The Master Programmer-Chapter 183: The Burly Betrayer 1

Jason Cross strode into the towering glass building with the confidence of a man who already owned it. The lobby’s scent of polished wood and leather filled his nostrils as he made his way to the elevator.

Dressed in a crisp suit that hugged his athletic frame, Jason exuded power and control, and everyone knew it.

The ride to the top floor was smooth, with nobody stopping Jason on his way. After all, on the bottom floor, he had made it clear that he was there to see Ivan.

Calling the senior executive by his name like that was impressive enough, but after the receptionist called the man, only to hear him answer with some excitement, they couldn’t help but let Jason go up there with some trepidation in their hearts.

He must have a deep connection to the owner. They had better not hold him up.

Although he was quiet in the elevator, with female lawyers giving him looks, Jason’s mind was racing. He had been to this law firm before, almost 4 months ago, as a desperate man seeking refuge after his family’s betrayal. Back then, he had been discarded, a stray.

But today, he wasn’t here to beg; he was here to reclaim what was rightfully his.

As the elevator doors slid open, Ivan, a burly, blond-haired man with a booming voice, was already waiting for him. Ivan’s office reflected his personality: imposing and calculated. The shelves were lined with law books, and the massive oak desk was immaculate except for a single glass of whiskey.

It seemed he had also become a man who loved the finer things in life…

"Jason, my boy!" Ivan’s grin stretched wide as he opened his arms.

Jason smirked, allowing himself to be pulled into a bear hug. The older man’s cologne was as strong as his bearhug. But he was used to this man and even had baby pictures of him and his father holding Jason and smirking like young idiots way back before both men had any real success in this city.

Well, they both came from good families. But their families weren’t anything special.

"Uncle Ivan," Jason greeted, his tone laced with faux warmth. "Still as loud as ever."

Ivan pulled back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And you’re taller. Dont tell me you’re playing basketball? I sure thought you would become a model, you know…."

Jason chuckled, leaning in just enough to lower his voice. "Let’s just say I’ve been swimming… in pussy… and opportunities. Gave me a boost in testosterone, and that increased my height?"

The older man laughed heartily and gestured for Jason to sit. The two settled into their chairs, and Jason placed a thick manila folder on the desk. As he did that, the man narrowed his eyes, looking at Jason in a way that showed just how weirded out he was by that action.

What was Jason trying to do?

"What’s this?" Ivan asked, raising an eyebrow. Jason smirked, eliciting even more interest in the man. For Jason to come in here, looking dapper like this, and make such a statement, there must be something important in there… and yet…

What could it be?

As Ivan was staring at Jason, Jason was also assessing Ivan. Jason leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

"Evidence," he said simply. "Real documents. The ones that prove my uncle’s fraud and clear my father’s name. As long as we let this fly, everyone will know that my uncles and aunt committed inheritance fraud, and when that comes out, I will finally be able to punish them for what they did and put what was supposed to be mine in the right hands, rightfully by my side."

Ivan’s face tightened as he opened the folder. His eyes darted across the pages, and his complexion paled. "Where did you find these?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jason did not notice these slight details, after all, this was a man who had given him a few hundred dollars back then telling him to take care of himself and make sure that he was going to be fine in the future. That was after he was kicked out and had nothing on him, with even his cards locked up.

Jason’s smirk deepened as he leaned forward. "Let’s just say I have my ways. You always said the originals couldn’t be faked, right? Well, here they are. Can you imagine those old fogies’ faces once we expose this? My name will finally be cleared. As my father’s friend, I’m sure you can understand just how powerful this is."

Ivan’s hand trembled slightly as he closed the folder. He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You realise what you’re holding could turn this city on its head."

Jason nodded, his tone unwavering. "I know that, Uncle Ivan. I need you to make it official. Overturn the decision. Restore my father’s estate to me. I’ll make sure to sweeten the deal for you as necessary in the process."

Jason had a smile on his face, and he had expected Ivan to also have a smile, but it was very clear that something was going on. Why did he look so afraid?

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The more thoughts like these came to Jason, the more he felt like he might have struck some nerve. He might have done something, or exposed something that Ivan was not ready to get exposed.

Ivan’s hesitation didn’t go unnoticed. His fingers drummed against the armrest of his chair, a nervous rhythm that betrayed his calm facade. "Jason… are there other copies of these documents? Or is this the only set? We need to keep them safe, after all."

Jason’s smirk faltered. A chill ran down his spine as the room seemed to close in around him.

Keep them safe?

Uncle Ivan...?

There was no way… but still… maybe… no way….

Jason turned his head to the wall, looking at the clock. It was ornate,and is really well made. It was a grandfather clock that did look like it was made by a master craftsman or not. He looked at the time on the wall for a while and then back to the glass of whiskey on the table and he began to wonder…

There were a lot of really expensive things in this room...

Was this the same Uncle Ivan he knew from his childhood? He was always such a simple man before. The last time Jason was in there was only 3 months ago and it was clear that a lot of changes had come to this place since that moment.

Was this the same Uncle Ivan who was good friends with his father?

Or was this the man who had sold out his father for benefits to grow his wealth and law practice?

Jason had to keep calm though and that was why even though his mind was racing at that moment, he was outwardly calm. "Why do you ask?" He said, his tone light, but his eyes sharp. Talking about extra copies like this could only signify one thing. But Jason did not want to jump the gun on this.

Ivan waved a hand dismissively. "Just a precaution. You know how these things can disappear. We need to ensure whether or not there are copies out there, otherwise, who knows if the Cross siblings manage to pay someone off again like last time..."

Jason leaned back, his posture relaxed but his mind racing. Pay someone off like last time? Who was that someone? Was it someone he knew? Jason thought a bit more, and then he stood up.

"You’re absolutely right. In fact, I should probably make some copies now. Just in case, right?"

Jason reached across the desk and took the folder, his movements smooth and deliberate. As he stood to leave, Ivan’s voice stopped him.

"Jason, wait. There’s no need for that. I can keep them safe here. I’ll even make the copies and send one to you once I get the time." Jason heard those words, and turned back to the man, seeing him leaning forward, his smile a bit lopsided in a way Jason could have only noticed if he was paying attention. Luckily he was.

Ivan smiled as he stood up, brushing himself off. "There’s nothing else for a lawyer like me to do anyway. All I do is deal with papers and contracts all day. Let me handle this. Let your uncle help you out, Jason. For your father."

Jason’s gaze pierced into the man. "No need, huh?" Jason nodded and then thought for a moment before he continued. "You mean like how there was no need to betray my father?"

The room went silent. Ivan’s face turned ashen as Jason’s words hung in the air.

"I always wondered," Jason continued, his voice cold and measured, "how they managed to fake the signatures and cover their tracks so perfectly. Now I know... You helped them, didn’t you? Who else could have made it happen other than a family friend, a friend of my father and mother…"