Shay slouched on the sofa as Sydney directed the housekeeper to whip up a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup.
“Your clothes are soaked. Have some soup to warm up,” Sydney said with a tinge of concern.
“I went over to the family estate,” Shay replied.
Sydney’s voice dropped to a scolding whisper, “Why would you go there? Don’t you know that old bastard never cared for us?”
“Mom, you can’t be so bitter. Grandpa is still our family. The first thing I did after coming back home was to pay him a visit. It doesn’t matter if he saw me or not. What matters is that I’ve done the right thing,” Shay retorted, clearly annoyed.
Sydney, noting her daughter's irritation, softened her tone, “Alright, alright, I know you're the good-hearted one. It’s just that they never welcomed us. Look at your dad. He was ousted from his position and barred from the company. His shares were seized.”
Shay wasn’t in the mood for Sydney’s complaints and looked around, “Where’s dad?”
“He’s turned into a barfly. If he’s not drinking, he’s on his way to get a drink. At this rate, he’ll drink himself into an early grave!”
“Mom, you need to talk some sense into him. I’ll go have a word with Oliver. After all, we are family. He can’t just stand by and watch dad fall apart.”
“You always think of everyone, darling. But Oliver might not listen. I heard he’s got a new girlfriend. He spoils her rotten and spends all his time courting the Harrisons, practically wearing a path to their door!”
“Enough, Mom,” Shay said, her head spinning from the family drama.
Sydney fell silent, shifting the conversation to less contentious matters.
…
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