Chapter 76:
“Dad?” I looked up and let out a bitter laugh. Then, I stared at him and asked, “Where were you when my sister and I couldn’t afford tuition? Where were you when we didn’t have enough food or clothing? Where were you when we were bullied? Do you think the word ‘Dad’ means nothing? Betty and I had no father 15 years ago, so please, don’t ever say that you’re my father in front of me again. It’s just ridiculous… it’s honestly laughable!”
For the first time in so many years, Ryan didn’t argue. Instead, he wiped the sweat off his forehead, looking defeated.
At that moment, my mother actually pushed me away.
“Bella, what are you talking about?”
She then smiled at Ryan and said, “Ryan, this child is just immature. Don’t be angry. It’s getting late; why don’t you head back first?”
Seeing her act like this made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I didn’t want to argue any further, so I turned and started walking away.
After a while, I felt Herbert catch up to me. I got into his Bentley with my mother. Connor was driving in the front, and Herbert was sitting in the passenger seat. My mother and I were in the back.
After driving for a while, my mother suddenly smiled and asked Herbert, “Herbert, this car is so luxurious. It must belong to your boss. Will we be making a mistake driving in your boss’s car? Maybe we should call a taxi to go back? It could affect your work.”
I looked up and saw the confused look on Herbert’s face. I didn’t know how to explain it to my mother, and I remained silent for a moment. Just then, Connor turned around and smiled at my mother.
“Madam, this is the boss’s car, and it belongs to him. You and Mrs. Wharton can sit in it as you please.”
These two sentences stunned my mother. She frowned and looked at me, clearly confused. Then she quickly said, “Mom, what Connor just said is true. This car is his.”
It seemed like Susan didn’t fully understand what I meant, so she said, “Bella, didn’t you tell me that Herbert is just an ordinary employee? His family is from the countryside, and his conditions are very poor. He couldn’t even afford a house. So why has he suddenly become a boss, owning such an expensive car? What’s going on? Why did you lie to me?”
I was at a loss for words. I felt guilty for lying to her earlier. Now, it seemed wrong to say anything in my defense.
Just as I was stuck in this dilemma, Herbert laughed and said, “Mom, don’t blame Bella. It’s my fault. I was afraid that you wouldn’t accept my identity right away. I thought you might think I wasn’t serious about Bella, and you’d disapprove of our marriage. So if you want to blame anyone, blame me.”
When my mother heard this, her tone softened.
“I know you’re just trying to help her. I understand my daughter. She must have lied to me. Whether you have money or not, you’ve treated Bella so well, and of course, I’ll agree. As long as you treat her well in the future, I’ll be at ease. This child has suffered so much with me since she was young…”
As she spoke, my mother suddenly burst into tears. I quickly handed her a tissue.
“Mom, what’s wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden?”
“I’m happy. I’m really happy,” my mother said as she wiped her tears with a tissue.
