Chasing the Unexpected

Chapter 734

Margaret’s tone was matter–of–fact, as if Ruby were an object to be discarded at will. She didn’t even consider whether Ruby would agree.

As far as she was concerned, as long as Hansel could be saved, Ruby’s life was expendable. After all, Hansel was the lifeline of the Jenners. If they lost their son, she and her husband wouldn’t be able to go

1. on.

Ruby let out a short, bitter laugh, which soon escalated into a loud, almost hysterical one.

“What are you laughing at? Are you crazy?” Margaret’s voice was sharp, filled with anger.

When Ruby finally stopped laughing, she spoke in a low, steady voice. “Do you know why I took your call?”

“Why?” Margaret asked.

“Because wanted to see just how disgusting the things you’d say could be. You didn’t disappoint me,” Ruby replied.

Her voice, rough and hoarse from laughing so hard, was unsettlingly calm. It gave Margaret a sinking feeling.

“Ruby, what are you planning to do?” Margaret asked, unease creeping into her tone.

Ruby smiled and said slowly, “Mom, this will be the last time I call you that. Over the years, the money I’ve given you, plus the 30,000 dollars you tricked out of me this time for Hansel–we’ll count that as the debt I owed you. From now on, we’re done. Whether you live or die has nothing to d ‘h me.”

The more Margaret listened, the more uneasy she felt. She had tricked money out of Ruby before, and although Ruby had gotten angry, she had never mentioned going no contact.

Nervous and furious, Margaret’s voice came out strained. “Ruby, are you crazy? I’m your mother! I gave birth to you. Your life belongs to me. How dare you talk about cutting ties? I don’t agree!”

“Whether you agree or not doesn’t matter to me,” Ruby replied coolly. “If I remember correctly, you’re only 45 this year. Once you reach the legal age for assisted living, I’ll send the required amount each month. Until then, I won’t be involved with you.”

With that, Ruby hung up. She removed the SIM card, broke it, and threw it in the trash, severing any chance for Margaret to contact her again.

Saying those words made her realize Margaret had never truly seen her as a daughter but as a pawn–a disposable tool for Hansel’s sake.

Since Margaret cared so much for her precious son, she could figure out how to repay his gambling debts on her own.

Afterward, Ruby felt a sense of relief and freedom. She was no longer shackled by family obligations. She should feel happy.

But for some reason, tears kept flowing from her eyes, no matter how much she tried to wipe them away. From now on, she really was alone.

Suddenly, a tissue appeared in front of her.

Startled, she looked up and saw Sullivan’s sympathetic eyes through her blurred vision. She took a step back, putting distance between them, and didn’t reach for the tissue he offered.

Sullivan wasn’t offended. He just smiled and put the tissue away.

“No matter how bad it is, it’ll pass,” he said, gently.

Ruby didn’t want to engage with him. Pushing back her tears, she said with a poker face, “Thanks for the words, Sullivan. I’ll be heading home now.”

“You’re in such a bad state. I don’t feel comfortable letting you go back alone. I’ll give you a ride home,” Sullivan offered.

“No need. I’ll be fine,” Ruby replied, grabbing her bag and leaving.

Sullivan didn’t take her refusal seriously. He followed her from a distance, clearly intending to make sure she got home safely. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Ruby bit her lip and couldn’t help but turn back to look at him. “Sullivan, I really don’t need you to escort me. You’re making things difficult for me.”