When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 212

Rudy wanted to hit Jonah, but he knew it would be pointless. Jonah was stronger, and Rudy didn’t have a single friend on his side. All he could do was jab his finger at Jonah’s forehead, his anger barely contained.

“Fine. Let’s see what happens next.”

With that, Rudy stormed off, not even bothering to wait for Nancy.

Nancy glanced at Jonah, ready to leave too, but he spoke up. “Rudy’s just using you. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”

She stopped, her back still to him.

“Using me? In the Watson family, everyone uses each other. You and Nelly are no different, are you?”

Jonah didn’t argue. “Still, you’ve already made your choice.”

Nancy let out a dry laugh. “Jonah, what’s it to you? My life isn’t your business.”

“I’m just reminding you, you and Nelly have an agreement. She’s a better bet for you than Rudy.”

It was the first time in years Jonah actually spoke to her like this, his voice low and serious, steady and certain.

“And why do you think Nelly is better than Rudy? Is it because you like her?”

Nancy spun around, her eyes sharp and locked on him.

Jonah’s gaze was dark and unreadable, calm as midnight. “I’m just trying to help. Whether you listen or not is up to you.”

“Help?” Nancy let out a cold laugh. “You lost the right to help me the day you betrayed me.”

Jonah’s lips curled into a faint, unreadable smile.

Nancy lingered, waiting for him to explain, to say something, anything. He stayed silent, walking quietly past her.

Nancy stood frozen, her chest tight with hurt.

He had even given that bracelet to Nelly. What was she still hoping for?

After Jonah left, Nancy barely said a word on the drive back with Rudy. Her mind was miles away.

Rudy hated seeing her like this. Jonah was beneath him in every way. He’d even broke Nancy’s heart before, yet she still couldn’t let him go.

When they reached her place, Rudy didn’t leave. He wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Nancy tried to break free, but Rudy kissed her, desperate and rough.

For years, Rudy had mostly kept his distance, except for one time after a huge fight.

Nancy was startled. She hadn’t even provoked him today. She’d gone with him to see Michael, hadn’t she?

With Nelly’s company about to collapse, Nancy just wanted to avoid getting dragged into the mess between Britney, Nicholas, and Felix. For now, sticking with Rudy was her safest option.

Of course, she had her own reasons. Rudy promised that if she stayed with him, he’d help her earn a real place in the Watson family.

But nobody really understood what Michael was planning for the family’s future.

There was no perfect heir from the main branch. The company was huge now, not just held up by the main branch, but Michael would never let the inheritance slip away.

Christopher’s fortune included most of the company’s shares. If Nelly got them, the main branch’s position would be secure.

But the truth was, not even Michael believed an untested, secret daughter could handle that responsibility.

So, this was everyone’s chance.

Rudy was both excited and angry. He’d courted Nancy for years, tried to control her, thought he knew her.

But in the end, he realized he’d never really understood her at all.

Nancy should have been corrupted by this greedy, ruthless family. She should have ended up just like him.

But somehow, she still held on to her stubborn, pure feelings.

Nancy fought him off for a long time before she finally managed to catch her breath. Without thinking, she slapped Rudy across the face. Twice.

Rudy staggered back, touched his lip, then tried to kiss her again. This time, Nancy was ready. She drove her knee right into his groin.

He hadn’t learned his lesson before, but now, the pain was enough to bring tears to his eyes.

Nancy stood on tiptoe, grabbed a handful of his hair, and hissed, “Rudy, is this what you want from me?”