Chapter 23

Jeffery's patience finally snapped when he saw I still wasn't giving in. "Haven't you had enough?" he asked, exasperated. "I bought you what you wanted most. Can't you just take the win and move on? Douglas and Daphne are waiting for you." I looked at Jeffery, his brow deeply furrowed, and finally asked the question I'd held back for decades. "Jeffery, in all these years, have you ever truly loved me? Even for a moment?" It was a simple question, yet it silenced him. He flinched when he looked at me, guilt flickering in his eyes. I let out a hollow laugh and pointed at the roses. "You don't, do you? No wonder you never remembered. I'm allergic to roses. My favorite flowers are lisianthus. "Jeffery, let's go our separate ways. You love Jessica, and I've already stepped aside for you two. So, stop hounding me." Jeffery pursed his lips. "But the kids… They all need you." I kept my tone even. "That's your responsibility now. I'm not part of the Ford family anymore." With that, I w