Hi Ex, Your Uncle Is My Hubby Now - Chapter 94: Chapter 94

Such was the true worth of top-tier talent.
The Jackson family may be modest for the moment, but the sky was the limit for how far they'd go in the future.
Based solely on Austin's worth, Mike gladly supported the marriage between Dorian and Irene.
Gazing at Austin's exceptionally handsome and youthful face, Mike couldn't help but sigh with genuine admiration. "With someone like you in the Jackson family, your great-grandfather can truly rest peacefully in heaven."
Austin remained unfazed. "Every child in the Jackson family is our great-grandfather's pride," he said.
Except for Lucas—the black sheep of the family.
Mike was momentarily taken aback.
He saw the true power of family embodied in someone so young.
Be it family or nation, only when united as one could they become invincible.
Thinking of all the messy affairs within the Barnes family, Mike felt a headache coming on. He rubbed his temples in silence.
Lily suddenly walked up to Austin, gently taking his arm with a motherly smile as she introduced herself, "Hi, Austin."
"I'm Ruby's mother—my daughter was your high school classmate. You can call me Ms. Barnes."
The room instantly filled with mixed reactions—some faces showed surprise, others barely concealed amusement, while a few looked distinctly uncomfortable.
If Irene and Dorian got married, Austin would become Dorian's younger brother-in-law.
According to traditional family hierarchy, Austin should address Lily by her name.
But Lily insisted that Austin call her "Ms. Barnes " instead...
Her little scheme was obvious to everyone.
But Austin didn't mind. He offered Lily a polite smile and said, "Ms. Barnes, it's been a while."
Lily beamed with delight and asked, "Oh, have we met before? Was it at the high school graduation party? My memory isn't what it used to be—you'll have to forgive me."
Austin shook his head. "No."
Lily asked, "Then where was it?"
Austin said with perfect seriousness, "On the eve of the SAT, Ruby was detained at the police station for hiring thugs to assault someone.
"Ms. Barnes, worried your daughter might miss the exams, rushed over with a bag full of cash to bail her out overnight."
"A daughter committed a crime, and her mother cleaned up the mess," Austin remarked. "Now, that's truly an eye-opener!"
Austin had truly mastered the art of veiled sarcasm.
Lily's face turned a riot of colors—more vivid than any artist's palette.
Dorian was also surprised—he hadn't expected Austin to have the audacity to brazenly mock Lily right in front of the entire Barnes family.
Both Irene and Noah were struggling to hold back their laughter.
Well, so much for having him as a son-in-law.
Mike set down his cigar.
He fixed Austin with his hawk-like gaze, his tone laced with commanding intensity. "I heard that about two weeks after the SAT, all the officers on duty that night were dismissed for taking bribes."
He added, his words edged with cold sarcasm, "Your methods, young man, are quite an eye-opener indeed."
Mike fixed Austin with a long, penetrating look before changing the subject. "Those guys will be out of prison in a few years, right?"
"If you ask me," Mike continued, "it's always wise to leave some leeway. Burning all your bridges never ends well."
Facing Mike's threat, Austin remained unruffled.
With feigned deference, he even replied, "Reporting corruption is every citizen's duty. I'm honored by your praise, Mr. Barnes."
The Barnes family never expected Austin to be this unyielding.
Just then, the butler hurried in to announce, "Mr. Mike Barnes, Mr. Dorian Barnes, Mr. Tucker has arrived!"
At those words, Mike's grip on his cigar faltered for a moment.
A sharp glint flickered in Mike's eyes as he frowned, then stood up and called for Dorian. "Come, let's go greet your Uncle Jeremy."
Hearing this, Dorian took Irene's hand and followed his father.