The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 12

Because thanks to Diana's coddling, Jeremy, their biological son, had grown into a textbook spoiled playboy.

Frustrated, Diana had spent a fortune to send Jeremy abroad to study business management, hoping the prodigal son would return transformed and ready to take over the family business.

Jocelyn was aware of Diana's fears, so she never let on how intelligent she really was.

No matter how well she did in school, how many awards and scholarships she won, or even the success of her first startup, she never mentioned it to anyone in the Evans family.

Only by appearing mediocre could she put Diana at ease.

And only then could her own life be a little easier.

Hearing the click of high heels, Marcus quickly hung up the phone.

Diana pushed the door open, her tone sharp. "No need to hide. I heard you on the phone."

Marcus sounded weary. "Jo is our child too. Can't you be a little kinder to her?"

Diana shot back, "And I'm not kind to her?"

"Have I ever once mistreated her since the day we took her in? She's never wanted for a thing. Every designer label in her closet, every luxury she enjoys—I'm the one who provided all of it."

Marcus sighed. "You bought her those designer clothes because you were afraid she'd look shabby and embarrass our family. And you were afraid people would say you were a cruel adoptive mother."

Diana retorted, "Whatever my reasons, you can't deny that I've treated her well enough."

Marcus said, "But what Jo wants more is your love. What child doesn't want a mother's love?"

Diana scoffed. "She wants everything, doesn't she? You can't be so greedy in life! If I hadn't brought her into our family, who knows where she'd be now, suffering on the streets."

At the mention of this, a shadow fell over Marcus's heart.

"If it weren't for you..."

Diana's eyes flashed, cutting him off. "Marcus! Keep your mouth shut! Some things are meant to be buried with the dead. Do you think this family would even have a seat at the table today if it weren't for what we did back then?"

That night, Jocelyn sold off all her stocks.

After adding the money from her bank accounts and the estimated sale price of her game, she calculated that she was still about one hundred and fifty million short.

It was a rare and beautiful piece, and a gift from her father. Jocelyn was reluctant to sell it.

A call from Sarah interrupted her thoughts.

"I've contacted them, but they said they need to meet with you in person. What do you think?"

Jocelyn didn't hesitate. "No problem."

At this point, she had nothing left to lose.

Sarah said, "Okay, I'll arrange a time and place and send you the details."

Jocelyn replied, "Alright."

Sarah said, "Okay, I'm hanging up. Wait for my message."

About fifteen minutes later, a message from Sarah arrived.

[Tomorrow, 2:30 PM, The Cypress Lounge, 'The Ten Year Dream' suite.]