Chapter 5 The Villain

• "DO NOT BEAT A DOG WHEN ITS DOWN!" rang a familiar voice. When they all turned to look. The man walked down the ramp confidently and gazed upon his cousin Barry Jackson.
• "It's young master, Marcus Jackson!" the crowd idolized the young handsome man in a branded black suit and exquisite shades.
• "Let me do that for you my dear friend Timothy," said Marcus, turning his attention to Barry. "You are still as useless as you have always been huh cousin, Barry?"
• "Huh, they are cousins?" Everyone exclaimed.
• Marcus Jackson was Barry's younger cousin, he's father was Barry's uncle, the only two brothers from their father. Marcus Father, Grant Jackson had kicked Barry's father from the company and left them broke, banishing them from the Jackson family years ago when Barry was about twelve years old. This has led Barry to fend for himself in the streets after his father was left disabled and unable to take care of the family.
• "How did you find me?" Barry asked shocked.
• Marcus read Barry expression closely and realised something.
• 'So, the Bastard doesn't suspect me at all. He has no clue that I am the one who got his ass locked up. He has been hiding here all this while and I thought he was in jail. How long has he been out?'
• "Oh, don't flatter yourself Barry, why would I be looking for you? I came here because I heard that within the Jefferson family, the most beautiful rose in the city had blossomed." Marcus had turned his lusting attention to the woman next to Barry before he had finished that last sentence. He took off his shades to admire Tanya attentively.
• "Stunning, isn't she?" He said running his glasses on her cheek before lifting her shy head to look at him.
• Marcus retreated as soon as he saw Barry move and took a step towards Grandmother. "Heyy…easy there tiger. All you know is to act like a street thug, I'm here to discuss business. Grandmother as you know, I'm a Jackson, and a successful multi-milliornaire at that. Now as for the Jackson Five corporation, I'm well acquainted with the owner, Brian Hayes. I can get a project, let's say for around...I don't know one billion dollars."
• The crowd exclaimed when they heard that figure. They believed Marcus was quiet capable.
• Amused, Marcus continued. "It's a dog eat dog world, what do they say...hands wash each other, or one another, same difference. My point is, I will help the Jefferson family get the project should I be allowed to marry Tanya Jefferson," he said pointing at Tanya casually.
• "Over my dead body!" Said Barry.
• "Over your dead body?" Marcus asked closing the distance between himself and Barry. "Barry, that can be arranged."
• "Marcus, listen to me. You know very well you can never do such. If you want a wife, go try somewhere else." Barry warned pointing towards the door.
• Grandmother hurriedly treaded down the steps towards Marcus and interrupted them. "Mr Jackson sir, perhaps our useless son-in-law's is correct this time. We have so many single and beautiful ladies here at the Jeffersons. Just make your pick dear. Look how beautiful they are," Lydia said as she turned to admire her grandchildren.
• "With all due respect grandmother Jefferson. There is only one woman for me here and she is Tanya Jefferson. I will not compromise."
• Grandmother panicked, the thought of a billion dollar contract clouded her judgement immediately. "Alright, alright dear. Tanya my dear, you will just have to make this sacrifice. Only for once in your life, divorce this useless man and marry Marcus will you. Do it for grandmother, if you can do it then you will become the CEO of Jefferson Corporation and the most powerful member of our family. Do it for grandmother dear."
• Tanya started to shake her head in disapproval. "Now, listen to me Tanya, it is either you do that or I will no longer recognise you as a member of this family, and that's final."
• Everyone was startled, Timothy was happy, he couldn't wait to see her get kicked out of the family.
• "NO!" Barry shouted, "no way in hell will she marry this looser."
• "Look who's talking!"
• "Hey...useless convict of a son-in-law. Who gave you the right to speak in this family meeting?" Grandmother was getting aggrevated.
• "As Tanya's husband I have the right to speak up. Am I not the head of the family? The woman will listen to me." Barry put his foot down.
• Laughter rumbled the building, "imagine the shame!"
• "You…" grandmother was speechless.
• "Head of the family you say cousin? You couldn't be a head of the family in the Jackson household. You were the first young Master were you not? If you couldn't handle that, how could you be the man here today, stop pretending." Marcus turned to grandmother.
• "You have heard my terms. You all have twenty-four hours to discuss this issue and get back to me. I'll take my leave now." Marcus was headed towards the door when he heard.
• "How about I dare you to get the project within twenty-four hours?"