Chapter 129

Throughout the meal, Jason ate quietly, only taking a little. Jameson kept piling food on his plate with obvious eagerness. Watching this, Ross couldn’t help but frown.

In his memory, Jameson had never been a decent father. When Ross was young, Jameson hardly ever joined them for meals.

Their mother, gentle and gracious, had always made excuses for him.

And what did that get her? Betrayal for the rest of her life.

Now he had the audacity to bring his illegitimate son back and put on some ridiculous show of fatherly affection? It was pathetic.

Then, Shermaine reached over and placed a piece of rib on his plate. “Here, it’s yours.”

“Alright.” A smile tugged at the corners of Ross‘ lips.

“My little sister is absolutely adorable,” he thought.

Then Ross also placed a piece of fish on Shermaine’s plate.

Janice watched the exchange, her heart softening at the sight. ‘See? These two are so thoughtful. Unlike Jameson… a grown man still causing so much mess. What a curse.’

“Try this one, Shermaine. It’s really good…” Jameson said, deliberately picking up a meatball for her.

Shermaine moved her plate away, and the meatball fell onto the table. “Sorry, I’m not used to people putting food on my plate.”

Jameson became grim. His attempt to mend things with his daughter had backfired before it even began.

How could any father enjoy a daughter like this? She showed zero respect to him.

Dinner wrapped up around eight. Shermaine headed upstairs, planning to call Joshua and ask when he was coming back. But before she could shut her door, Ruth followed her.

Ruth called softly, “Sheary.”

Shermaine turned to look at the woman who shared her mother’s exact face. “What is it?"

Ruth said in a hushed tone, “Sheary, you mustn’t let Jason into this family. If that bastard steps through our door, that would be disastrous. You need to think of your brother.”

Shermaine sized her up with a faint, mocking smile. “Are you saying this for my brother’s sake, or for your own?”

Ruth’s gaze faltered. Truthfully, she was afraid Jason would pose a threat. If Jameson was already this bold, how long before he tried to bring Natalie in too? “Of course, it’s for your brother.”

“Then you really don’t have to worry. My brother doesn’t see Jason as a threat at all. But you, Mrs. Jean, you might want to start watching your step."

So Shermaine didn’t plan to intervene?

Shermaine looked at her, then spoke in a measured tone, “Come to think of it, I recently recalled some childhood memories. The way you are now is completely different from what I remember. It actually makes me wonder if you’re really my mother.”

Ruth’s fingers trembled slightly as her hand dropped, her heart skipping a beat. Still, she forced herself to sound calm. “Sheary, what are you saying? Of course, I’m your mother.

“I know my attitude hurt you before; I was blinded by resentment then. But now, I’ve decided to let it go. However Jameson treats me, I shouldn’t have taken it out on you and your brother. Please forgive me.”

Shermaine remained expressionless. “A broken vase can never look the same.” Besides, she wasn’t even her real mother.

With that, Shermaine returned to her room and found her phone on the bedside table. She opened WhatsApp, located Joshua’s contact, and directly initiated a voice call.

The call rang and rang, but no one answered.

‘He must be busy,‘ Shermaine thought.

Nevermind.

She would call him later.

Meanwhile, downstairs,

“Mom,” Jameson said, “just tell me what it’ll take for you to accept Jason as part of the family.” In this house, the only person whose approval truly mattered to Jameson was Janice.

She sighed, visibly worn down. “Jason’s in his senior year, same as Sheary, right?”

“Yes, his grades are excellent,” said Jameson.

“Arts or sciences?” Janice asked.

“Science,” Jameson replied.

Janice paused for a moment before saying, “If he can become this year’s top science scorer, then I’ll consider it.” But deep down, she thought to herself, “That’s not gonna happen because that honor will be Sheary’s!”

But Jameson’s eyes lit up. He didn’t take it as a brush-off. “Mom, you need to be clear. If Jason becomes this year’s top science student, you’ll recognize him as your grandson. Correct?”

“Yes. But if he fails, don’t ever bring this up again,” said Janice.

Shermaine was just coming down the stairs and overheard the end of their conversation. She nearly laughed. ‘Grandma’s being mischievous again. Jason can never beat me, not in a million years.’