One had to admit that Olivia was emotionally intelligent and excellent with words. Subconsciously, Stefanie glanced at Edmont and Winnie, wondering if Alex would really go directly to his father if she forced him to leave.
No, that can’t happen! That’s my boy! I raised him with blood, sweat, and tears! Why should I let that b*stard man and b*tch have him?!
But how could she bear to fulfill the intentions of a woman who stole her husband… She suddenly lowered her head, covered her face with her hands, and cried in pain.
Alex took a gander at Jewel and got up to sit next to Stefanie, pulling her into his arms. He said nothing, for Olivia’s words were thorough enough. She had also expressed everything he wanted to say.
Meanwhile, Edmont sighed, stood up, and said, “Either way, Stefanie, I’m the one who owes you and Alex. Don’t be upset. Although Jean is Winnie’s niece by name, they have never met. If you oppose the two children because of us, we will try not to contact her!”
“Alex, take good care of your mother. She’s been through a lot,” he said, patting Alex’s shoulder. With that, Stefanie, who was still silently sobbing, burst into tears uncontrollably.
Edmont then approached Ellen. “Ellie, I can tell
you really like Jean. Please look after her for us.” “Don’t worry, that’s a given,” Ellen replied. “She’s
also my daughter. I won’t let anyone bully her!”
Edmont nodded and walked up to Eugene. He first looked at Olivia, then smiled. “Eugene, your girlfriend is something special!”
At that, Eugene embraced Olivia with pride in his eyes. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Road!”
“Take good care of each other.” Edmont patted Eugene’s shoulder, then turned to Jewel. “I’m sorry for causing such a deep understanding between you and Stefanie, Jean, and for subjecting you and Alex to so much hardship. Please don’t dwell on them, considering that Alex truly cares for you.”
“Are you leaving?” Jewel asked, and Edmont answered, “We’ll leave after bidding Aubrey goodbye.”
“I’m sorry you suffered because of me, Jean,” Winnie said, giving Jewel a hug, then slipped a note to the latter with her phone number written on it.
Edmont’s words were meant to console Stefanie’s emotions. Winnie couldn’t really cut off contact with her newly found niece. She couldn’t just stop contacting Jewel.
After bidding everyone farewell, the two finally left the room. Suddenly, silence overcame the space. Only the faint sound of Stefanie’s sobbing could be heard.
Ellen took a deep breath and exhaled before speaking, “Jewel is my daughter, and in my heart, she is the same as Olivia. I admit that I had a hard time controlling my temper after hearing your words. It’s because I felt my daughter was being mistreated. Regardless of who’s right or wrong among the three of you, that’s between you. Don’t you think making the two children bear the consequences is cruel? Do you think you’re only punishing Jewel? Do you not see that your son is also hurt and in pain?”
She continued, “If it weren’t for seeing the genuine affection between the two of them, I would’ve stopped them. I’ve seen what you’ve done to Jewel time and time again. If you had a daughter, would you let her marry into a family with such an oppressive mother-in-law? We’re all human beings with feelings. You keep targeting Jewel, but has she ever done anything to harm you? Whom do you have now but your son? If you continue to be obstinate and drive your son away, you’ll truly be left alone. Is that the life you want?”
Stefanie, who had been sobbing, suddenly stopped. Her body instinctively stiffened as well.
Ellen softened her tone and continued, “What do you think we, as parents, really want? Isn’t it just good health and a close-knit family? Look at how you’re driving both children to the brink of desperation. I’ve said my piece. If you still disagree, then keep your son in line and make sure he doesn’t harass my daughter!”
