The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 456

Deanna deeply regrets how naïve and lenient she has been. Her children have grown so accustomed to this toxic dynamic that her own son is now turning the blame back on her. It is an utterly suffocating situation.

"We are not going to talk about the past," Deanna snaps, her voice trembling with frustration. "But from this moment on, you are not allowed to be so physically close to her. No more inappropriate touching or clinging. Do you hear me?" She hopes that by drawing a hard line now, she can still salvage the family's reputation.

Jake scoffs, a bitter sound that holds no warmth. "Oh, so you finally realize you share some of the blame, and suddenly the past is off-limits? Then why were you screaming at us a minute ago about dragging your name through the mud? You have it easy, yelling at us. Why don't you wait until Jade gets back and scream at the person who actually started all this?"

He is practically seething. The suffocating anger that has been building in his chest for days finally finds a release. For the longest time, Jake blamed Tara. He genuinely believed his biological sister was the one maliciously driving a wedge between him and Lucinda, plotting to ruin his engagement. But now, the truth hits him like a physical blow. If he hadn't coddled Jade so blindly, he would never have been manipulated so easily. He had acted like a complete fool, letting that scheming woman lead him by the nose. He defended Jade unconditionally, like a man possessed, and in the process, he made an enemy of his own flesh and blood.

As his fiancée, Lucinda had naturally picked up on the disturbing dynamic much faster than he had. She had fought with him over it multiple times, but he had brushed her off, accusing her of being petty and jealous of his sister. The memory of his own arrogance is almost unbearable now. He wants to punch the wall. So, when his mother tries to lecture him about the very mess she helped cultivate, he explodes.

Standing nearby, Alec stares at his older brother in shock. It is the first time he has ever seen Jake tear into their mother with such ruthless precision. It is like looking at a stranger.

Deanna is equally stunned. Jake has always been the most opinionated, calculating, and strategic of her three sons, but he has never raised his voice at her. Being publicly dressed down by him leaves her feeling entirely humiliated. "When Jade gets home, I will have a very strict talk with her," Deanna insists defensively. "But as her older brothers, you need to set the boundaries first!"

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