The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 10

"Dad!" Jocelyn called out, deliberately interrupting the argument.

Marcus's expression softened. "Jo? What are you doing home?"

It seemed Diana had summoned her without telling him.

"I just felt like coming to see you."

Marcus said, "Come here, let me see if you've lost any weight."

Jocelyn walked over and twirled in front of him. "No, I think I've gained some."

Marcus replied, "Nonsense. You've clearly gotten thinner."

Jocelyn changed the subject. "Dad, what were you and Mom talking about just now?"

Marcus shot a reproachful look at Diana.

"Nothing."

Diana spoke bluntly. "Your father is too embarrassed to say it, so I'll be the bad guy!"

Marcus exclaimed, "Diana!"

Diana continued, "You know the company is in a lot of debt right now. We've sold off a few hotels and office buildings, but there's still a shortfall."

"So, I want you to ask your husband if he can lend us some money to help us get through this crisis."

Jocelyn looked at Marcus, whose hair had turned mostly white, with a pang of sympathy.

"You never should have let her talk you into those leveraged buyout agreements in the first place."

One bad bet can ruin a lifetime. And they had made two.

The Evans family had built their fortune on Diana's dowry.

And now, thanks to her influence, they were on the brink of collapse.

Truly, what she gave, she also took away.

Diana replied, "Name it."

Jocelyn said, "If I can get this loan, I'll need a formal loan agreement. The repayment terms will be up to me. But the money needs to be transferred to my account."

Diana didn't understand. "What if you demand repayment too soon? We can't pay back that much all at once."

Jocelyn replied, "I won't. I'll set up a repayment plan that you can manage."

Diana was skeptical. "Is there really such a good deal? Can you guarantee you'll get the money?"

Jocelyn said, "Whether I can or not is my business. I'll handle it."

After leaving the estate, Jocelyn called Sarah.

"I want to sell off all the stock I'm holding. And also, you know that big-shot developer who's been trying to buy that pixel art game I made?"

Jocelyn had always refused to sell before.

"Now, I'm ready to sell."