Chapter 502
It was around this time that life seemed to finally be going my way.
Mentioning Bryant Ferguson made me pause a momentary lapse that felt like a lifetime had passed.
These days, it felt like the struggling, pain–ridden Jane of the past had been cleaved in two, leaving a new me in her place.
Gregory pinched my cheek, “Daydreaming?”
“No, not really.”
I shook my head, unable to pin down my feelings, and followed his lead, “Is this about Bryant?”
I knew Bryant’s influence had been creeping towards Vista Town again.
But his helping Gregory seemed both unexpected and somehow anticipated.
He wasn’t a bad person, not really.
You could even say he was good–a great boss, a dutiful grandson, a loving adoptive son, a caring step–brother… just not a great husband.
The world where I was the only one hurt somehow felt justified.
Gregory, having his fill of food and drink, displayed a carefree demeanor that belied his upbringing. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he said, “It’s a bit complicated, but in short, Bryant did me a favor and put a halt to Hanson Ford’s plans to push Palmer into a position of power.”
“So, that means your dad…”
I caught myself, remembering it was his father we were talking about, and corrected, “He won’t be giving you trouble for a while?”
“That’s one way to put it.”
Gregory raised an eyebrow, a hint of coldness in his eyes, “That man married my mother for her wealth, and suppressed me to maintain his grip on power. He doesn’t want a son; he wants a puppet.”
Hearing this, I felt a pang of sympathy.
But it wasn’t surprising. In these powerful families, fights for control often left little room for father–son bonds.
Hanson was the sole heir to the Ford family, naturally taking over and indulging in the privileges of wealth and power. But time waits for no one, and he grew old. The Ford
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family needed a new leader.
And Gregory, the legitimate heir, was the only choice. His illegitimate siblings didn’t even qualify for the family tree, let alone inheritance
But their relationship had been strained since he betrayed Gregory’s mother, and with Gregory in power, Hanson couldn’t continue living as before. After all, power dictates the pecking order.
Confronted with fatherly affection, Gregory could easily list his father’s indiscretions. Hanson’s support for Palmer, an illegitimate son, stemmed from a desire for a compliant heir, a “filial son” who would do his bidding.
I held Gregory’s hand, “Regardless, I just want you to be safe. If your father and Palmer make a move, don’t confront them head–on. Even without the Ford family’s power, we can still have a good life.”
I promised, “And your mother, Molly, they’ll be fine too.”
Paul Ford and Adah had nothing to worry about. Regardless of who was in charge, they could live their remaining years in peace.
Gregory was momentarily taken aback, then smiled, “What’s this? Jane offering to take care of me and my family?”
“…If you want to see it that way.”
I touched my nose, slightly embarrassed, “It just means… Janedream might not compare to the Ford family’s wealth. You, your mother, and Molly might have to live more modestly.”
The days of luxury cars and mansions as playthings were over.
But we could still save up for a comfortable life.
Gregory’s gaze deepened, “So, you’re offering to support me?”
I shot him a look, “Is that a problem?”
“Not at all.”
As Gregory squeezed my cheek, I couldn’t help but wonder why he always seemed to enjoy tormenting my face.