233: RETORTS ARIEL’S POV I tiptoed into Janice’s bedroom, careful not to wake her up. She looked so peaceful, her chest rising and falling gently as she slept. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her. I had gone to the bookstore early this morning to pick up some books for her. Last night, she had been begging me for the latest bestseller, and I couldn’t resist spoiling her. Just when I placed the books on her nightstand, I saw her stir and slowly open her eyes. “Mom?” She mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes. “Good morning, sweetheart,” I said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Time to wake up.” She groaned and buried her face in her pillow. “Already? Can’t I sleep for five more minutes?” I chuckled and sat down on the edge of her bed. “Nope. You have a full day ahead of you. And besides, I have a surprise for you.” Her eyes widened with excitement. “Really? What is it?” I handed her the books, and her face lit up. “Oh my gosh, thank you, Mom!” She exclaimed, giving me a quick peck on the lips. “You’re the best.” I smiled and ruffled her hair. “Anything for my little bookworm. Now, get up and get ready. We’re going out today.” She sat up and stretched, yawning. “Where are we going?” “It’s a surprise,” I said, winking at her. She rolled her eyes playfully. “Fine. I’ll get ready. But I’m not taking a bath.” I raised an eyebrow at her. “And why not?” “Because I took one last night.” She shrugged. I couldn’t help but laugh at her antics. “Nice try, but you still need to take a bath. We don’t want you going out smelling like a skunk.” She pouted, but I could see the amusement in her eyes. “Fine, fine. I’ll take a quick shower.” I watched as Janice reluctantly got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. After that, I picked up one of the books I had bought for her and started flipping through the pages. It was a fantasy novel, one of my personal favorites. I sufled to myself, knowing that Janice would enjoy it just as much. Deeply immersed in the story, I heard a knock on the door. I looked up to see one of the maids standing at the doorway. “Good morning, Mrs. Ariel,” she greeted with a smile. “Is there anything I can help you with?” I shook my head, “No, thank you. I can handle it. But thanks for asking.” She nodded and turned to leave, but then she paused and turned back to me. “Oh, I almost forgot. Mrs. Janice’s breakfast is ready. Would you like me to bring it up to her room?” I laughed silently. “Thank you, once again. But I think Janice is still in the shower. I’ll take the breakfast up to her when she’s done.” The maid nodded and left the room, again leaving me to my reading. LUKE’S POV “If you don’t want any more insults, I suggest you get out of here!” I snapped at my great–aunt. Enough is enough! I was sick and tired of her irritating presence. Right now, I just wanted her to get the hell out of my sight. “You are still being rude, aren’t you?” She spat back. “Where’s the respect?” “I should be the one asking you that. Where’s the respect great–aunt? expected you to stoop this low. Come on, you’re better than that.” “You are crazy, Luke.” I never “That’s rich. Coming from the woman who just popped out of nowhere, saying she wants to take the wealth of someone who has been working hard for it.” She chuckled. “You’ve really changed, haven’t you?” “No, I never changed. You just never knew me.” “I’m glad I do now. And trust me, I’m going to change you in different ways.” “No need to be rude, but you’re not going to do any shit.” “Wow, wow, wow. You know what, Luke? Step out of the way.” “What if I don’t? What are you going to do about that?” “Oh god, where the hell did you get the nerve?” “You are family, great–aunt Liliana. I’m not going to lie about that. You were like my grandfather’s best friend, that’s correct. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to let you talk nonsense or do shit here. If you’ve come to this house to live with me, then you better behave yourself. Live in peace, and I don’t want any trouble, I don’t want chans, I don’t want commotions.” She wanted to slap me, but I was quick to seize her hand. “You already did this. Not again.” I shoved her hand off. “You better listen to me, young man.” “No, you listen to me. This is my house and everything I have here; I work day and night for it. I suggest you show some respect, not just to me, but to my late grandfather. I believe he wouldn’t want you doing this.” “I don’t really care about that man anyway. He chose not to care for me, so why should I care for him?” “What? How didn’t he care for you?” I quizzed her instantaneously. “I left his life, and he didn’t even bother to look for me.” ‘Seriously? That’s what you’re going to say now? That’s your goddamn backup?” “It’s not a backup, you idiot! I’m just telling you my feelings,” she retorted. “Your feelings, you say. So, if you don’t care about him, why have you come to take his wealth then? Why didn’t you just continue to live your life without coming back to our lives?” My great–aunt chuckled. “It seems like you don’t know the history of your grandfather’s wealth.” “What are you trying to say now, huh?” I asked her, raising an eyebrow. “I helped your grandfather in establishing this business.” “Oh wow, how nice is that? Well, guess what? I don’t care.” “You’re going to care, you idiot!” “Can you please just go away? It’s too early for this. I have to go to work and attend a business meeting. Get a lot of things done or something.” “Listen to me, young man!” “I’ll only be wasting my time.” I turned around, but she seized my hand. I glanced at her immediately. “Please, put an end to this drama.” “I’m not putting on a drama here. I’m just trying to make you understand…” “Understand what?” I cut her off. “You didn’t let me finish.” “Cause you don’t have to, okay?” I tugged my hand out of hers. “Please, I just want peace. I’ve got a lot going on in my mind lately, and you bringing all this is only adding up, making things worse.” “That’s none of my business,” she told me coldly. “You’re right. That’s why you should get the hell out of here. I shouldn’t even be wasting my time with you. Like, come on, this is so fucked up.” “Your thoughts are as useless as you. But right now, I’m just going to let you know one thing. This wealth, this success, this establishment. Your grandfather wouldn’t have all these if it weren’t for me.” I looked at her in disbelief. “How? What did y
