Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 599

Nishay's cold demeanor didn't bother Penelope. She had met too many people and endured too many things in her life to flinch at something like this.

Besides, a little barb here and there was nothing if Jonathan and Anneliese could be happy.

So, she beamed and said, "I'm glad you don't dislike Jonathan for his flaws."

Besides, she also got something out of this. Nishay had no other objections to Jonathan aside from the fact that Frederick lost his life to save him.

That was one silver lining they could use.

Although Nishay was far from an enthusiastic conversationalist, Penelope wasn't deterred as she continued, "Speaking of Jonathan... You probably think he wanted for nothing growing up. You'd be right about that.

"However, his parents were stuck in an unhappy marriage, and he was raised in that environment. Derek and I ended up raising him. You've seen how my husband is. He's strict, harsh, and prideful to the bone.

"Jonathan never had much of a carefree childhood because of that. Naturally, he became quiet and withdrawn. Back then, I wanted his parents to reconcile, so I suggested they take him on a trip.

"Jonathan was reluctant to go, but I persuaded him to be the mediator between his troublesome parents. Being the good, filial child he was, he agreed. Who knew those two idiots couldn't even look after their own son properly?

"And then the tragedy happened… So, I share some of that responsibility too."

Nishay's eyelids fluttered. She hadn't expected Jonathan to have grown up in such a household.

Unbidden, an image flickered in her mind of the teenage Jonathan she had seen in passing. She remembered how pale he was and how his straight-backed posture only highlighted how thin he was.

He'd been so withdrawn with his head lowered as he stood to the side. She saw no trace of an arrogant scion in him.

She scowled and forced herself not to dwell on it.

However, Penelope noticed the change in her.

So, she gently held her hand and earnestly added, "Nishay, if you must blame someone, then blame me instead. We're already in our twilight years. We can handle the lemons life throws at us."

"Meanwhile, our grandchildren are just starting out. The decision we make will affect their happiness for the next 50 to 60 years. What if we ruin that for them because of our stubbornness?

"We already have so many regrets in life. Don't you think we should try our best not to add on to that pile, especially when it affects our grandchildren?"

Anneliese didn't go to the burn unit. She just asked a nurse for some burn ointment and applied it to her hand before rushing back to Nishay's ward.

When she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Derek leaning on his cane, staring boredly at an emergency-aid poster on the wall.

Anneliese quickly approached him. "What are you doing here, Old Mr. Fullbuster?"

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