Chapter 674
674 Chapter 673
Jake and Melissa were stunned.
They had long known that Oliver favored the woman outside and even preferred the daughter of the mistress. However, they hadn’t anticipated that, in front of his son, Oliver would choose Selena.
Selena, hearing this, managed a slight smile, though she kept her lips pressed together. She gently advised, “Dad, don’t speak out of anger. Jake is the one who can carry on the family name. Jake, you should make amends. Dad’s just trying to scare you p>
Jake glared coldly at Selena, his jaw tightening. He sneered, “I’d rather not have a father like this p>
Selena immediately protested, “How can you speak like that? Dad has high hopes for you, and it’s all for your own good… You’re really hurting his feelings p>
“High hopes? The most I’ve ever heard from him are his criticisms. To him, I’m nothing but a failure! A useless person p>
Jake sighed bitterly. “If that’s the case, why does he even need me p>
Melissa began to cry. “Yes, in your eyes, that illegitimate daughter is a thousand times better than us, but we’re your own family, too! I’m your wife! My family has an influence, and I’ve been enduring for you all these years. Oliver, you have no conscience p>
Selena quickly added, “Aunt Melissa, don’t speak ill of Dad. He and my mom are truly in love. It’s you who came between them, forcing Dad to marry you p>
“Be quiet!” Melissa shouted angrily. “If he didn’t care for me, would I have had hopes? Oliver, wasn’t it you who came to my family to propose? Wasn’t it you who begged to marry me? You did it to compete with Lewis because my family could offer you more support! That mistress’s daughter is nothing!
“Now that my family has fallen, you want to kick us out? I won’t give way to that woman p>
Selena frowned. “Aunt Melissa, how can you speak about Dad like that? He has his struggles, too p>
She then turned to the visibly upset Oliver. “Dad, Mom has never blamed you. She’s happy just being with you. I’m happy, too, even though I’m an illegitimate daughter. Being your daughter is enough for me. I don’t understand why Aunt Melissa and Jake are so upset. If you could find me a man like Eve, I’d be grateful… Have they been brainwashed into thinking you’re harming them p>
Selena’s words strengthened Oliver’s resolve. He spoke firmly, “Selena, don’t worry. Once these two are gone, I’ll bring you and your mom back home. I’ll make sure to marry your mom properly and make you the rightful lady of the Horton family p>
Selena’s eyes glistened. “Dad, Mom and I don’t care about those things… We just want you to think of us p>
She then turned to Jake and Melissa. “You have what Mom and I have always wanted. Please cherish it p>
Listening to the subtle barbs, Jake felt his anger flare. He was at a loss for words.
Melissa, meanwhile, was sobbing uncontrollably.
Keira and Lewis, observing from the side, exchanged glances. At that moment, Keira suddenly understood why Jake despised illegitimate children so much.
Selena’s subtle manipulation was impressive. She had Oliver firmly in her grasp. Despite the casual tone, every word was laced with admiration and defense for Oliver, increasing his protective instincts toward her.
No wonder Jake had felt overshadowed all these years by this illegitimate daughter.
Keira was lost in thought when Lewis leaned in and whispered, “Mrs. Horton, you’re quite the strategist p>
Keira raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
Lewis smiled. “Stirring up their internal conflicts means Eve Clark won’t need to be brought into the family, and we’re both able to step away from this mess p>
Keira smiled without saying anything.
She wasn’t a saint. Jake had betrayed her, and she wasn’t about to forgive him. The recent provocation had been intentional, aimed at making him see things more clearly. Keira thought, as the argument intensified, it worked perfectly to divert attention from herself and Lewis.
However, Jake and Melissa’s ineffective arguments made her want to intervene.
Hold on, hold on.
As Keira thought this, Oliver, thoroughly swayed by Selena’s words, was now furiously glaring at Jake and Melissa. He pointed to the door and roared.
“Fine, you don’t care about me? Then get out right now! The Horton family doesn’t welcome you p>
“Melissa, if you don’t want a divorce, let me tell you, you don’t get to decide! I’ll find a lawyer to draft a divorce agreement immediately p>
He then turned to Jake. “And you, my ungrateful son, want to escape? Fine, I’ll let you go and see how you fare without the Horton family p>
Oliver’s final shout was, “Get out p>