Chapter 147
“You ungrateful brat! How dare you question me? It’s your old man’s birthday today! Where’s my gift? Got the nerve to interrogate me?”
Jaxon raised his hand to strike.
“Put that hand down!” Grandma snapped. “Lay one finger on Lucille and see what happens!”
Jaxon wasn’t exactly scared of his mother, but he’d come with an agenda. Ruining the mood wouldn’t help. Still, catching Lucille here meant another fleecing opportunity.
“Lucille! It’s your father’s birthday! Where’s your filial duty?”
Monica stepped in for some emotional blackmail.
“Birthday?” Lucille shot back at her mother. “When’s mine?”
Her parents had never celebrated her birthday–not once in over twenty years. Grandma always did. After marriage, Cedrick would accompany her to Grandma’s for birthdays and gifts. (Though she’d later feel sick discovering what that watch symbolized–but that came later.) Even Grandma’s birthdays went unnoticed by them.
“Well…” Monica stammered.”
“Since when do children force their mothers to celebrate their birthdays?” Jaxon bristled.
“Oh.” Lucille’s voice dripped ice. “So you know children shouldn’t extort birthday money from their moms? Then give Grandma’s cash back!”
“You-” Jaxon’s palm shot up again.
What Are You Scheming Now
Lucille tilted her head back, staring straight at her father as if daring him: Go ahead, hit me!
Monica grabbed Jaxon’s hand, frantically signaling with her eyes. “She’s grown now, she has her pride! Don’t resort to violence!”
Jaxon understood Monica’s hint–it wasn’t about Lucille being grown, but about how times had changed. She was a CEO’s wife now, and their family still relied on Cedrick’s financial support! Gasping for breath, Jaxon swallowed his
anger.
Monica adopted a motherly tone. “Lucille, your father and I raised you all these years. The least you could do is show some gratitude.”
“Raised me?” Lucille shot back. “Did you ever put food on my table? Or pay for my schooling? Grandma raised me since I was born!”
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Chapter 147
288 Vouchers
Monica choked on her words, face flushing crimson. “Didn’t we give you life? That alone deserves repayment! We brought you into this world–you owe your father respect today!”
“Oh?” Lucille turned to Tristen. “Since giving life means so much, how much has your precious son repaid you to- day? I’ll settle for matching whatever he gave.”
Tristen reddened. “Why drag me into this? What’s it got to do with me?”
“How much did you give? Care to share?” Lucille already knew the answer: not a cent.
Jaxon’s face purpled. “How can you compare him to you? Building a business is no easy feat! And now he’s preparing for marriage. I’m not asking much–just secure that apartment we discussed earlier.”
“Exactly,” Monica jumped in earnestly. “Tristen’s situation is different, Lucille. You married well–skipped twenty years of struggle! Most people couldn’t match what slips through your fingers in a lifetime. Stop counting Cedrick’s spending. Shouldn’t he provide for you? You should prioritize family. We’re your real family.”
Lucille laughed bitterly. The audacity!
Grandma trembled with rage. “Look at yourselves! Is this how parents behave? No wonder… no wonder you couldn’t treat both children equally! Can’t you even avoid burdening your daughter?”
Monica pursed her lips. “Mom, your favoritism knows no bounds! Tristen’s your own grandson. What grandmother sides with a granddaughter over him?”
Grandma’s voice shook. “My own grandson? Does he carry my family name?”
“Aren’t you part of the Radford family?” Monica rolled her eyes, then suddenly brightened. “Mom… you’re not eyeing some other old man, are you? Why else say such things?”
Jaxon eyed her suspiciously too. “Mom, at your age, don’t lose your senses!”
Grandma snatched up a chair and hurled it at Jaxon.
Lucille lunged to steady Grandma, terrified she might fall. Grandma clutched her chest, gasping for breath.
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Chapter 148