The clutch was sitting idly beside the rocking chair, and the sunlight shone on the room, erasing all the gloomy air inside.
Jackson woke up three days earlier, then he went through rehab before finally being able to walk. But he looked clumsy, so I knew he hadn’t fully healed just yet.
“I thought the kids would be here too,” Jackson joked.
I sniffled. “I was too excited when John told me you’re awake.” I fumbled for an explanation. “So I totally forgot about it. We can go straight back to see them though, Jackson. You should see them. After all, you’ve risked your life for them.”
“I’m not in a hurry.” Jackson smiled warmly. “I can always see them after this.”
I knew he was a really nice guy. “Have you forgiven me?” It took everything I had to ask, but the moment I did, everyone fell silent, much to my worry.
A short while later, Jackson looked at John and chuckled, “I see. You were right, John. Everyone’s been worried about me. Looks like I’m more trouble than I’m worth, huh?”
Well, that was depressing, and it ended the conversation for me. Of course, everyone would worry. Someone close to them was in the ICU after all.
“Let’s not talk about that.” Jackson shifted the topic and looked at me happily. “I told my lawyer to withdraw the case. Summer and Audrey are your daughters, Scarlett. That will never change.”
I felt a surge of gratitude and affection for him. “Thank you, Jackson.” Tears welled up in my eyes.
Reconciliations were always touching. Even John, the tough guy, sniffled quietly. “You were a b*stard, Jackson, but that sleep did you good. Now that you’re not trying to take my niece away, you aren’t that annoying anymore. The reports about you are taken down, so just open up the clinic after you’re healed up. A diamond always shines no matter where it is, you know.”
“Thanks, but I’m not planning to reopen my clinic.” He looked at me, feeling crestfallen. “I’ve talked with Lydia, and I’ve decided to return to M Country.”
“Yeah. You gotta recharge yourself.” K City had nothing but malice for him. There was nothing memorable for him in this ice-cold metropolis.
Jackson had a look of resolve in his eyes. “No. I’m going back to take over my family’s business.”
“Why?” Jackson never liked business, so why did he change his mind?
Jackson’s face fell, and his veins popped. “My brother’s the one who acquired my data and leaked it to the media. Seems like he’s getting too comfy as the heir apparent. It’s time for him to pay the price.”
Somehow Jackson looked different. I could see something dark within his eyes—a dark ambition.
Even so, I couldn’t give him any advice. An eye for an eye seemed about right, and most people would do that. Jackson used to be a gentle soul who’d take all the beatings from his family, but he had had enough. It was time for him to take back what was rightfully his.
A near brush with death wasn’t bad news, apparently. Jackson wanted me to support him, so I gave it to him. He was an old friend, after all. I was going to lend him some money as a seed fund, but all Jackson wanted was my promise, so I glossed it over.
I felt like a heavyweight had been unloaded from my shoulders. Even my soul felt light, so I stretched my arms in John’s car.
