The Accidental Son in Law

Ryan offer

Jaxon looked around, but there wasn’t a single person walking by. The street was growing darker, shadows stretching long beneath the dim streetlights. He turned his gaze back to Ryan, whose frown had deepened.

“So,” Ryan sneered, waving the knife, “what do you say—buy me a new phone, or I send you straight to hell?”

“You made me smash your phone when you tried to take my pictures and post them online,” Jaxon said coldly.

Ryan laughed and shook his head. “I don’t care. I need my phone back. That costs $1,500, which you can’t afford—especially since you don’t even have a job.” He mocked, pointing the knife closer.

“But since I know you don’t have that kind of money, I’ve got another option.”

Curiosity and unease tightened in Jaxon’s chest. “What do you mean?”

Ryan glanced around. When he was sure no one was nearby, he slipped the knife back into his pocket and leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Keep this between us—it’ll benefit you, too. My guys and I have an operation tonight. A big one. We’re talking a million dollars. I need a driver, and I heard you’re good at that. Help us, and you can use the cut to pay me back. Maybe even pocket a little extra. What do you say?”

Jaxon blinked. So the “popular blogger” was also a criminal. Somehow, he wasn’t even surprised.

Ryan opened his jacket slightly, showing the handle of the knife.

Jaxon stared at him, then the corners of his lips lifted slightly. “No thanks. I’ll buy you a new phone—exactly like yours.”

The grin fell from Ryan’s face. “You don’t have a choice, Jaxon. You don’t have the money, and you sure don’t have options. I’m trying to help you here.”

“Well,” Jaxon said flatly, “let’s go buy one now.”

Ryan pushed him by the shoulder, scowling. “You’re not saying no to this! I won’t let you walk away!”

“You gave me two options, and I chose one,” Jaxon snapped. “You said I could pay for the phone. That’s what I’m doing.”

Ryan’s jaw twitched. “You can’t afford it, so you’ll do as I say.”

Ryan had already promised his crew he’d bring a driver that night. They hadn’t hired anyone else—this was their only chance. The timing couldn’t be worse. He’d assumed Jaxon would have no other choice, and that’s why he’d demanded such a high price for the phone.

But when he saw Jaxon’s determination, Ryan finally relented and decided to follow him—to see if he could actually pay.

They crossed the busy street toward a phone store. Inside, Jaxon faced him. “Pick your phone.”

Ryan clicked his tongue. “You said anyone I want?” he asked mockingly.

“Anyone.”

Ryan smirked, walking to the glass display. He deliberately chose the most expensive model in the store and handed it to the cashier. She printed the bill and slid it across the counter.

Jaxon stepped closer, took one look at the amount, and said calmly, “I’ll pay for it.”

He didn’t have a card yet, so he used his phone’s banking app. The transaction went through immediately. The cashier smiled and handed the bag to Ryan.

Ryan froze for a second, confused. How was that possible? Could Jaxon have used his life savings? Or—had he suddenly come into money?

Jaxon didn’t say another word. He simply turned and walked out.

Ryan hurried after him, grabbing his wrist. “Please, man! You don’t understand—they’ll kill me if I don’t bring you!” His voice cracked with desperation. “You have to come!”

“I don’t have to do anything,” Jaxon replied sharply, yanking his hand away. “I can’t get myself into trouble because of your mess. Find someone else.”

Ryan’s eyes widened. Panic turned to anger. “You don’t understand. They’ll kill me!”

Jaxon turned to face him. “You should’ve thought of that before dragging me into your scheme.”

He started walking again. Ever since he signed the contract with the Greysons, he knew he couldn’t afford any scandal. The family was notoriously discreet about their reputation—and any mistake could destroy his chance at this new life.

Ryan stood frozen for a moment, fists clenched. He had planned everything—provoking Jaxon at the restaurant, ruining his job, cornering him into this “offer.” Now, his plan was collapsing.

“You think you can just walk away?” Ryan hissed. “You humiliate me, and I’ll make you pay. I’ll find out where that money came from, and you’ll regret ever meeting me!”

Jaxon ignored him and walked away, leaving Ryan trembling with rage.

“I’ll make you curse whoever gave you that money!” Ryan yelled after him. “You run from a little crime—I’ll make sure you get caught up in a bigger one!”

Jaxon didn’t look back. He stopped by a fast-food restaurant, ordered something simple to eat, and finally went home.

The next morning, he got ready for his trip to the Greyson estate, just as Felix had arranged. He packed a few clothes and his essentials—it wasn’t much, but he’d be provided for once he got there.

He picked up his phone and dialed Felix’s number. The call connected on the first ring.

“Hello, Felix. I’m ready to leave now,” Jaxon said.

“All right then,” Felix’s voice sounded hoarse, like he’d just woken up. “Your driver is waiting outside your apartment.”

The line went dead, leaving Jaxon puzzled. A driver? How did they know he’d be ready now?

He walked to the window and looked down. Sure enough, a sleek black car waited by the curb—just like Felix had said.

“Are the Greysons watching my every move?” he murmured.

A sudden knock on his door made him turn sharply.

“Who is it?” Jaxon called out.