Chapter 66: Background Check

After Gary and his family sat on the couch, Franklin immediately offered them coffee. He even called toward the bedroom, "Maria, Mr. Chance is here. Come down quickly."

"Franklin, it's alright. I'm sorry to interrupt on such short notice," Gary said, embarrassed by Franklin's welcoming demeanor.

"Don't be a stranger," Franklin replied, pouring coffee. "We haven't seen each other in years. Make yourselves at home. I've also made lunch reservations at a hotel."

At that moment, Maria entered the living room. Dressed in sportswear and a ponytail, she looked youthful and vibrant. Her gaze swept the room before settling on Jared, whose shabby appearance clashed sharply with her expectations of a powerful official's son.

"Maria, greet Mr. Chance," Franklin reminded her.

"Mr. Chance, nice to meet you!" Maria said insincerely, her contempt evident.

"Maria, how can you—" Franklin began, his temper rising, but Gary stopped him.

"Hi, Maria," Gary said, smiling and nodding.

As the families sat and chatted, Maria's awkwardness was palpable.

"Mr. Chance," Frieda said directly, "I heard Franklin say you joined the government after leaving the army. You must have achieved a high position by now, haven't you?"

Gary blushed. "No, I… I left the service," he stammered.

"Isn't that early for retirement?" Frieda exclaimed, shocked.

"Enough!" Franklin snapped. "Why so many unnecessary questions? Are you conducting a background check?"

Franklin had sensed something amiss from the moment Gary and his family arrived. Years of running a company had given him experience with government officials, but Gary lacked the expected aura. He concealed his doubts, however, knowing his wife's likely reaction to discovering Gary's true status.

"I was just curious," Frieda retorted, rolling her eyes. "Mr. Chance, what was your rank before you retired?"

Gary knew he couldn't hide the truth. Since they needed Franklin's help, honesty was best. "I was sacked," he admitted awkwardly.

He then confessed everything to Franklin, his pride no longer a concern.

Frieda's smile vanished at this revelation; she rolled her eyes again. Franklin was shocked. "Why didn't you tell me you'd fallen on hard times?" he asked.

"That's the past," Gary said subserviently. "Jared's back, and I was wondering if you could help him find a job. Any job."

"No one dares hire an ex-convict," Frieda interjected before Franklin could answer, her demeanor a stark contrast to before.

Franklin's expression grew solemn.

"It's fine if it's too much trouble," Gary added. "Worse comes to worst, he can work construction."

(Note: I removed the advertisement at the end.)