No Way Back (Jane and Hugh) by Anna Mac novel Chapter 427

Chapter 427
The friendship between our families? If you truly cared about our friendship, Raymond, you would not have said such ***things today!” Anna Fowler rebuked.
“In our family, our children’s relationships are never bargaining chips for business benefits. They can choose whom they like and want to marry. We will never treat our children’s marriages as stepping stones for business purposes!”
Anna continued, “You know how Layne and Maddie feel about each other. The two were childhood sweethearts who grew up together and had a deep and loving relationship. How could you even mention the engagement with Jane? You’ve never respected us! You’ve never respected Layne! And surely you’ve never respected Maddie! For your information, I have refrained from using harsher words for Diane’s sake.”
Then she turned to her husband and said, “Jack, let’s go!”
“Okay!”
Jack Fowler was so angry he could not stay for another second.
He pushed Anna in her wheelchair and left.
Raymond Croft stood still, clenching his fists tightly and looking gloomy.
Layne glanced at his father, then looked at Jack and Anna leaving.
He opened his ********as if he wanted to say something.
However, he could not utter a word.
”
Layne tried to tell his father that he did not like Madelyn Fowler that much anymore. He was not as adamant about her as before.
At this point, Layne had more feelings for Jane than for Madelyn.
He also realized that he was worlds apart from Jane.
She could not possibly take a liking to him.
Layne’s pride was shattered at the thought of that.
He realized the two women he had fallen in love with in his life would end up the same way.
He was unable to hold onto either of them.
“Jack Fowler! Anna Fowler!”
Raymond slammed the table and stood up, glaring at their backs and shouting.
“When did you become so pompous? How ********of you to keep saying it’s for the good of your children? It’s total *********!
“You’re responsible for forcing Jane to leave and cut ties with the family! How dare you lecture me now!”
Jack and Anna stopped in their tracks when they heard what Jack said.
Their fingertips trembled with anger.
Layne wanted to stop his father, but it was too late. He could only persuade him. “Dad, stop talking! Uncle Jack and Aunt Jane are already uncomfortable with the situation!”
Did Raymond want the relationship between the families to break down completely?
“It’s because we’ve done too many wrong things in the past. We vow not to make any more mistakes this time around!” Jack said firmly.
“Raymond, I don’t care what you think or whether things will change along the way, but we will never betray Jane again!” Jack then left confidently with Anna and did not look back again.
Raymond gradually regained his composure and regretted what he had done.
He had expected Jack and Anna to reject Layne and Jane’s engagement proposal.
However, Raymond did not want to break up with the Fowler family altogether.
He did not want to cross the line for the future’s sake. They would bound to meet again at some point.
The Fowler family was behind Fowler Corporation, after all.
Raymond could not bear the consequences of falling out with the Fowler family. There was too much stake involved.
However, Raymond could not take back his harsh words and had to bear with the outcome. He could only wait for Jack and Anna to calm down before apologizing in person.
“Layne, go after Uncle Jack and Aunt Anna. Tell them I’m sorry.”
“Okay, Dad.”
Layne realized the severity of the matter. He chased after Jack and Anna without further ado.
Meanwhile, on the other end.
Jack ordered a cab online.
“Thank you, Jack. I’m glad to have you by my side now,” Anna said gratefully.
“Don’t be ********, Anna. We’ve been married for many years and weathered all the ups and downs together. Why are you thanking me now, huh? I’ll be annoyed if you don’t stop, okay?” Jack said with a smile.
Anna held Jack’s hand behind her that was pushing the wheelchair. She bit her lip and said, “Raymond was right, Jack. I don’t blame him for reprimanding us because I have done many ********things to force Jane away. But your words saved my day, and I am thankful.”
Anna realized she could not undo her wrongs. No one could go back in time to change things around..
If she had given up and did not take the initiative to correct herself, that would be the end of her.
She would become the very person whom she despised the most!
Anna was glad that she and Jack firmly stated that they would not make the same mistake this time around.
They would not do anything to hurt Jane again!
“Yes, darling. I am the one who should bear the greatest responsibility for Jane’s departure. I have not been a good father to her and ignored her when she needed my care and love the most. I have always given her the cold shoulder and misunderstood her repeatedly!”
“Now that I think about it, I wonder if I was crazy back then. I can’t believe I’ve done such an *********thing to my flesh and blood! Jane is our daughter. She has disappeared for 19 years. I almost gave up looking for her at some point, yet I didn’t cherish her when I finally found her. It was too late for regrets after losing her!”
“I no longer have the right to ask for Jane’s forgiveness. I don’t even have the right to be her father. However, it’s time we come to our senses, Anna. We must come to terms that we have lost our daughter and not harbor any more hope. It will only cause more pain. Okay?”
Jack’s heartfelt and regretful words brought tears to Anna’s eyes. Her heart felt like it was about to be crushed by a pair of invisible hands. It was painful and uncomfortable.
“I will try my best to accept the fact, Jack.”
Anna felt responsible for Aaron’s condition because she lost control.
She had also pushed her relationship with Jane to the brink of collapse because of the argument.
She even caused injury to Madelyn because of Jane.
It was time to let it go, Anna said to herself. She had to let go no matter how guilty and unwilling she was. She and Jane were in different places now and could no longer take charge of her.
In fact, Anna felt she was not qualified to be Jane’s mother!
“Uncle Jack, Aunt Anna!”
Layne finally caught up with them.
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry about my father’s harsh words. He was agitated. Please forgive him,” Layne pleaded. Jack sighed softly. “I know that this has nothing to do with you, Layne. I also know that you and Maddie were childhood sweethearts and have a deep relationship. There’s no way we could accept Raymond’s suggestion. Your father is blinded by the would-be benefits to suggest such a ***move in the first place. Tell him our families can’t be friends anymore if he insists on his ***idea:”
“Uncle Jack, I…”
Layne opened his ********and finally made up his mind. “Maddie and I are like siblings. It’s not like what you think.”
“What did you say?”