of their respect.

If it weren't for the precarious situation of Olivia Group, she wouldn't have to endure such treatment. But now, with her company on the line, she had no choice but to swallow this indignity.

"I'll wait right here. I must have a word with Old Mr. Freeman."

Olivia bit her lip, a defiant expression on her face as she stood resolute against the biting cold wind. How she wished for someone to lend her support at this moment.

Yet, where could that person be?