Chapter 170

Wendy had just changed when Vance knocked and walked in. “Mom, you can’t treat me like this. I’m your son,” Vance said, frowning as he plopped down on the couch.

Wendy felt exhausted. She looked at him and asked, “What do you want me to do? Vance, the most selfless and greatest love in the world comes from parents to their children. How much do you really understand about that love? I’m telling you, the girl sitting down there is up to no good, yet you’re treating her like a goddess just like your brother does. If she really cared about you and this family, would she keep you hanging like that?

“I suggested you marry Tiana, and you think she’s spoiled and rude. But Tiana has a good heart and works hard; she’s running her family’s business, and it’s thriving. What about you? You’ve done nothing but chase after fun and spend time with your girlfriend. Now that you’ve got the girl you love back, and I’ve even accepted you two together, what more do you want?”

Wendy felt helpless. It was hard to see her sons' bad habits now, and she realized it was too late to change them unless they wanted to. Without Natalie’s reminder, her life would have just drifted by.

Vance knew he was in the wrong, but he just didn’t feel anything for Tiana. He had known her since childhood, and while her playful personality was refreshing, he preferred a gentler kind of girl. But Tiana really did care for him. Sure, she was a little spoiled and had a temper, but her feelings were genuine.

“Mom, I like girls like Khloe,” he insisted, his tone firm. “You have to come to our wedding. Otherwise, Khloe will be embarrassed in this crowd.”

Wendy looked at her son. Actually, she wasn’t happy he came back. It was Jennifer’s idea. The oldest son had to be dealt with first, and now it was time for the second one.

She sighed, “I’m sorry for Tiana; she really likes you. But you’re letting Khloe hurt her. Honestly, you’re no better than those other guys who treat women like trash. Just go. I have enough on my plate with the company. I don’t need you adding to my stress.” She felt drained, like there was an unseen force pulling the strings of everything, and recently they had lost a partnership. Easton’s company dominated the fashion design market, launching new products that stormed the scene. For Wendy’s company to survive, it felt like they were stuck in a tiny crack, just scraping by.

“Mom, once I’m married, I’ll come back to help you at the company.” Vance knew how hard it was for his mom to run it alone. He had been irresponsible, chasing after his love all year.

Wendy thought of the trending topic she saw online and yelled in anger, “Get out! You’re the kind of person who would tarnish your own sister’s name. You deserve to be with someone like Khloe, so just leave!”

Vance stood there, shocked. He couldn’t believe his mother would say that. “Mom, it’s clearly Natalie’s fault! She’s so poisonous, holding onto Easton even though she knows he loves Jennifer. She’s purposely dragging this out without a divorce. I can’t accept a woman like that.”

Wendy sighed bitterly, “Don’t worry; she probably won’t accept you as a brother either. Tomorrow, I’ll hold a press conference to announce to everyone that you’re not even part of the Simpson family anymore. If you’re willing to throw away your family for love, then you can kiss your cards goodbye, and I’m reclaiming your shares. Let’s see how long your love can last without money.”

After saying that, Wendy stood up and extended her hand coldly, “Hand them over.”

Vance was furious. “Mom, I’m your son! Why are you treating me like this? Just because I said Natalie was your adopted daughter?”

Wendy snapped back, “Are you out of your mind? Stop blaming others. I’m cutting off your cards and taking back your shares because of the woman you’re with. I should thank you for not marrying Tiana. You and that woman can enjoy your life together. You’re an adult now; I don’t have to keep you in line. Just give me all your cards.”

Wendy knew her sons pretty well; the second son was especially protective of Jennifer. He would do anything for her.

“Mom,” Vance looked at his mother’s serious face, realizing she was dead serious. He felt a surge of fear. Without money, he couldn’t make any moves. “Mom, I’m getting married! I can’t do this without money.” He had already booked a fancy wedding venue.

Wendy didn’t say a word. She walked over, pulled his wallet out of his bag, and took all the cards from it.

With a pained expression she said, “From now on, you’re no longer my son. You want to get married? Go find your father. I don’t want anything to do with you anymore. I’ve raised you for over twenty years. Starting today, you’re on your own.” Vance narrowed his eyes, staring at the cards in her hand with a chilling gaze. “Mom, are you really going to do this to me?” Seeing the same kind of malicious look in his eyes as she saw in Nick’s, Wendy took a step back, fists clenched. “Yes! Have you heard about your father? He did those things with another woman at Mr. Wayne’s party. I’m going to divorce him.”

Vance defended his father. “Mom, Dad realizes he messed up. Besides, what happened that night was Natalie’s doing…”

“Do you have any proof?” Wendy interrupted, her tone icy.

“Mom, wasn’t every event that happened connected to her?” said Vance.

“Get out! None of you ever bring me peace. Just go!” Wendy collapsed to the floor, sobbing in agony. For twenty years, she had been deceived, and in that moment, the pain felt insurmountable.

Vance observed his mother’s heart-wrenching tears, a flicker of compassion crossing his face. “Mom…”

“I told you to leave this house. Didn’t you hear me? Just go! I don’t want to see you!” Wendy was visibly upset.

Vance felt speechless, thinking he’d wait until tomorrow to let her cool down before coming back. “Mom, don’t be sad. I will find happiness. As long as you see me happy, you’ll accept Khloe…”

Wendy slowly stood up, giving a cold laugh. “You have a few hundred dollars left on that card. Once that runs out and you have no job to put food on the table, let’s see how you talk about love then. You’ve spent nearly 700 thousand dollars on her this past year. If you weren’t rich, she probably wouldn’t even glance your way.

“Vance, if you walk out of here today, I won’t allow you to come back. From now on, don’t call me Mom. I’m not your mother anymore.”

Since he had the money to buy favors and sabotage Natalie, she decided she was done with him. His entertainment empire was hanging by a thread; she wondered how long he could manage it on his own.

Vance felt the anger boiling inside him as he realized it all stemmed from Natalie. He stormed out, determined to confront