I was filled with impotent rage, yet I couldn’t deny Griffin’s words.
Yeah, who doesn’t know that the fashion industry thrives on youth? She’s already so old, out of the workforce. Who would want her?
Even if they’re friends, the world prioritizes interests; who would take a loss for her sake?
But as a son, who would admit to being abandoned by their mother?
“That’s my mom. She… When I mentioned the debt, she didn’t say a word and went to work to pay it off!”
“My mom. She’s just… She’s talented. If it weren’t for us, she would…”
Jasper clenched his fists, looking at Griffin with hopeful eyes.
“Dad, no matter what happens with Mom, let’s forgive her. As long as she’s willing to come back, let’s help her start her own fashion brand, okay?”
“Let’s clear her name. She didn’t plagiarize or break any rules.”
Griffin looked at his son, who left in despair, feeling very dissatisfied.
Jasper returned home. It was still the same as before, which gave him some comfort.
Suddenly, he realized that the truth might really be as Griffin said.
But after waiting all night, I didn’t come home. Calls and messages went unanswered.
Soon, Jasper’s phone rang.
“Son, your mom really doesn’t want you anymore. I’ve found out her flight number.”
Jasper was stunned, hatred rising within him.
Imogen arranged a suite for me and even got a beautician to come for treatments.
After so many years, I finally had a good night’s sleep. It turns out my back pain all these years was due to the hard bed.
I turned on my phone, and countless messages flooded in.
“Mom, I know you’ve always wanted to achieve your design dreams, but you can’t abandon me!”
“Come back, I’ve talked with Dad. As long as you’re willing to return, we can let bygones be bygones.”
“I only found out a few years ago that Dad is the president of Carter Corporation. Mom, just think of it as for our better future.”
“I’m Dad’s only son. His business will be mine in the future. Wouldn’t it be nice for us to live well?”
“Mom, you know Carter’s methods. If you don’t want your friends to be punished, see you at home at eight tomorrow.”
My heart sank. I knew the methods of the Carter family. Imogen was trying to help me; I couldn’t let her be implicated.
When I opened the door, Jasper was squatting on the floor, wiping it, just like before.
He looked up at me, his eyes bloodshot, looking pitiful like a puppy.
“Mom, you’re back. I knew you wouldn’t leave me.”
I cleared my throat.
“If you have grievances, take them out on me. Don’t drag innocent people into this.”
Hearing my words, Jasper instantly got angry.
12:03 PM
<
“Mom, you came back for them? Those outsiders are more important than your own son?”
“Why, why can’t you sacrifice a bit more for me? Look at other people’s kids.”
Furious, I slapped Jasper across the face.
“Jasper, you’re an ungrateful brat. Can’t you see all I’ve done for you over the years?”
He grinned with a twisted smile.
“That’s what you think is good, Mom. Have you ever thought about what I really want?”
“If you had money, would my girlfriend have left me? While others went abroad to study, I had to work in a mascot costume in the blazing heat.”
“Mom, Dad still cares about you. He doesn’t mind your age, wants you back. Even if you’re unwilling, can’t you compromise for me just once?”
“Is design your life? If your hands were ruined, would you stay with us forever?”
Griffin walked out of the bedroom, clapping with a smile.
“As expected of my son, you’re right. Women, when kept close, settle down. Later, we father and son will accompany your mom back home.”
He walked up to me, gripping my wrist tightly.
My right hand trembled involuntarily, just like the day of the divorce. He had also grabbed my hand so tightly then, the pain seeping from my
