Chapter 264



Shirley seemed to catch onto Jake’s unspoken thoughts. Out of nowhere, she burst into laughter. “Curious, aren’t you? Well, I’ll tell you why. You’ve always been like this, even as a child, and I despise it. You’re intelligent and capable, which makes everyone else seem dull in comparison. Your presence doesn’t warm my heart. Whenever you interact with me, it’s always devoid of the tenderness I get from Dean. You never sweet-talk me, always aloof and detached.”

Jake was taken aback. “Is that really the reason?”

Shirley just laughed, a bitter edge to her voice. “I sometimes wish I’d never had you.”

Jake’s laugh mingled with Shirley’s, tinged with both mockery and self-derision. So that was her reason.

Unlike Dean, who was smooth with flattering words, Jake preferred to show his devotion through his deeds.

Jake remembered Shirley’s likes and dislikes, always going out of his way to procure whatever she fancied and sending it her way.

Even when Dean ended up taking the credit on numerous occasions, Jake wasn’t bothered. To him, showing filial respect wasn’t about seeking acknowledgment. However, he didn’t expect that in Shirley’s eyes, he was an aloof son. His mother simply dismissed his efforts.

Perhaps Jake’s sarcasm had struck a nerve. Shirley’s anger flared even more. She felt an urge to rise from her bed and strike Jake.

The knock on the door evolved into pounding, growing incessant. Dean shouted outside Shirley’s ward, “Jake, what’s going on in there? Why are you blocking the door? Hurry up and open it! What are you doing to our mom?”

Shirley’s face brightened at the sound of Dean’s concerned voice. She was desperate to scream for help.

But Jake’s voice cut through. “You think by siding with Dean against me, you can rely on him in the future? You fail to see that you’re merely a tool to him, expendable once your usefulness runs out.”

Shirley snapped, “What nonsense are you spouting? Dean cares about me, unlike you, who’s always so cold and distant. You’re bound to end up alone.”

Jake remained calm, his gaze drifting to the IV drip above Shirley.

Seeing his distant look, Shirley blurted out frantically, “What are you planning? I’m your mother. You won’t dare harm me, will you? You’ll end up in prison if you cause me harm!”

Jake couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m not the one trying to harm you. It’s Dean. If you want to stay alive, tell him you’ve decided to recover at my place.”

Jake took a deep breath before saying solemnly, “Mom, I get we have different opinions on certain subjects. But you remain my mom, and nobody can change that. I’ll be upfront. If you choose me and give up your schemes, I can provide enough for you to live a decent life. But to return to your previous luxurious lifestyle? Forget about it.

Moreover, you must return what you have claimed from Kallie. That’s rightfully hers. You know how I operate. I will surely follow through with my intentions even if you don’t agree.

Now, the choice is yours. Support Dean, and any dire circumstances that follow will be the consequences of your wrong decision. Don’t approach me by then.”

Shirley hesitated, her mind racing. But the sound of Dean’s voice outside hardened her resolve.

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