Chapter 1722
Chapter 1722
Zavier awkwardly scratched his ear, “Alright, no more jokes. Let’s head inside, shall we?”
Fuming, Skyler had no interest in dealing with him any further, but Zavier reached for her hand, “To ease my mom’s mind, I told her we’ve patched things up. We’ve got to put on a show for her.”
Skyler, not wanting to upset an elder, reluctantly handed over her hand. Together, they walked inside.
Upon their arrival, with Zavier leading Skyler by the hand, Kalene’s face lit up with joy, but Nora spoke first, “Finally decided to show up, did you?”
Zavier replied, “Auntie Nora, what brings you here?”
Nora retorted, “Your mother’s been under the weather, so naturally, I’m here to keep her company. Not like you, after wrapping up your dad’s affairs, you couldn’t spare a thought for her.”
Zavier said, “Well, I’m back now, aren’t I? Skyler and I will take good care of Mom. You won’t have to worry.”e2
Nora challenged him, “Are you trying to shoo me away?”
Zavier, with a cheeky grin, said, “I just don’t want you wearing yourself out at your age. It’s not about sending you away.”
Nora, exasperated, “Look at the son you’ve raised, Kalene! He’s got no sense of right or wrong. The nicer someone is to him, the more awful he gets. And the ones who are hard on him? He treasures them like jewels.”
Her gaze shifted pointedly towards Skyler, “I can’t imagine what kind of witchcraft you’ve used on him.”
Zavier squeezed Skyler’s hand tighter, “This is the francée my grandfather chose for me. I hope you will show her some respect from now on.”
Nora was at a loss for words, fuming but unable to retort.
Zavier showed no mercy, “Butler, please show my aunt out.”
Nora turned to her sister-in-law, “Kalene.”
Kalene rubbed her forehead, “Nora, you’ve been such a help these past few days, and you haven’t had proper rest. Why don’t you head home and relax?”
With a huff, Nora turned and left.
Once she was gone, Kalene motioned for Zavier to come closer. She opened her arms for a hug, “My son.” She could only get two words out before tears began to cascade down her cheeks.
Zavier comforted her, “Mom, please don’t be upset. You still have me. And I believe if Dad and my brother are watching over us, they wouldn’t want to see you ruin your health over their passing.”
Kalene, her voice heavy with grief, “Your father was fine that lunchtime, joking about watching you get married and start a family. Then in the afternoon, just like that, he was gone. Zavier, will you end up leaving me too, like your brother and father?”
Holding Kalene tightly, Zavier promised, “Mom, I won’t. I’ll always be here for you. I’ll fulfill the dreams that Dad and my brother couldn’t.”
These words inadvertently struck a nerve. “Son, focus on your video games and live a peaceful life with Skyler. Let’s leave Rivera Inc. behind. If it’s not meant for us, we won’t fight for it. Let them battle it out.”
Zavier wasn’t one to give up so easily, but to avoid upsetting his emotionally fragile mother, he played along, “I’ll listen to you, Mom. I won’t fight. I’ll focus on my gaming and my life with Skyler. We will take care of you together.”
“That’s right. We won’t fight, and then they won’t target us,” Kalene agreed.
Zavier, concerned about his mother’s wellbeing, suggested, “Mom, I’ll have the butler pack some of your things. Come stay with me for a while.”
Zavier hoped that moving his mother away from the house, brimming with memories of her late husband and son, might help her heal from this profound loss a little sooner.