Chapter 673
673 Chapter 672
Keira remained still while Lewis stepped forward and grabbed Nathan’s cane.
Nathan staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance.
Old Mrs. Horton’s voice trembled with anger as she shouted, “Ungrateful brat, what do you think you’re doing? I dare anyone to lay a hand on my granddaughter-in-law p>
Nathan snapped back furiously, “Mom! Just look at what this woman has done to our family! Everything’s falling apart, and now the sons dare to stand up to their fathers p>
He pointed at Lewis. “This troublemaker didn’t used to be so brazen. Are you really planning on hitting me now p>
Then he turned his finger towards Jake. “And look at him! He was always so obedient, but now even he’s turning against his father! This woman is nothing but a curse p>
Lewis’s voice was cold as ice. “This has nothing to do with Keera p>
Hearing this, Jake glanced at Keira. At that moment, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
The fog clouding his thoughts cleared away.
Suddenly, everything in his life became crystal clear.
Jake turned to Nathan. “Grandpa, my decisions have nothing to do with Ke… Aunt Keera. I’m just tired of being your puppet p>
“What puppet? What nonsense are you spouting?” Oliver demanded angrily.
Jake shook off his grip and said bluntly, “You’ve never shown my mom an ounce of kindness. The only time you smile at her is when I achieve something that makes you proud. So, she’s always pushed me to work harder, telling me that the more I accomplish, the more attention you’ll give us p>
A bitter smile appeared on Jake’s face. “My entire life has been about earning your approval. Every decision I’ve made has been based on what you want… I’ve never lived for myself p>
His voice choked with emotion as he continued, “When it came to getting married, I thought I couldn’t choose someone who might embarrass you, so I gave up the love of my life. When it came to college, I pushed myself to get into the best school in Oceanion just to make you proud. Even when it came to picking a major, I wanted to study aerospace engineering, but I chose chemical engineering because of you…
“Dad, I don’t want to live like this anymore. I want to make a choice for myself, just once! So, I’m not marrying Eve Clark p>
The words had barely left his mouth when Oliver slapped him hard across the face.
Oliver’s eyes burned with rage. “You little punk! You dare defy me? Let me tell you, you will marry Eve Clark, no ifs, ands, or buts! If you don’t, I’ll throw you and your mother out of this house p>
Jake stood there, stunned. After a moment, he let out a bitter laugh, about to respond when a sharp voice came from the doorway, “You wouldn’t dare p>
Everyone turned to see Melissa striding into the room, her eyes red with fury. She glared at Oliver. “I’ve stood by you all these years, given you children, managed your household, and never complained about the woman on the side. I even tolerated that little tramp, Selena, living under the same roof… Oliver Horton, you think you can just kick me out p>
Oliver’s brow furrowed. “Why wouldn’t I? If your son doesn’t fall in line, I’ll divorce you p>
“I’m not getting a divorce!” Melissa snapped. “If you’re so bold, why don’t you move out and never come back? But don’t even think about divorcing me to make room for that pair p>
Oliver was momentarily stunned.
Selena, who had followed Melissa in, quickly chimed in, “Mrs. Horton, you’ve got it all wrong. Dad’s only threatening Jake to keep him in line; he’s not serious about divorcing you p>
Before she could finish, Melissa spun around and slapped Selena hard across the face, leaving her head tilted to one side.
Melissa’s voice dripped with venom. “Shut your mouth! Who do you think you are, you little bastard? Do you think you have the right to meddle in our family’s business? How dare you speak up here p>
Selena clutched her cheek, turning to Oliver with pleading eyes. “I was just trying to help p>
“Get out of my sight!” Melissa barked. “You’re not welcome in this house p>
Oliver exploded with anger. “Shut up! The Horton family is mine, not yours! Selena is my daughter! If you had any decency, you would’ve brought her home and raised her properly instead of leaving her with the label of a bastard. I haven’t even blamed you for being petty, and now you have the nerve to lay a hand on her p>
Tears streamed down Melissa’s face as she screamed, “You’ve crossed the line, Oliver! You’re nothing but a heartless bastard! Are you really going to throw your own son away for this illegitimate child p>
Jake also glared at Oliver. “Dad, let me ask you, are you really willing to abandon us for her? If you are, then I’ll take Mom and leave p>
The room fell silent.
Oliver was speechless.
In families like theirs, having a son to carry on the family legacy was crucial. Without a son, what would become of his legacy?
But as Oliver hesitated, Selena cut in, “Jake, what are you even saying? Dad is doing this for your own good. Why else would he have me introduce you to such an esteemed young lady from Clance? But here you are, threatening him p>
Oliver’s resolve hardened when he heard this. He glared at Jake and Melissa. “Fine, go ahead and leave! You can’t threaten me! Get out of the Horton family right now p>