Chapter 523

　　"Are you asleep, Cedrick?" 　　Tabitha asked, though clearly upset that her son had kept her waiting outside for so long. 　　Cedrick quickly forced a smile. "Mom, why didn't you call me? I would have picked you up." 　　"Don't give me that. You're too wrapped up in yourself to care about your mother. You suddenly got a girlfriend without telling me, and it's Veronica's daughter, no less. Have you lost your mind?" 　　Tabitha's voice was laced with disapproval. Unaware that Jessica was present, she stormed in and immediately confronted her son. 　　Cedrick's expression stiffened as he glanced toward the bedroom door. 　　Jessica, who had been about to emerge, quickly hid behind the door. 　　"Mom, you must be exhausted from your flight. Let me drive you back," Cedrick said, reaching for his car keys. 　　"Are you going out dressed like that?" 　　Tabitha shot him a disapproving look and plopped down on the sofa. "I'm not done talking. Sit down." 　　"Mom, we can talk tomorrow. It's late," Cedrick tried