Chapter 282

Ruth's heart ached. She had missed fourteen, almost fifteen, precious years of her children's lives.

Shermaine blinked back tears, smiling, “Mom, you’re back. We thought you were gone.”

Janice explained, “Ruth was rescued but spent years in a coma. When she woke, her memories were gone. She came straight here the moment she regained her memories.”

Understanding dawned on Shermaine and Ross. That explained Ruth’s gauntness. Without proper care, she might not last long.

Dabbing her eyes, Ruth turned to Ross. “Rossie, no hug for me?”

Ross snapped out of his daze and stepped forward. Though older than Shermaine, his joy at reuniting was tempered by years of Madeline's impersonation, leaving him stiff and hesitant. Reading his hesitation, Ruth closed the distance herself, pulling him into the embrace.

Janice watched the three of them, her chest swelling with gratitude. Ruth’s return was fate’s greatest gift to Shermaine and Ross.

At Jean Group, Jameson stormed into his office, unleashing his fury.

Natalie wisely stayed silent until his tantrum subsided, then approached with a cup of coffee. “Jamie, have some coffee.”

Jameson ignored the cup. This disaster stemmed from blindly trusting her. He had handed her ten billion dollars without hesitation, only for it to vanish into thin air and end up with Ross. Jameson was angry at her, frustrated just by her presence.

Natalie’s tears flowed on cue. “You’re angry with me?” She hung her head. “It’s my fault. If I had scrutinized the contract, none of this would’ve happened.”

Her crying softened Jameson. “Don’t blame yourself,” he muttered, though the irritation lingered.

Seizing her chance, Natalie said, “You really don’t hate me?”

“How could I?” Jameson forced a smile. “I adore you.”

Natalie knew how to work him. “You’re so sweet. Meeting you was my life’s greatest blessing.”

Her seductive perfume wrapped around Jameson, reigniting his hunger. But with Jason present, he couldn’t act on it.

Ten billion dollars were gone. Jameson needed allies. The Shelly family was the best one. A marriage alliance would secure their backing, especially with his rapport with Tim.

Jameson had just wanted Ross exiled. But Ross insisted on playing hardball. Jameson thought, ‘Ross, you brought this on yourself.’

Jameson said suddenly, “Jason, come here. We need to talk.”

Jason moved closer and sat beside him. “Dad, what is it?”