After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 203

“If this deal doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t. There’ll be another chance when the right project comes along,” Jackson said, moving on faster than Jordan expected.

In the past, Jordan had pretty much gotten something for nothing. Ethan might let it slide once or twice out of friendship, but no one wants to be taken advantage of forever. If the tables were turned, they wouldn’t have put up with it even once.

Ethan had already shown them a lot of respect, mostly because of their history together.

“Dad, I’ve tried everything, but I just can’t measure up to Ethan. He’s worth billions on his own. Our entire Lane Group isn’t even close,” Jordan said, frustration heavy in his voice. And that wasn’t even counting the Adams family fortune. If they ever split up the inheritance, Ethan would walk away with even more. He’d be worth hundreds of billions all by himself.

Ethan managed the huge Adams Group and still had the energy to run his own companies on the side. Meanwhile, Jordan was barely keeping his head above water just running the Lane Group.

Jackson tried to reassure him. “Jordan, don’t compare yourself to Ethan. The Adams Group has had generations to build up what they have. Ethan’s talented in every way, even if he is a little too soft-hearted sometimes.”

Ethan’s loyalty was a double-edged sword. It was a good quality, but sometimes it held him back. Jackson knew Jordan had been taking advantage of Ethan, but Ethan let it go because of their friendship and because of Natalie.

“Comparing yourself to someone else will drive you crazy. In my eyes, you’re already excellent. To other people, you’re the guy they envy and talk about.”

Jordan was quiet for a long time before he finally said, “Dad, I just can’t let it go. My whole life, I’ve come in second to Ethan.”

“Stop always thinking the worst of her. She’s done a lot for this family. She’s sacrificed more than you realize.”

If she hadn’t had Isabella before marrying him, she might never have been a mom at all. It was a huge sacrifice.

Jordan snorted. “She’s just good at playing the long game, making sure Isabella had a good future. She got what she wanted. Dad, you bought her a house, shops, so much jewelry. She’s set for life now.”

Jackson couldn’t hold back. “Jordan, Cynthia and I are legally married. She’s my wife. She’s done a lot for this family, especially taking care of you. Even if she doesn’t get credit for it, she’s earned respect for everything she’s done. And you’re jealous over a few houses and shops? The Lane Group will be yours someday. Why are you so hung up on what Cynthia has?”