After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 380

When Deborah found out, she was overwhelmed with jealousy. She complained to Jackson, saying he was crazy for giving away so much when he could have kept half from his ex-wife’s inheritance. But Jackson just shrugged her off. “That was his mother’s money. Of course it should go to him,” he said. “Don’t worry about the rest. Our family’s fortune will be split evenly between the boys. I’ll make sure Kevin gets his share. Just have him focus on his studies. In a few years, when he’s older, I’ll bring him into the company during his school breaks. I’ll train him myself.”

He lowered his voice, looking serious. “Deborah, honestly, I have high hopes for Kevin. I want him to outshine Jordan. If he’s good enough, The Lane Group will be his someday.”

Jackson had realized that Jordan just didn’t have what it takes to lead the company. His eldest son had always disappointed him, so he’d turned his attention to his youngest. When Jordan was a kid, Jackson was too busy working to really be involved. He only knew that Jordan did well in school and assumed that meant he’d turn out great. But once Jordan joined the company, his flaws became obvious—he was too jealous, too quick to judge, and couldn’t stand to see others succeed. Sure, he had a sharp mind, otherwise The Lane Group wouldn’t have been able to keep working with The Adams Group for so long. But Jackson knew the real reason for that partnership. He’d made sure Jordan and Ethan were friends since they were little. Even more important, Ethan secretly loved Natalie. To keep Natalie happy, Ethan would never let The Lane Group fall apart. That, plus the long history between the Lane and Adams families, was what really kept their alliance going.

“If you care so much about Kevin’s future, you should divorce that old hag and marry me,” Deborah said, her eyes fixed on him. “Let Kevin live out in the open. He shouldn’t have to grow up being called a bastard.”

Jackson didn’t say anything for a moment.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to give Deborah a place by his side. His heart was already with her and Kevin. He just worried about Kevin’s safety. As long as he stayed married to Cynthia, Jordan would focus his anger on her instead, making Cynthia an unintentional shield for Deborah.

“Don’t worry. I won’t cry,” Deborah promised. “The only time I’ll cry is if you don’t divorce her. I’ve put up with so much. Did you see how Jordan talked to me earlier? He only calls me names because I’m just your mistress. I was barely twenty when I gave you a son. We really love each other. How is that so shameful? It’s not like I was the only one who wanted this.”