Chapter 283: Chapter 283: River Family’s Old House
The River Family’s foundation has nearly a century’s history with deep roots. Even in his youth, George River’s grandfather was a man of ambition. George has already begun taking charge of the family business, yet his grandfather is far from completely letting go.
He is quite the cunning old fox.
His ambition remains undiminished, yet his body can no longer keep up. He spends most of his time recuperating at home, but remains fully aware of everything happening in the company.
The River Family mansion is a grand, old edifice, resplendent in its elaborate architecture and ornate design. The moment you enter, you are hit by an imposing, yet rustic atmosphere.
The house servants, who seemed to have been waiting for a while, immediately led George to the rear garden as soon as he arrived.
Along the way, one of them informed him, "Old Sir River has been tending to the plants and flowers recently. Take care not to tread on them."
Stern discipline has been a tradition in the River Family. It was only eased somewhat during George’s father’s generation. However, having been raised by his grandfather, George felt more awe than affection towards Old Sir River.
He dare not approach him too closely.
The old butler left George at the entrance of the garden.
From a distance, one could see an elderly man dressed in a Chinese traditional suit attentively pruning a bush.
George took a deep breath, walked over and respectfully called, "Grandfather."
Old Sir River, without responding, straightened his back and headed toward the pavilion at the garden’s center.
Lowering his gaze, George followed.
Though Old Sir River was nearing eighty, his domineering presence had not diminished. He seemed more composed and restrained than in his youth.
If he’s quiet, he appears to be a gentle old man.
"I heard you’ve been seeing a young actress?"
At this, George frowned, "Grandfather, she is my girlfriend."
Old Sir River paused in his tea-making, looking at George.
By his count, his grandson was barely in his twenties. George inherited his grandmother’s good looks, but the temperament of his father.
In his prime, Old Sir River had been consumed with his work, neglecting his wife and son. His son resented him for this, refusing to have anything to do with him. He rebelled against inheriting the family business, immersing himself in romantic dalliances instead.
A hopeless romantic, indeed.
Then came George.
Old Sir River had put forth a single condition - his son could choose not to inherit the family business and live an ordinary life with his loved one, but George had to be raised by him personally.
Thereafter, George was always at Old Sir River’s side.
"You’ve grown up." Old Sir River sighed. "I don’t want to meddle in your affair with that young actress, but are you aware of the laughter you’ve ignited in the company?"
Old Sir River was, of course, referring to the incident of an executive fainting from a heart attack.
George’s back stiffened; he did not know how to explain.
Old Sir River shook his head, a trace of disappointment in his eyes. "Of all your peers, Arnold Simmons started off with the least. He was an illegitimate child, barely acknowledged. Yet look at him now. Who wouldn’t respectfully address him as Sir Arnold?"
George turned even paler, lowering his head, knuckles white.
Old Sir River sipped his tea, his voice authoritative. "You seem very passionate about the young miss Lynch. After your parting, you even found a substitute, just to discard her once the other returns. You really are quite a piece of work. If you had applied such effort to the company, you would not be lagging behind Arnold Simmons."
Although it is not unusual for wealthy men to maintain mistresses, Old Sir River, a man dedicated to his work, had never engaged in such activities in his life.
