Chapter 612

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Jonathan had just stepped off the plane when he got a message from Sanford . Liora wanted to come clean about everything that had happened back then . She wanted to tell the whole story , right in front of Jonathan and Irene .
Jonathan relaxed a bit . That was exactly why he came to Shaville – to find out what really happened . He also wondered why Irene hated Liora so much but still seemed powerless , like Liora held some kind of control over her .
Irene rushed over just as Jonathan arrived at the hospital . She tried to pull him away , but he let go of her hand . “ Since we’re already here , let’s hear what she has to say . ”
Irene snapped back , “ That woman’s crazy . She even said Werner’s kid was your dad’s ! She’ll say anything .”
Jonathan stared at her and said , “ So I’m the fool ? I’m going to believe whatever she says ? ”
“ I’m saying don’t waste your time arguing with her . Now that we know Sanford’s not your dad’s , I’m done with this . Let’s go ! ”
Jonathan pressed the elevator button and said , “ I need to see her today . ”
Irene realized she couldn’t stop him and reluctantly followed , worry written all over her face . When they got to Liora’s hospital room , Irene tried to rush in first , pushing past Jonathan , but the room was empty .
The bed was neat , but Liora was gone . Irene panicked . “ Where is she ? ”
“ You’re all here ? ” A familiar voice came from behind .
Irene turned and saw Sanford supporting a weak – looking Liora . She wore her usual pink clothes , which made her look even paler . Her shiny , clean shoes reminded Irene of the first time they met .
Irene hurried over and demanded , “ What are you doing dressed like that ? What kind of stunt is this ? ”
Liora coughed weakly and said , “ You don’t understand . The doctors say I’m critical and won’t keep me here any longer . I don’t want to spend my last days stuck in a hospital room .
“ Sanford’s taking me home . I want to see the flowers and grass along the road . I want to see the world one last time . ”
Irene thought for a moment . “ Fine , but why did you call Jonathan and me here ? We don’t have time for this . Jonathan’s busy . We have to get back to Nareigh . ”
“ That’s good . I want to go back to Nareigh , too , ” Liora said .
Irene was shocked . “ What ? ”
Liora spoke slowly and clearly , “ I haven’t been back in decades . It’s my hometown . I want to see it one more time . ”
Irene gave Liora a cold look . Sanford spoke up for his mom . “ I talked with her . She wants to go back to Nareigh and tell me everything about you two . I think you and Mr. Lynn would want to hear it . Let’s meet there . ”
Sanford helped Liora past Irene and then walked over to Jonathan . He looked at Jonathan . His expression was different , no more anger or impatience . It was calm .
Not long ago , the two of them sat together by Starlace River , drinking beer . Sanford turned and gave Jonathan a faint , thoughtful sm
Then he said , “ Mr. Lynn , sorry to bother you , but can you help us book a private plane ? My mom’s health isn’t good enough for commercial flights . I’ll send you the money for the ticket . ”
“ No need , ” Jonathan said . “ I’ll book a flight tonight . It’s better to settle this as soon as possible . ”
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“ Okay , ” Sanford agreed . “ If needed , you can bring a trusted lawyer . That’s what my mom wants , too . She said some things might involve other p
Suddenly , Irene stepped forward and grabbed Jonathan’s arm . “ Jonathan , don’t get involved . Let them handle it , just mother and son . After all , her you uncle’s kid , not your dad’s ! ”
“ Don’t worry , ” Liora said weakly . “ I won’t say anything else . I’ll only talk about what happened back then . I won’t harm you .”
Irene didn’t believe her . “ Mom , let’s go , ” Sanford said , already supporting Liora as they prepared to leave .
“ Wait ! ” Irene tried to follow , but Jonathan stopped her .
“ We need to pack and head back to Nareigh . You should pack your stuff at the hotel too , ” he said .
“ Jonathan , ” Irene looked at him again , “ You have to believe me . No matter what Liora says , I didn’t do it on purpose . Your dad’s death ”
She choked and stopped talking . Jonathan’s tone sharpened . “ What about his death ? ”
“ Nothing , ” Irene swallowed hard , eyes full of pain and sorrow . “ Your dad’s death has nothing to do with me . ”
“ What do you mean ? You’re saying my dad’s death is connected to you ? Did you do something ? Did Liora catch you ? Is that why you’ve been avoiding her all these years ? ” Jonathan asked .
Irene stayed silent . Jonathan narrowed his eyes and got serious . “ Tell me now what happened back then . Don’t let Liora tell it first . ”
“ Jonathan , I honestly don’t know how to say it , ” said Jonathan .
“ I’ll give you one day . Think carefully if you want to tell me the truth . If not , and Ljora tells it first , you’ll face the consequences .”
Jonathan turned and left . Irene saw the disappointment in his eyes . It was like he blamed her for hiding things . He looked at her as a mother who had done something shameful . Irene collapsed against the wall , pale and weak .
“ Mom , we’re here , ” Sanford said . It was early morning . In Nareigh , Liora looked at the landmark buildings at Central Plaza . The tall skyscrapers were so different from when she left .
She sat in the car , reluctant to take her eyes off the view . She said to Sanford , “ Nareigh really has grown . Here … ”
Liora paused when she saw the towering Horizonlead Group building . She quietly watched the business empire . The car drove five more minutes before turning onto another road . Then she looked away .
“ That’s Jonathan’s company , ” Sanford said . “ It’s listed overseas , but he returned to Nareigh three years ago .”
“ No wonder he’s Yorick’s son . He’s really capable . With his dad’s genes , he can’t be bad ,” Liora said .
Sanford fell silent . Liora hurried to add , “ I’m not just remembering Yorick , don’t get me wrong . ”
“ It’s okay . I know , ” Sanford said calmly . Then Sanford said plainly , “ I admit , Jonathan is a very impressive man . ”
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