Chapter 24
Chapter 24 Dad’s Support
After Samantha graduated from university, she spent a year teaching in the western part of the country, where she met Jeff, who was there to support the construction of schools. His company, Miele,gned significant exposure and expanded through this philanthropic endeavor.
Samantha and Jeff developed feelings for each other during their time together. However, upon returning to the Stew family in Boston, they faced resistance from Jeff’s uncles. Jeff was determined to marry Samantha, even if it meant leaving Miele
In the early years, they endured judgmental stares. Jeff’s expulsion from Miele made him unpopular in their social circle, but the couple remained steadfast in their love. It wasn’t until the birth of their two children that Jeff’s new venture, the Stone Company, began to show signs of improvement. Eventually, the Stone Group rapidly advanced and became one of the top three publicly listed companies in Boston and even in the entire Wellington region. In recent years, it has also risen to the top of the global business landscape.
Meanwhile, the original Mele enterprise began to decline, clinging to its traditional business sector until it lost its market share. Only then did they start to venture into the entertainment and leisure industry, thanks to new ideas introduced by Jeremy, who had returned from Sydney to join the company. Although they captured a portion of the entertainment market in Boston, the gap between them and the Stone Group was vast–like being at the foot of a mountain compared to standing at its peak.
Victona awkwardly remarked, “George is so lacking. He has been abroad for so many years but still doesn’t have a girlfriend?”
“And what about you? You’re almost thirty, when will get to hold a grandchild?”
Graig, who was nearby, couldn’t help but cringe at this. The young lady didn’t even have a boyfriend yet, and they were already discussing grandchildren?
“Mom, we were talking about your precious son. Why did you have to bring me into this?”
Graig quickly faded into the background, caught up in the family banter
Victoria took a big bite of an apple, which contrasted sharply with her elegant outfit. Not wanting her mother to dwell on her situation, Victoria redirected the conversation back to George. “Mom, listen to me. George is too much of a bookworm. This won’t do, girls like bad boys. Haven’t you heard. If a man is not a little wild a woman won’t love him?”
With that
hat she winked at her brother.
George: “Ha~~ You’re my sister”
Graig nodded in agreement, recognizing that George was indeed a brilliant gentleman–refined and handsome in every way. All the praises like “a modest gentleman” and “gentle as a breeze” suited him well yet the one he liked seemed to have no interest in him, and no one knew what kind of woman he was
into.
Over the years, George had lived a clean and upright life without ever having a girlfriend. Graig thought that if George didn’t step out of his comfort zone to experience romance, he might end up single forever.
“You’re still lecturing your brother, but you don’t even have a boyfriend. I’ve been wishing on stars for years, and my hair is turning gray from worry, yet 1 haven’t seen you bring anyone home.”
Graig: The young lady simply had her standards set too high. There were plenty of suitors around her, yet none caught her fancy, and she was already 28. If she continued to delay, she would risk becoming a leftover woman.
“Mom, they’re either too high–maintenance or not serious enough. What’s the point of bringing them home? Forget it, let’s not talk about it anymorē
Over the years, Victoria had her fair share of admirers, but they all had ulterior motives. How could she not see through that?
Samantha shook her head, “You child. She wanted to say something, but Victona interrupted her.
“Mom, I have work to do at the office. I need to go first, let George keep you company longer. He’s free anyway.”
Before leaving, she cast a mischievous smile at George. “George, what I’m saying is true! Just be a bit bolder, okay”
True about what?” he replied, puzzled.
Samantha suddenly recalled something Weren’t you supposed to meet your music mentor at the Star Music Hall this afternoon?”
“But Mom, your health..”
Emma brought food she had prepared for her father from home. The shop was only a twenty–minute walk away. “Dad, let’s eat.”
“Isn’t there a restaurant nearby? Yet you chose to come home and cook? Her father was concerned about her cooking after a long day.
Emma unfolded a small table and served the food. “Dad, I seldom come home, don’t I? It’s a rare occasion, so I wanted to cook for you and Mom. It’s just three dishes and a soup. Taste some of your daughter’s cooking!“.
Sam, having washed his hands, emerged from the kitchen. Looking at the spread, he felt a mix of excitement and sadness. Hadn’t his precious daughter
honed her skills to impress Luc!
“Dad, sit down, let’s eat?” Emma orged, encouraging her father to join her
After a while, Sam said, “Emma, be honest with your old dad fd you have a falling out with Luc? if there’s anything bothering you, you can tell m
Emma paused, her fork mid air, struggling to find the right words. Finally, she mustered her courage. Dad, if one day I were to divorce Luc would you.
Support me?”
Hearing this. Sam’s expression changed. He stiffened for a moment before responding solemnly, Emma, I’ve always said that no matter what you decide I will support you. Has the Taylor family treated you unfairly?”
Usually. Lue was just a bit aloof, but today felt different. He suspected that someone in the Taylor family was making life difficult for Emmal
“Dad, his family doesn’t like me It’s unnecessary for me to please them for a man who doesn’t love me
Though she didn’t directly answer his question, Sam understood everything.
Emma think it through. If you truly don’t want to stay with Luc, it’s best to break it off sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more you’ll suffer
His daughter, Emma, may not have been extraordinarily remarkable, but she wasn’t anyone’s mand either. If there was no love, no care, and only indifference in this marriage, what was the point?
Sam knew that, as a father, he should advise reconciliation rather than divorce. But seeing his daughter come to this realization, and witnessing Luc’s lack of defense for her in front of his family, made him question the worth of such a man.
His wife had faced torment and disrespect, yet he showed no inclination to stand up for her. He was no man at all!
To put it bluntly, Luc simply didn’t care, he didn’t love her!
Her father’s supportive words emboldened Emma. He was clearly on her side. She had returned home to gauge his opinion, and she hadn’t expected him to truly support her. A deep bitterness welled up in her heart. She was grown, yet still causing her father worry. But there was her mother to consider…
Suppressing her feelings, she finally said, “Dad, if Mom finds out…”
“Don’t worry about your mom; I’ll handle her. What grand dreams does she still have of a wealthy son–in–law when her daughter is treated this way?”
Emma smiled. “Dad, your analogy is spot
on.”
Isn’t that the truth? The Taylor family prided itself on its affluence, and her mother viewed Luc as her impressive son–in–law.
“Dad, try this. I made chestnut chicken just for you.”
Father Johnson hadn’t tasted it yet but was already full of praise. Delicious! Everything my daughter makes is wonderful. It’s just that man, Luc, x
too blind to appreciate it.”
who is
In the afternoon, Luc attended his sister Soraya’s concert with their mother, Jane. The performance was spectacular, with everyone presenting flowers.
Jane asked Luc to give a bouquet to Soraya, but he was preoccupied, texting on Instagram.
Jane assumed he was texting Emma and grew envious. “Luc, today is your sister’s first concert! Who are you so distractedly texting?”
With a puzzled look, Luc replied, “Mom, it’s nothing. Once the concert is over, I’ll take you and Soraya home.”
Lindsey had asked him to send her some pictures of the concert, so he snapped a few and sent them her way.
However, Jane assumed he was eager to send them off so he could return to see Emma. Her anger flared. “Are you texting the some respect for your sister”
that woman, Emma? Show
Luc was taken aback. He wasn’t messaging Emma, but his mother seemed fixated on her, which annoyed him. “Mom, why do you keep bringing her up?”
Ever since she had recovered from a cold, Jane had changed drastically. She no longer clung to him for comfort, nor showed concern for him. Now, she didn’t even text him anymore, let alone call.
“If I don’t mention her, then who? Who are you mess
messaging?”
Luc didn’t want to admit it, but under Jane’s persistent questioning, he lowered his eyes and revealed, “It was Lindsey. She wanted to see some pictures of the concert, so I just sent her a few.”
