Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Beatrice and Old Mr. Sylvester had two children–a son and a daughter
Gordon was called “the ninth” not because he was the ninth child of the elder Sylvesters, but because, among all the Sylvester cousins in the sprawling family, he ranked ninth in age.
When Beatrice gave birth to their daughter, complications left her with lasting health issues. Doctors told her she would never be able to have another child. But fate had other plans. At forty–five, she became pregnant again, against all odds.
A late–in–life baby brought the couple immeasurable joy. They cherished their son as if he were a rare gem. Gordon never let them down: though he was born with every privilege, he didn’t become the spoiled playboy everyone expected. He was brilliant, driven, and possessed an extraordinary talent for business.
Beatrice’s only worry? Her remarkable son had no interest in marriage.
It was true: she was the matriarch of the Sylvester family. But she was also just a mother. Like any other, she hoped her son would settle down, start a family, and give her the simple happiness of becoming a grandmother.
Now, she pressed, “Even if you refuse to get married, can’t you at least try dating? Just give it a shot p>
“I’m not interested in dating,” Gordon replied coolly. “And if I’ve sworn off marriage, why should I go stringing some poor girl along p>
Beatrice felt her chest tighten with frustration. “Then what are you interested in, exactly p>
Gordon’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Making money p>
She scowled. “Fine! Then why don’t you just marry your money and see how that turns out p>
He nodded, utterly unbothered. “That’s the plan p>
Beatrice gritted her teeth, half tempted to grab her unflappable son and give him a good shake. But Gordon just sat there, as calm as ever, offering her an apple. “Here, have some fruit p>
“Keep your applet” she snapped, swatting it out of his hand.
Gordon bent to retrieve it from the floor. “Mom, this apple cost ten bucks. If you’re mad, take it out on me, not on the money.7
“Money, money, money! That’s all you ever think about! You can’t even bear to throw out a lousy apple. Other people save money because they have children to inherit it–what about you? When you’re gone, who’s even going to visit your grave? What good is all that cold, hard
Gordon’s voice was as even as ever. “That cold, hard cash will put me at the very top of the Forbes list”
“So what if you’re number one! What’s there to brag about? A man without a wife or children is the real loser”
“There are plenty of people in this world who envy the top spot on Forbes, Mom. No one envies some average guy just because he has a wife and kids. You and Dad have both–a son and a daughter–but did either of you make the Forbes list?
Beatrice shot him a look. Alright, alright, you win! You’re number one, you’re so amazing you could fly a plane underwater
Skyler, who had been listening nearby, burst out laughing at Beatrice’s quick wit.
Beatrice really was a force to be reckoned with
She turned to Gordon, eyes narrowed in mock warning. “But remember, life has a way of teaching everyone a lesson. Sooner or later, you’ll fall for someone you can’t have. The proud get humbled, the stubbom get burned. Just wait-your road to love will be a bumpy one, mark my words.“E
Fall for someone he can’t have? Chase after a woman? Gordon gave a wry smile. “Mom, why don’t you look out the window p>
Beatrice blinked, confused, and turned her head p>
Outside, the sun was shining and a gentle breeze stirred the trees. Nothing out of the ordinary. Newest update provided by.net
“What about the window p>
Gordon’s lips twitched. “It’s broad daylight, Mom. Why are you dreaming already p>