Chapter 645 Play Favorites

Malcolm froze, taking a moment to process what Meryl had just said.

When it finally clicked, he immediately looked down at his midsection.

Was his belly really that big?

Then again, wasn’t it normal to put on some weight when you’re over fifty?

Lydia, standing nearby, couldn’t help but cover her mouth to stifle a laugh at Meryl’s comment.

However, seeing Malcolm’s sour expression, she quickly sobered up. “Come on, Meryl, you shouldn’t talk to Dad like that. He’s your elder, after all.”

“I’m just straightforward, no beating around the bush or hidden agendas. I say whatever’s on my mind.”

The implication was clear. Every word she’d said was the truth.

Malcolm wanted to drop the subject entirely.

As he sat down to eat, Meryl suddenly whisked away all the meat dishes from in front of him and placed them before herself.

Facing Malcolm’s glare, Meryl wore an expression that said, “This is for your good.”

“All this greasy food will spike your cholesterol and blood pressure. You might get fatty liver. Better stick to vegetables.”

She replaced his dishes with cabbage, cucumber, and other vegetable dishes.

Malcolm’s favorite steak dish was placed far out of his reach.

Lunch was almost over, but Malcolm’s stomach felt as empty as when he’d started.

“Lydia, you should eat more, too.”

Unable to compete with Meryl for food, Malcolm turned his attention to Lydia. “You’re eating for two now. It is when the baby needs nutrients to grow! You need to eat well.”

Malcolm kept adding food to Lydia’s plate.

Meryl watched silently, lowering her gaze.

Even though she didn’t care about Malcolm, seeing him play favorites still stung.

They were both his daughters, yet Malcolm had never shown her much attention, not even a single word of concern, let alone serving her food.

Some fingers really were longer than others.

“Lydia, how’s the baby doing lately? Not giving you too much trouble?”

Lydia was nearly five months along now.

Charlotte had kept her primarily homebound these past few months, worried about another miscarriage like last time. Lydia had filled out nicely, and each checkup showed the baby was on the larger side.

The doctor had advised her to watch her diet, worried that if the baby grew too big, it might complicate the delivery.

Lydia spoke softly. “The baby’s been good. We’re scheduled for the detailed ultrasound soon.”

Malcolm asked, “Will they be able to check the gender?”

Lydia caressed her belly and nodded. “I hope it’s a boy.”

A son would strengthen her position.

Charlotte wanted a grandson, too.

Malcolm nodded. “Sons are better than daughters, that’s for sure.”

Among their three children, Malcolm favored John the most. Though he spoke carelessly, the implications weren’t lost on anyone. Even Lydia’s face darkened.

Malcolm realized his blunder and quickly backtracked. “I just meant boys are easier to raise. You were such a good girl growing up, Lydia.”

Out of nowhere, Meryl twisted the knife. “Good girl? Oh yeah, she was so good she made headlines stealing someone’s man. Everyone knows about her bed-hopping scandal.”

Malcolm’s face darkened at this. “Meryl, why do you keep bringing this up? It’s the same old story. Aren’t you tired of repeating it?”

“Not at all.”

Meryl continued peeling her shrimp, taking her time before popping it into her mouth.

“I have to remind you now and then in case you forget. Not only did she steal my man, but she also got me locked up for two years. With all the evil Lydia’s done, who knows? Maybe karma will catch up through her child…”

Meryl couldn’t do much to Lydia right now, but she could still get under their skin from time to time.

Lydia’s face changed instantly.

“Meryl, if you’re angry with me, that’s fine! But why drag my child into this? The baby is innocent! How could you curse him?”

“Innocent? Then why did your mother swap me at birth? Wasn’t I innocent too? You got to live the high life with the Stones, and now I can’t even voice a few complaints?”

“But you still grew up fine!”

“Do you have any idea what I went through? How did I manage to grow up? It’s easy for you to talk when you haven’t walked in my shoes, so just shut up.”

Meryl’s words left Lydia speechless.

“Meryl, why are you still living here? When are you going back home? Did you fight with Chandler?”

Meryl glanced at Malcolm. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you trying to kick me out? Have you forgotten that this property is in my name now? If anyone’s leaving, it should be you.”

“You!” Malcolm’s chest heaved with anger. “You’ve completely lost it! I’m your father, yet this is how you speak to me!”

“Dad, calm down!” Lydia quickly interjected as Malcolm paced furiously. “You don’t understand. Meryl wants to go back, but Uncle Chandler’s been seduced by another woman. He’s been at the hospital these past few days, playing devoted companion to his childhood sweetheart.”

Fresh from being humiliated at Meryl’s place, Lydia finally found her chance to take a jab at her sister.

Eager to stir up more drama, Lydia pressed on, “Meryl, is Uncle Chandler going to divorce you?”

At the mention of divorce, Malcolm’s expression turned even uglier.

Lately, despite the family turmoil, his status as Chandler’s father had opened many doors for him.

His company, Celestial Ventures Group, was counting on Chandler’s comeback.

If Meryl and Chandler’s marriage fell apart, what would happen to his business?

Malcolm roared, “No way! You have to keep your grip on Chandler! Go back to him right now! Apologize, beg him to change his mind, whatever it takes, but divorce is not an option!”

A chill crept through Meryl’s heart.

He was her father, demanding she apologize without even knowing right from wrong.

With a father like this, did it even matter whether she had one or not?

“I’m not going back. I’m staying at Stone Villa,” Meryl declared, dropping onto the sofa.

“You…” Malcolm raised his hand, ready to strike. “You stubborn little…”

Meryl lifted her chin defiantly, glaring at him. “If you dare lay a hand on me, I’ll destroy everything you care about.”

Malcolm was seething with rage, his hand poised to strike.

Right then, Bianca walked in.

Seeing the scene unfold, Bianca rushed forward, hitting and clawing at Malcolm.

“Malcolm, how dare you raise a hand to my daughter? Who do you think you are?”

Bianca grabbed a broom and swung it at Malcolm’s head. “Get out! Get as far away as possible! You’re no longer welcome in this house!”

Malcolm, who had been playing the perfect houseguest until now, blanched at Bianca’s words about kicking him out.

But Bianca showed no mercy, ordering the maid upstairs to gather Malcolm’s clothes and throw them out.

“Take your stuff and get out! Don’t you know your place? How dare you try to hit my daughter!”

Malcolm hadn’t expected Bianca actually to go through with it.

The memory of being kicked out months ago was still fresh. He didn’t want to go through that again.

Malcolm’s demeanor changed instantly. “Honey, I’m sorry. Please forgive me just this once.”

It was pathetic watching this fifty-something man trying to act cute like a teenager, whining to Bianca.

Meryl sat on the sofa, watching the scene with cold eyes, involuntarily shuddering at the disgusting display.