The High And Mighty Matthews Family

Aiden could only think about one trustworthy source of money in his life.

That would be his father.

While Jack Matthews had yet to become the richest man in the country, his business had flourished by leaps and bounds over the decades. It started off as a small retail store by the name of Matthews' Mart.

It was very similar to Tanner's Fresh Foodie, only that Matthews' Mart specialized in selling kitchenware. His father inherited the store from his paternal grandparents. After Aiden's parents got married, both his father and mother worked together in that little store that they owned.

Aiden's mother was a natural at baking. They set aside a small section in Matthews' Mart to sell baked goods that were produced using the kitchenwares that were sold in the store.

Unexpectedly, the small bakery quickly gained popularity among customers.

Aiden's mother got more and more requests to bake more products. Bread, pastries, pies, shortcakes, and even sometimes big cakes for various events were in demand. The business focus quickly shifted. Matthews' Mart quickly transformed into Matthews' Bakery. More dessert and pastry chefs were hired with Aiden's mother working tirelessly as the main chef.

By the time Aiden was born, Matthews' Bakery had turned into Matthews' Boulangerie. The store had become very successful and gained a reputation throughout the country. The name "Matthews' Boulangerie" fell into conversation whenever people talked about the most delicious, mouthwatering baked goods in town.

By the time Aiden's mother passed away, Matthews' Boulangerie already opened branches in fifty towns and cities across England.

Yes, Jack Matthews might not be the richest man in the country, but he was most definitely able to pay for the leukemia treatment package in White Chapel without batting an eyelid.

Not that Aiden wanted to ask him for any cent beyond what he was supposed to pay for a child that he no longer cared for. The mere thought of going back to the Matthews family to ask for help was enough to invoke nausea. Aiden merely needed his father to tell everyone, including Grandma Thompson, that he lent Aiden the money for the leukemia treatment.

The young man sat in an empty lecture hall after his last lecture on Monday. All his classmates had already left the room to join club activities. Aiden decided to stay back to make the gut-wrenching phone call.

He took out his android and opened the address book to find the phone number of the man that he had not contacted for a long time. His brilliant hazel eyes glanced at the series of numbers for a long time before he finally pressed the dial button. Calling his biological father was ironically more difficult than calling a vampire to sell his blood.

The phone rang for a long time, and then a melodious woman's voice was heard coming from the speaker.

"Hello?"

Aiden closed his eyes for a few seconds before answering the woman.

"Hi, Aunt Cheryl. This is Aiden. Can I speak to my father?"

The woman on the other side of the phone was silent for a while before she quickly made a comeback.

"Oh, Aiden. Long time no see. Listen, Jack is very busy right now. He will get back to you later, alright?"

Aiden still wanted to say something, but the phone was rudely cut off.

"Um, excuse me, hi."

A petite brown-haired girl poked her head from the entrance door.

"Hi, we plan to use this classroom for the evening study session."

"Oh, of course. I am sorry."

Aiden quickly collected his stuff, put them inside his satchel, and walked down the seating area. When he passed the petite girl, she offered her hand for a shake.

"Hey, are you a freshman? My name is Mary Scott-Johnson. I am in the second year."

Aiden shook Mary's hand with a smile.

"Yes, my name is Aiden Thompson. Nice to meet you."

Mary stared at Aiden with big smiley eyes.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have the prettiest face? I mean, wow."

Aiden gave her a shy smile and excused himself.

Mary stood at the entrance door in awe while watching Aiden's back as he left. And then she quickly grabbed her phone to snap a picture of the young man before he completely disappeared. The result was not too good, but it still managed to capture his impressive figure from behind, along with the beautiful blonde curls. She quickly sent the picture over to her friend, Jerry Tanner along with a text.

"Hey, Jerry, I just happened to meet the prettiest man in the whole Riverdale."