Chapter 714 Chapter 713
714 Chapter 713
Oliver scoffed. "What nonsense are you spouting? If she was really after my money, she wouldn't have stayed with me for all these years without a proper title."
Melissa shook her head. "Fine. But one day, when you lose everything, let's see if she'll still be by your side."
Marisa immediately stepped forward. "Melissa, don't project your own thoughts onto everyone else. I will always stay by Oliver's side."
Melissa let out a sarcastic laugh. "Sure, he might never lose his money in this lifetime, so you can keep playing this role forever..."
She then lowered her gaze and said, "Oliver, back when I married you, I didn't bring much money. But at that time, you were just an unrecognized son in the family, and I'd heard how rough your situation was at home. I could've chosen someone better, but I picked you because I genuinely loved you once. So, let's part ways peacefully."
After saying this, Melissa left with Jake, walking away without looking back.
Oliver watched them leave, his jaw clenched tightly.
In the end, he drove Marisa and Selena back home.
---
The next morning, when Keira woke up and came downstairs, she saw Jake walking with old Mrs. Horton in the garden. Not far off, Selena and Marisa were standing there, their faces showing a mix of emotions as they watched them. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
What surprised Keira the most was that Melissa was there, too. At that moment, Melissa was bowing respectfully to old Mrs. Horton, apologizing. "Mrs. Horton, I'm so sorry... I've done so many things in the past that made you angry…"
Old Mrs. Horton simply waved it off. "It's all in the past."
Melissa lifted her head. "But I still want to offer a sincere apology. From now on, I won't come around anymore. I'll let Jake spend more time with you."
"Alright."
Old Mrs. Horton continued her walk with Jake.
Melissa then turned her gaze toward Keira and Lewis. She walked up to them and bowed again.
Keira quickly stepped aside, feeling awkward. Melissa gave a bitter smile. "Lewis, Keira, I owe both of you an apology. I used to think that your existence took away what rightfully belonged to the main branch of the family. I always hoped that Mrs. Horton would give us some shares, thinking that was the only fair way. But now, I finally understand... all of that belongs to Mrs. Horton, and it's her choice who to give it to. I was foolish."
Melissa's change in attitude was so drastic that Keira almost didn't recognize her.
Gone were the luxurious clothes, replaced by something simple. Without makeup, Melissa looked older by at least five years, yet her overall demeanor had improved significantly. The bitterness she used to carry had faded, and she seemed more at peace.
In the past, Melissa had constantly sought Oliver's attention, believing that if she could get a portion of Mrs. Horton's shares, Oliver would finally devote himself to her...
In the end, she was just another tragic figure.
Keira gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Lewis also lowered his eyes and said, "There's no need for apologies."
Melissa smiled faintly, then turned and walked toward the exit.
As she reached the door, Oliver came in. The two faced each other briefly. Oliver frowned and sneered, "You were so defiant yesterday, but now you're here to see Grandma? What's the plan? Hoping she'll convince me not to go through with the divorce?"
Without even glancing at him, Melissa replied, "I won't miss the appointment in a month."
With that, she walked away.
Oliver's expression darkened as he stormed inside to greet old Mrs. Horton before heading to work at the Horton Group.
Old Mrs. Horton said, "Have you really thought this through? Melissa might not have treated me well, but she's always been loyal to you."
Oliver frowned. "Marisa's loyal to me too."
Old Mrs. Horton glanced at Marisa, smiling faintly, but said nothing more.
Oliver headed out the door, but as he reached the threshold, he suddenly turned back. He saw Marisa and Selena fawning over old Mrs. Horton, their faces filled with sincerity.
Meanwhile, Jake and Keira had moved aside to discuss some investments.
Marisa and Selena's devotion toward old Mrs. Horton appeared genuine, their smiles showing no hint of deception.
Oliver chuckled to himself.
Melissa never learned how to play this game. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't win over old Mrs. Horton's favor. But look at Marisa and Selena, how easily they'd become favorites... Maybe, just maybe, they could actually secure some of those shares one day.
The thought made Oliver freeze.
He looked back at Marisa and Selena, seeing the same bright smiles they always showed him.
But these two women cursed old Mrs. Horton for being unfair almost every day in private...
If they could put on such an act for old Mrs. Horton, could it be that they were putting on the same act for him?
Oliver's eyes widened in realization.
Suddenly, Melissa's words echoed in his mind. "One day, when you lose everything, let's see if she'll still be by your side!"
His gaze shifted to Marisa.