Chapter 78 John's Frazzled State

Jane murmured, "Lily, you're my sister. I've had your back for years, footing your school bills without fail. How can you do me dirty like this? Any sense of decency left in you?" Her voice gentled. "I was backed into a corner, Lily. If our family wasn't a mess, would we be in this mess now? Got any idea why I bolted all those years ago?"

Lily put away her smug look and shrugged. “Everyone’s situation is different. Telling me this means nothing. Without the support back then, you wouldn’t be where you are today. Don’t keep emphasizing how bad things were at home. Did you ever treat me well when we were at home?”

As Lily said this, Jane’s mouth twitched, and she lowered her eyes.

Lily declared boldly, "Listen up, Jane. Today, I'm laying it out that I'll go toe-to-toe with you for what you're after. Underestimate me at your peril. This little showdown? It was a test. I figured, sisterly bond and all, I'd offer you a shot at redemption. But you, Jane? Where was that mercy when you went for the jugular just now? And yet you claim we're family?"

Suddenly, without warning, Lily slapped Jane. “Jane, consider this slap payback for what happened when we were kids, okay?”

Jane’s face turned to one side, and it looked painful even to me. She glared at Lily but couldn’t say a word.

Like a lunatic, Lily suddenly sat next to Jane, hugged her arm, and leaned her head on her, saying weakly, “I'm done messing around. I'm starving! Jane, let's grub. I'll keep an eye on the kids. Whip up something tasty. The Halls ain't in, so let's treat ourselves, right?”

I was speechless. They really were a shameless family.

After saying that, Lily took Mason from Jane’s arms and even kissed him on the cheek. I felt a pang in my heart; they were disgusting, treating my son like a toy and kissing him at will.

I put down my phone, not wanting to look anymore, and lay down for a while.

No, I needed to get these two devilish sisters out of here as soon as possible.

When Jane came back, she brought Mason with her. I took the child and casually asked, “Why were you out for so long?”

With a smile, she mentioned she was scouting locations for Lily. I didn't press for more; her deceit was plain to see. Lily wasn't someone she could simply evict.

I secretly observed her distracted expression while she was cooking. I thought she must have gone to confront Jack, but judging by her state, she didn’t win.

I was secretly pleased. With her dealing with such internal and external pressures, her attention wouldn’t be entirely on me.

When I picked up Bobby from school today, I didn’t see Sophie, which puzzled me.

Bobby probably knew I was picking him up today, so he came out very early. From a distance, he saw me, his face lit up, and he ran over to grab my hand.

I happily ruffled his hair, and his big eyes were full of joy.

Some parents who knew him asked, “Bobby, who is this?”

He looked at me and said, “My mom!”

It was obvious he was proud.

On the drive home, I kept talking to him, and he answered all my questions quickly.

I was glad I had decisively brought him back; it was definitely the right decision.

Come evening, Lily returned solo. Casually, I inquired about John's absence. She, feigning innocence, lingered nearby, aiding me with the children. She relayed company troubles as the reason John stayed occupied all day, avoiding questioning his departure time.

Just then, John called, saying there was a problem with the equipment sold to the hospital, and it was very troublesome, so he’d be back late.

I comforted him a bit and then hung up.

I thought to myself, ’it must be the issue Steve mentioned that would definitely give John a hard time.‘

John did come back very late. As soon as he entered the room, his phone kept ringing, and he irritably hung up.

It seemed like a big deal.

He was very tired, and absent-mindedly asked me, “Are the kids asleep?”

"They've been asleep for some time now. Bobby and Mason were engrossed in play until late, with Mason resisting bedtime," I relayed with a grin, maintaining my role as the devoted spouse. Offering, "Hungry? Shall I prepare a meal for you?"

He shook his head, tossed his phone on the cabinet by the bathroom door, and went in to take a shower.