Eugene took a few steps toward Olivia and put an arm around her shoulder. Then, he smiled. “Mrs. Road, you need to know my girlfriend here is an arrogant girl. She isn’t afraid of me, or anyone, I must’ve spoiled her, and I’m glad to continue so. You can mind your own business, Mrs. Road.”
Olivia threw him a pointed look. He’s good at making up excuses. Where does the accusation come from?
Stefanie stared at them with mouth agape. Even after taking a few moments to process his words, she was still unable to speak her thoughts. I can’t believe a woman got Eugene wrapped around her finger. What a useless loser he is!
Olivia turned to Stefanie. “Mrs. Road, we were told you were hospitalized. We’re here to visit you. It’s good to see you looking healthy and speaking vigorously. I’m glad you’re still capable of quarreling and complaining.”
Stefanie sneered. Even so, she was guilty. Thus, her voice came out softer than she intended. “Thanks to my son, I’m looking healthier and speaking more vigorously. Is there a problem?” Olivia smiled. “Of course not. I wish you a long healthy life.”
Stefanie snorted as if she got the victory. ‘T’ll never allow your friend and my son to date as long as I live. Aren’t you supposed to have a different wish, so there’s no obstacle between them?”
Olivia smiled widely. ‘I told you I agreed with you. I don’t want them together despite their compatibility. However, marriage is different. It involves them and more than them. Trivial things could turn into serious matters one day. One can’t live a happy life with that. Don’t you agree with me, Mrs. Road?”
“They’re not a good match for each other!” Stefanie glared at Jewel with a darkened expression. “A woman from such a background is no match for my son.”
Alex furiously yelled at her, “Stop it, Mom!” Stefanie fought fire with fire due to her being a patient. “I meant what I said! She’s no good for you.”
A shadow fell on Jewel’s face. She had been enduring the insults for Alex’s sake. It seems like I shouldn’t have indulged her. Does she take me as a weakling just because I have been keeping quiet?
“I’ve never thought about depending on your family to climb the social ladder. Besides, I’ve been proposing to break up with your son. You were never friendly since we first met. You’re an elder, who has more life experience than me. What makes you so cynical? What have I done wrong to make you treat me like an enemy?”
Stefanie growled, “You shut up!” After that, she turned to face her son. “Did you see that? She doesn’t respect me!”
A frown was pulling at the corner of Alex’s lips. “I don’t see a problem. You’re obviously in the wrong. She has the right to stand up for herself.”
Jewel continued, “I only visited you for Alex’s sake. I’m not here for your insults. You don’t want me to have anything to do with him, I know that. But we don’t owe you anything, you know?”
Then, she turned to Alex. “We’re strangers from today on. I’ll break your legs if I ever see you again.” Lastly, she looked at Olivia. “Let’s go, Olivia.” Olivia gave her a smile. “Sure.”
Alex instantly grabbed Jewel’s arm and pleaded, ‘Don’t do this to me, Jewel.” Jewel swatted his hand away with a serious expression. “Can’t you see I only get the people around me into trouble? What makes you think we have a future? It’s been many years since people threw insults at me. You! Alex! Just who you are that people could only look up at you? One word from your mother and I’ll fight back. Don’t blame me if I hurt any of you in the process.”
At that, she linked arms with Olivia and guided Olivia to the door. Olivia patted Jewel’s arm to stop her. “Wait a minute.”
At that, she looked between Eugene and Jewel. “You can go first. I need a word with Mrs. Road alone.”
