Chapter 4N There was a time when Willy would have defended me , at least occasionally .
But now , his gaze remained fixed on Sophia , his infatuated expression as if he were admiring the rarest of treasures.N Sophia didnt even flinch under my stare .
Instead , she smiled at me with quiet provocation before turning to my mother in law , gently holding her arm.N Auntie , you mustnt get upset at your age .
If you dont mind , from now on , let Benny be your grandson .
N Grandmothers expression instantly brightened , her previous scorn toward me replaced by pure delight as she showered Sophia with praises for her thoughtfulness.N Sophia then pulled the teenage boy beside her forward , her smile never faltering .
Its been a while , Carol .
My apologies- we only just flew in from overseas and didnt have time to change .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

But youre so magnanimous , Im sure you wont mind , right ? She then turned to the boy beside her .
By the way , this is my son , Benny Nelson .
N The boy , a striking resemblance to Willy with about five or six shared features , looked me up and down with open disdain before smirking arrogantly .
Auntie , youre so ugly .
N Before I could react , he turned to Willy and held out his hand expectantly .
Dad , you promised me a gift when Mom and I returned to Chicago .
The day after tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday .
Last year , you only gave me ninety nine presents this year , I want a hundred .
N His words , his deliberate humiliation , burned like acid .
But Willy ignored my presence , his attention solely on the boy as he helplessly chuckled and ruffled his hair .
Got it .
N With that , he pulled out a long life lock the same one I had painstakingly believed was meant for my Liam and gently fastened it around Bennys neck with an expression full of love and pride .
But that wasnt enough .
Willy snapped his fingers and outside the funeral home , a dozen sports cars each painted in vibrant , blinding colors rolled into view.N Here , Willy said , grinning indulgently .
Dad knows you like bright colors .
These are all yours .
N Sophia pouted playfully , clinging to Willys arm .
Willy , what about me ? You cant just spoil your son .
N Willy chuckled , gently tapping her nose .
Of course , I havent forgotten you .
N At his signal , two attendants stepped forward from each car , carrying more than thirty sets of exquisite jewelry .
The collection varied in style and material , but they all had one thing in common they were priceless.N One particular set caught my eye .
It was a piece once worn by a royal consort from an ancient dynasty , something so rare and historical that its worth was incalculable.N Sophia gasped in delight , throwing her arms around Willys neck and pressing a kiss to his cheek .
She beamed like a young girl , her excitement unrestrained .
Wow ! Arent these the pieces from that European royal auction a few days ago ? Even the cheapest set would cost hundreds of millions .
Willy , you bought them all for me ? You still love us so much .
But spending so much money Carol wont be mad , right ? I clenched my fists as my sons funeral transformed into a grotesque showcase of luxury cars and jewelry.N I stood there in my outdated black mourning suit , my face bare of makeup , my swollen eyes betraying nights of grief .
Beside me , Sophia sparkled her designer red dress flawless , her makeup exquisite , her presence dazzling.N The absurdity of it all nearly made me laugh .
Over the years , what had Willy ever given to Liam ? Compared to just one of Bennys sports cars , my son had received next to nothing .
How ridiculous .
Willy seemed to remember I was still there .
His expression turned slightly awkward as he tried to explain , Carol , dont take this the wrong way.
Sophia and Benny have been living abroad for so long this is just the way they are .
N You heard it too , didnt you ? Mom has already acknowledged Benny as her grandson .
Its natural for him to call me Dad .
Hes about to celebrate his birthday and I just wanted to show some affection .
As for the lock … N Before he could finish , Sophia suddenly stumbled , swaying dramatically as she collapsed into his arms .
Willy , my head … I feel so dizzy … I think I might have heatstroke .
Willy immediately turned his back to me , his full attention on her .
How could that happen ? I built that summer resort just for you , so you wouldnt suffer in the heat .
You shouldve been resting there , but you insisted on coming to this miserable place .
Come on , Ill take you somewhere to rest .
And just like that , without so much as a glance at the urn containing his sons ashes , he scooped Sophia up in his arms and walked away .
1 /