Chapter 261 - Nang Foundation Charitable Event (4)

12 April, Palace Hotel, City K

Pausing, Lexi looked at the three men with her, her big brother, her brother-in-law, and the least important of the lot her husband.  Yes, he still delivered her mind-blowing s*x time and time again, and she was willing to give their relationship a chance, but the bottom line was that he blackmailed her into making decisions.  Deep down Lexi knew that she needed to be forced to consider the past and what could have been, but it still hurt her to have to adopt that position.

Lexi, gentle shook her head.  Those thoughts were totally inappropriate for now, but she knew that she needed to process the situation.  The question was how she went about it.  As the spouse of a serving military member there was always the ability to access counselling services through the military/  She took advantage of that when there was the school siege years ago, her concern was that Matthew would be informed about the sessions and what was discussed.   Going to the family doctor would be just telling everyone in the family what was happening.  However, trying find someone privately would be a struggle.

Matthew quietly turned and said "Lexi, what is wrong?"

"What makes you think that there is a problem Matthew?"

"You tuned out from the conversation we were having and did not answer a question at all."

"What!" came Lexi's shocked response.

Laughing, Chester said "Matthew was right."

"I am stressed out, dealing with Richard's parents.  Who would not focus on them when having to deal with that evil witch, who by the way has just walked into the room."

Chester whipped around and noticed two people who he hated with a passion walking into the room.  Feeling him tense up, Phillip responded "Calm down.  I hate them as much as you do, but we do not want to make a scene.  The Nang's will have invited them, not because they wanted to but because her brother always makes a significant donation to the Foundation each year.  From what I understand, his reasoning he would prefer not to create another charitable organisation to help the community but use those around to do that.  Sensible, as most of the major businesses in town all have charitable entities associated with them."

"But JL International…"

"How many times have we had this debate Chester.  We use our Anniversary Ball for decades as a charity event, but we support other charitable foundations, for the same reason that Warren Gong does.  That does not mean I like him or the way he does business, but it is logical reasoning about maximising the money available for charitable works, rather than seeing money eaten up by administration costs."

Matthew quietly considered what Phillip was saying.  He recalled some debates between their parents and paternal grandparents about the same thing.  His parents wanted a huge charitable foundation established for them to head, but their grandfather always stood by the argument, that charity is not about creating organisations to hand out money, but using the money in the most efficient way which was using established organisations and holding fundraising events.

Phillip looked at Matthew and quietly said "You are remembering the fights that mother and father with our grandparents over establishing a charitable foundation?"

"How did you know?"

"Matthew, ever since I have taken over JL International I have had the same fights with them.  They want a charitable foundation established to take over all our charitable efforts, which they are to chair.  No way is that going to happen.  We know their idea of charity, it has to fit their beliefs, not focusing on what is needed, but also they will use it as a means to take significant amounts of money that they do not need, simply to spite the two of us and the company, as they cannot accept what our grandparents did on their death.  Thank goodness they were persuaded not to come tonight, as I have been ready to kill them for their abuse the last few weeks."

"Ever since you told them you and Chester had married?"

"You have it in one.  They cannot accept that I am happy having married the love of my life, just as they could not accept your decision to join the military.  I have accepted that they never will, but their abuse is tiring after a while.  They would have made a scene here, and the Nang's do not deserve that."

"Caring for others?" came Lexi's quick response.

"Somewhat, but also self-preservation.  My next round of cancer treatment starts Monday week.  I do not any additional stress than I have in my life."

Worriedly, Matthew said "But I thought your prognosis was fine?"

"It is, but the treatment protocol has three treatment cycles, two months of treatment, then a four to six-week break, before starting again.  While the protocol is experimental, it is designed to ensure that I can continue to work without much impact, and can be done in the office, if needed.  But the test results during and since the treatment started are showing that progress is good, so stop worrying Matthew.  I will be here to hound you for many years to come."

Chester added "Stop bullying my husband."

Lexi laughed and said "Bullying, it is concern not bullying."

"Talk, Lexi talk," retorted Chester.

"Stow it Chester, I do not need you upsetting my sister-in-law," responded Phillip.  "By the way, we wanted to organise for Dominic to have a weekend with us.  We have been missing him and figured that you two could have a weekend alone."

Lexi looked to Matthew, who said "How about in a couple of weekends.  Along with my direct subordinates, we have an agreement where one a month on a Friday or Saturday night we all look after the other's children if we are not away, so that the others can have some couples time.  Next weekend is our turn, so it would not be fair to send Dominic away…"

"Plus, I need to see what happens with the court hearing, and I want Dominic to have a say in if he will come.  I suspect I know what the answer will be, but he deserves to be listened to, not simply told."

"Fine," same Phillip's response.  "We will talk and sort out the arrangements after you have been at court."

Before Lexi could say anything, some business associates came and dragged Chester and Phillip away.  As soon as they were away, Lexi said "Can you go and talk to Paul for me?"

-------

If you are reading this novel anywhere other than at or its apps then you are reading work that has been stolen in breach of the authors rights and those rights assigned to others.

Please support this author and only access this novel through at /book/15095783406874805 and report the illegal posting of this work.