Thomas took out his pack of cigarettes and pulled out a stick.

He took his time putting it between his lips, lit it, and then took a drag. He was smiling when he blew a puff of smoke. “It's because you were never there for her. By all rights, you are only simply a sperm donor. You were absent throughout her difficult childhood. How can you now expect her to give a rat's ass about you? More importantly, she is living a good life now. She has no reason to look back."

Weldon narrowed his eyes and harrumphed. ‘m not giving up!"

With the way things were, he had no one else to rely on in the family. Vanessa used to be the family's hope, but everything went up in flames after she fell in love with Edwin and got herself dumped.

She was ruined, and she brought everything upon herself.

Upstairs.

Julie walked up to Melissa as soon as she stepped through the door.

"Do you have a grudge against Mr. Smith?" she asked as she turned her head to make sure Matthew wasn't around to hear them.

Melissa busied herself with changing into house slippers. "I wouldn't call it a grudge, exactly. But I would much prefer that he doesn't meddle in my business or show his face in front of me again."

Julie nodded in understanding, but she couldn't help but remark, “It's just that, he seemed Like a good man. He was well-dressed, too, and spoke eloquently. It also seemed like he loves Matthew very much."

“None of that matters," Melissa said lightly. “I don't think he will be back again."

She was swamped with work, but she made a point of making time for Matthew. They played around until nine in the evening, after which, she sent the boy to bed. And then it was time to get back to the documents that needed her attention. Shortly before midnight, Julie brought her something to eat. “Why don't you call it a night?" she said to Melissa in concern. “You wouldn't want to strain your eyes, would you?"

Melissa took a bite of the cookie. "With the amount that they're paying me, it is my responsibility to carry Mr. Watson's burdens.

I'll be all right; things will get easier once this project is done."

She already had a plan in mind, one that would not only reverse Watson Group's current financial situation in half a year, but also ensure profit growth in the subsequent months.

Given how tight her self-imposed schedule was, it only made sense for her to put in overtime hours.

Julie sighed. Although she felt for Melissa, she was also happy for the latter's milestones. “If only my son was as diligent as you. I won't have to worry about his future so much."

"Oh, I think Shawn's doing fairly well," Melissa replied with a smile.

"Janet told me that he recently bought her a whole set of jewelry."

Julie couldn't help but smile at that. It was always nice to know that loved ones were living a good life. "Then, I shall leave you to your work. Don't stay up too late though."