Chapter 169

Before Khloe could speak, Vance jumped in, “Mom, Khloe’s parents know. I’m back because we’re getting married next month. It took me a whole year to finally win Khloe over, so you have to agree.” He knew his mom wasn’t too fond of Khloe.

Wendy sighed, realizing she couldn’t change his mind. Is he going to end up like Jason, ruining himself before learning to turn back? All this pressure is because of Jennifer, who keeps stirring the pot with my boys, she thought.

Wendy felt she couldn’t say much either. She wanted her parents to pass away peacefully, not be driven to an early grave by family drama or financial issues. If she spoke out, Jennifer might retaliate, and they might all be in for a rough ride.

Khloe, feeling defensive, explained, “Mrs. Simpson, I know you’re not impressed with me. I come from a small town, and my parents are not well-off. I don’t bring anything to your family’s business, but I truly love Vance. Please, don’t break us apart.”

“Don’t worry, Khloe, I’m here for you,” Jason chimed in. “Mom loves me too much to come between us. If she tries, I’ll just pack my bags and leave.”

He knew he had his mother wrapped around his finger. After a year of being away, she was still sending him money. Wendy looked at him, disappointment washing over her. She couldn’t help but feel like a failure as a parent.

Vance noticed the look of despair in his mom’s eyes and felt a tightening in his chest. Why is Mom looking at me like that? he wondered.

Taking a deep breath, Wendy said, “I won’t oppose you two, but I hope not to see you around for a while. Go out with the girl you like and live your lives. I’m giving you the freedom to do that. You’ve grown up, and apparently, you don’t listen to me anymore. If love comes before everything else, then go ahead. Live the life you want.”

Vance was momentarily taken aback. He didn’t expect her to agree so easily. “Mom, thank you!” he said, excitement beaming on his face. Finally, he could be with Khloe!

Khloe felt overjoyed too. She mused, This is amazing! I won’t have to run away anymore. With Vance’s support, my life will become much easier. I won’t go back to my small town; I’ll be a wealthy wife in the Simpson family from now on!

“Thank you, Mrs. Simpson. I promise I’ll treat Vance well,” Khloe said, beaming.

Wendy looked at Vance. “Vance, I’ve set you up for a perfect match already. Tiana is a great girl, but sadly, you’re not worthy of her."

Vance was taken aback, thinking, What? Why bring up her? That’s so annoying! I just got away from Tiana, and now I’m finally with Khloe.

“Wait a second. You say I’m not worthy?” Vance shouted, finally catching on.

Khloe’s eyes flashed with annoyance. So that old bitch won’t even attend our wedding? How could I face people in this circle afterward? she snapped inwardly.

Wendy ignored Vance’s outburst and missed the menacing look in Khloe’s eyes. Instead, she focused on Jennifer, saying, “Jennifer, your dad collapsed in the living room this morning. I took him to the hospital, but he hasn’t woken up yet. With everything going on in the company, can you go stay with him?”

Jennifer was shocked. “What happened to Dad? Is it that serious?”

“Ah, it’s just old age. He has health issues, and he doesn’t take care of himself. He loves to indulge in rich foods, and now it’s caught up to him. He’ll need to stay in the hospital for a week. You still have a few days before you start filming, so go take care of your dad. Vance is busy looking after his girlfriend and won’t have time.”

Jennifer thought for a moment. She didn’t have the time to take care of her dad. “Mom, why not get a care worker for Dad?”

“Sure, you handle it. I’ve got company issues to deal with right now, so I can’t look after your dad,” Wendy said as she stood up and headed upstairs.

These days, she was busy rebuilding her company. She couldn’t let Jennifer suspect anything. That was why she didn’t hesitate to send Nick to the hospital. She wanted to make sure Nick lost everything he worked for in this lifetime.

Jennifer frowned. She knew there were indeed some issues at Wendy’s company, but with her skills, she could fix them. Wendy had worked hard in business her whole life; this small problem wouldn’t stump her.

And Jennifer should be grateful that Wendy was working hard to create everything that could benefit her. Wendy was sharp when it came to money, and she had taught Jennifer a lot about business along the way.

“Mom, you must be tired. Go rest for a bit,” Jennifer said with concern, wrapping her arm around Wendy’s.

Wendy nodded. “Alright. You’re the sweetest, Jennifer.”

Turning to Vance, Wendy said, “You two should move out tonight. There’s an old place on South Beltway; that’s your house. It’s the only wedding gift I can give you, and once you sell it, it could be worth around 170 thousand.” She paused and added, “Oh, and I won’t be attending your wedding.”

Vance stood there shocked. He thought his mom would agree to everything and even attend his wedding. But all she offered was an old rundown place and refused to come to the ceremony. What was the point of getting married then?

“Mom, I’m your son! You’re not going to my wedding? What kind of talk is that?” Vance’s handsome face showed his hurt. Wendy didn’t hide her disdain. “Because she’s not the daughter-in-law I would’ve chosen. But I can’t break you two up. As your mother, I respect your choices and want you to have the happiness you seek.” With that, she walked upstairs.

Jennifer was at a loss for words. “Vance, don’t take it personally. Mom’s been busy. The company has been having some issues. You came back at a tough time, and with Jason’s problems and Dad in the hospital, Mom is just feeling down. Of course, she’s not keen on a wedding right now.”

Vance looked at the worried Khloe, feeling his heart ache. “But Jennifer, I don’t want to be apart from Khloe.”

Jennifer smiled, trying to reassure him. “It’s not that hard. You two can still have your wedding. Even if Mom doesn’t show up, that doesn’t stop you guys from tying the knot. Just get married. Once you have kids, Mom will let you back in for the little ones’ sake.”

What Jennifer said made sense, but it left Vance feeling uneasy. He stood up and faced Khloe. “Khloe, wait here for a bit. I need to say goodbye to Mom.”

Khloe nodded while smiling and gently said, “Okay. Just talk to her calmly. Don’t argue. I’ll do my best to win her over.” Vance smiled warmly and turned to head upstairs.

Jennifer gave Khloe a reassuring look. “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, your wedding will go off without a hitch. I’ll even invite Tiana. Don’t you want to see her go crazy with jealousy? Just give her an invitation when the time comes. Let her experience what it’s like to watch someone new take away the childhood friend she’s always fond of.”

Khloe nodded happily. “You’re right. Thank you, Jennifer. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have been so happy.”

Jennifer smiled slyly. She also had to thank Khloe for holding onto Vance.