The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 77

Just as Jocelyn put her luggage in the car, Marcus's car pulled up.

Seeing his daughter, Marcus quickly got out.

"Jo! Why are you back?"

Jocelyn could hear the genuine happiness in his question, a stark contrast to Diana's coldness earlier.

Jocelyn gave the same answer. "I was just passing by and thought I'd stop in."

Marcus took her hand. "Then why are you leaving so soon? Come on, come inside with Dad. We need to have a proper chat."

Perhaps because the company's biggest problem had been solved, Marcus was in a very good mood. Seeing his daughter unexpectedly made him even happier.

"I'll make you a few of your favorite dishes tonight," Marcus said with a smile. "You love Dad's Shrimp Scampi, don't you? I'll make you a huge plate tonight, enough to eat your fill!"

Marcus didn't mention Jeremy, only her favorite food. This brought a little warmth back to Jocelyn's frozen heart.

"Dad," Jocelyn straightened Marcus's collar. "It's getting cold. You need to dress warmly and not catch a chill, okay?"

Marcus sensed something was wrong. "Jo, did your mother say something unpleasant again?"

Jocelyn didn't want to make things difficult for him, so she shook her head. "No."

Marcus pressed, "Then why do you look so unhappy?"

Jocelyn replied, "I'm not unhappy."

Marcus said, "Come on, come home with Dad."

Jocelyn stopped him, forcing a smile. "Dad, I have to catch a flight."

Marcus was taken aback. "Where are you going so late?"

Jocelyn said, "I want to get away for a couple of days. My flight is tonight."

Marcus asked, "Alone?"

Jocelyn confirmed, "Yes."

Jocelyn took a deep breath. "I don't want a penny of the Evans family's fortune. You can leave it all to Jeremy. That way, you won't have to fight with Mom about it anymore."

As the car pulled away, Marcus felt a raw, physical wrenching in his chest, as if a piece of himself were being dragged off with it. A dull, leaden ache settled into the void, heavy and unyielding.

When he got home, Jeremy called out to him, but he didn't seem to hear.

Diana grabbed Marcus's arm. "Our son is talking to you. Didn't you hear him?"

Marcus shook her off, his gaze icy. "Can you just leave me alone for a minute?"

Diana was startled by the cold, terrifying look in his eyes and instinctively let go.

Once Marcus was gone, she muttered through gritted teeth, "That damn girl. Every time she comes back, she disrupts our family. Why does she even bother coming back!"

On the road, Liam Bancroft called.

Jocelyn composed herself before answering.

"Where are you? Everyone's here. We're just waiting for you!"