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Chapter 28
Chapter 28
“Jewel’s connected to Shadow Ventures.” Dexter said bluntly, “After all these years, she should help us out a bit.”
“She’s been kicked out. If anything, it’s because someone’s been supporting her, not because she can help with something big like this,” Lorelei scoffed, clearly skeptical that the girl she’d always looked down on could save the company.
But Dexter had a different take. “That last bank card she gave us had 350 thousand dollars on it. Without that, we’d be bankrupt by now.”
After a moment, he continued, “You should call her. Be nice about it, and invite her over.”
Lorelei froze. She remembered it was just recently that he said he’d never let Jewel through the door again. Plus, she’d said some pretty harsh things to get rid of Jewel. Now, asking her to come back felt impossible.
“What are you waiting for?” Dexter shot her a look, his tone sharp. “If you don’t bring her back, are we just going to wait for the company to go under?”
Lorelei felt her temper flare. “Why don’t you just call her yourself?”
A hint of embarrassment crossed Dexter’s face. He had let his pride get in the way of the last chance, and now, he figured Jewel wouldn’t want to hear from him. But he couldn’t say that out loud.
For the sake of the company, he softened his tone. “You’re her mom. You spend more time with her. You can talk to her more easily.”
Seeing her husband’s worried expression, Lorelei finally relented. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
“Call her now and have the kitchen make her favorite dishes,” Dexter urged, impatience creeping into his voice.
Every minute counted; the company was at risk of bankruptcy. Lorelei knew she had to cooperate. She didn’t want to live with debt and ruin.
In the Turner household, Ash was snuggled up in bed, enjoying a rare moment of peace. She was usually too busy, only allowing herself a break when she felt unwell.
Strangely enough, since moving in with the Turner family, she found this to be the most relaxed time she’d had in years.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
She picked it up and saw an unfamiliar number, but it was local. She answered.
“Jewel, is that you?” a familiar yet strange voice came through.
Ash paused. It was her former foster mother.
Ever since Samantha had come into the picture, Ash hadn’t heard that gentle tone directed at her in ages.
“Yeah,” Ash replied flatly.
“Are you free lately? I’ve been missing you. Can you come home to see me?” asked Lorelei.
Ash raised an eyebrow. ‘What a surprise!”
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Before Samantha showed up, Lorelei only spoke to her like this when she had good news or achievements to share.
Dexter and Lorelei had never been close to her. Dexter was always busy with work, and Lorelei was too wrapped up in her own world. When they were home, they often acted like she didn’t exist.
Thinking about how they’d wronged her and kicked her out, Ash shook off those memories.
“Nope,’ she replied coldly. She knew that Lorelei’s call at this time was anything but well–intentioned.
Lorelei was taken aback. She never thought the daughter who used to try so hard to please her would one day be so indifferent.
If it weren’t for the company’s crisis, she wouldn’t want anything to do with Jewel again.
Taking a deep breath, Lorelei tried a different approach, her voice turning sad. “Actually, I’m sick. The doctor says it’s serious. We’re family, don’t you want to come see me?”
Hearing a faint sob on the other end, Ash frowned. After a long pause, she finally said, “Fine.”
Relieved, Lorelei quickly added, “I had the kitchen make your favorite dishes. If you come now, you’ll just make it in time for dinner. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Without waiting for a response, she hung up, almost as if she feared Ash would change her mind.
Back at the Moreno family home, Samantha walked in to find the place buzzing with activity, especially in the kitchen where three cooks were busy preparing meals.
She wondered, ‘Aren’t we out of money? Why the sudden extravagance?‘
“Mom, is there a big client coming over tonight?” Samantha asked, curiosity piqued.
Lorelei glanced at her, noticing the designer bags Samantha was carrying. It irked her.
Here they were, on the brink of disaster, and Samantha was out shopping like it was nothing.
“Instead of focusing on building a good relationship with Tristan, you waste your time on trivial matters,” Lorelei snapped.
Samantha felt wronged. After being sold off as a child, she finally found her way back to her real family, only to discover someone had taken her place.
She had just managed to get rid of Jewel, and now she couldn’t even enjoy a shopping trip.
“Mom–Samantha whined, dragging out the word. “I’m doing this for you. I’ve been through so much, and my skin is a mess. What if someone sees me? It’s embarrassing for the whole family.”
Lorelei paused, realizing this was her real daughter. She should be supportive. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that your dad’s company is…”
She noticed Samantha wasn’t even listening, her eyes glued to the kitchen.
Sighing, Lorelei felt for the first time that Jewel seemed to have more sense. When the company was in trouble, Jewel had always had some good ideas.
Attracted by her mother’s sigh, Samantha turned around. “By the way, don’t bring up Tristan anymore. We’re completely
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Chapter 28
done”
Lorelei fell silent, turning back to watch the conser
When Ash arrived at the Moreno family, the looked around the familie sy inking a surge
If she wasn’t mistaken, her old room on the second floor had been then to Seetha Looking forous tendon se could see the decor had completely changed.
The house had plenty of other rooms, but they chose to the her did syce to Satake without a sound fought
Shaking her head, she walked through the front don
pstairs, Samantha was busy putting on makeup, hoping to impress a parental dear festing But when she came downstairs, she was met with the sight of her parents bearing as they welcomed fred had
“What are you doing here? This is my home now. Are you trying to take over spat Santa contit help but atap
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