Chapter 710 - 709

710 Chapter 709

But just yesterday, Jake realized that his great-grandmother truly cared about him.

“A mother can only be kind and loving if her children show her respect and care.” Oliver was always complaining that his grandmother didn’t like him, but he had been fourteen when he came home, and his intentions toward her were far from pure. How could she possibly like him?

“Think about it—if someone approaches you for their own benefit, would you want to be around them?”

Jake’s eyes reddened.

Old Mrs. Horton looked at him with a smile. “I heard you’re starting a business, so I’ve prepared these for you. Take good care of yourself out there!”

The elderly woman patted Jake’s hand.

Jake’s tears fell instantly.

Old Mrs. Horton continued. “To be a good person, you must first be true to yourself. You are you, not someone’s son, grandson, or great-grandson. What you want, go and fight for it—that’s what really matters!”

Jake’s eyes reddened even more. “I understand.”

“Alright, go on now.”

Old Mrs. Horton smiled. “You can come visit me sometimes.”

Jake nodded immediately. “I will.”

As he stood up and prepared to leave, he ran into Selena and Marisa, who had just entered. Upon seeing Jake, Selena and Marisa both froze, then turned their gaze toward him.

Marisa said, “Jake, you’re home? Is it that you can’t manage out there? If that’s the case, let me know, and I’ll arrange some money for you and your mom…”

Selena added. “Mom, don’t say that. Jake and his mom wouldn’t need your money. They used to look down on you!”

“Why not? If they’re struggling now, what’s wrong with offering them some money?”

Marisa said condescendingly, “And Jake, about your mom and dad—if you ask me, your mom has a lot of issues. She should really change her attitude. As a woman, she should be more gentle. She’s too harsh. Your dad often complains to me that she’s a shrew. You should pass this message to her and have her change. That way, maybe your dad will take you both back…”

Jake’s anger flared up. “Shut up! You’re just a mistress—what right do you have to talk about my mom?!”

Marisa immediately retorted, “What mistress? That’s such a harsh thing to say. Your dad and I truly love each other…”

As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears.

Selena chimed in, “Jake, how can you speak to my mom like that? Is this how you treat your elders? I always show respect when I’m with your mom. How can you treat mine like this?”

Jake found their behavior ridiculous. “My mom is my dad’s legitimate wife. Yours is a mistress—why should I be polite to her?”

At that moment, a sharp voice came from the doorway.

Oliver stormed in, fuming. “What nonsense are you spouting? How dare you speak to Aunt Marisa like that? You’re so disrespectful!”

Without saying another word, he walked straight up to Jake and slapped him hard across the face.

“Smack!”

The sound was so loud it made Keira wince. Jake’s face was immediately swollen, and blood even trickled from the corner of his mouth.

Even with this, Jake simply wiped his mouth and smirked coldly.

Oliver glared at him. “Apologize to Aunt Marisa!”

Jake looked him straight in the eye. “I won’t.”

“Apologize!”

“I said no!”

Oliver reached out again to hit Jake, but this time, Jake could no longer tolerate it. He grabbed Oliver’s wrist and pushed him back with force.

Oliver staggered back a few steps, and Marisa rushed over to support him.

Oliver was enraged. “Scoundrel! How dare you lay a hand on me?!”

Selena also spoke up. “Jake, how can you treat Dad like this? Since you left the Horton family, you’ve become completely unreasonable!”

Marisa sighed. “I know you don’t like me, but you can’t treat your own father like this. Jake, you really need to learn some manners!”

Jake looked at the two women in front of him, then turned to Oliver. “Dad, she’s publicly criticizing my mom. Do you really think she deserves respect?”

Oliver fumed, “How is she unworthy? She’s leagues better than your mom. Marisa has always loved me the most. She’s been with me for years, not seeking my money or status… Just for that, you should be respectful and call her Aunt Marisa!”

Jake scoffed. “You think she and her daughter don’t care about your money? Let me tell you, my mom is the one who truly cares about you!”

“Your mom is always talking about money. Marisa is different!” Oliver declared confidently.

Jake sneered. “Fine, if that’s the case, why doesn’t she sign a contract agreeing not to inherit your fortune in the future?”

At this, Marisa’s expression instantly froze!