Chapter 712 - 712 711
712 Chapter 711
Oliver glanced at Jake, who hadn’t spoken in a while, and sneered, “Didn’t you just say it wasn’t going to happen? Why are you quiet now? Let me tell you, if you want to change your mind, this is your last chance!”
Jake lowered his eyes and said, “I said it wasn’t going to happen because… the courthouse doesn’t process divorces and marriages on the same day. Dad, don’t you even know that basic fact?”
Oliver was dumbfounded.
His expression darkened instantly, and the smugness on his face disappeared. He glared at Jake angrily. “Is that how you talk to me?”
Jake remained calm, “I’m just giving you some basic information.”
Oliver took a deep breath. “Fine, fine. You ungrateful brat, today, I’m going to throw both you and your mother out of the house!”
After saying that, he strode toward the door.
Seeing this, Jake followed behind him.
Marisa and Selena glanced at old Mrs. Horton, then at Oliver. In the end, they decided to follow him as well. After all, the divorce was a big deal for them.
Without the divorce, Marisa and Oliver couldn’t get married, and Selena couldn’t go from being an illegitimate daughter to being officially recognized as a Horton!
Jake turned to Keira and said, “The board meeting…”
He paused, unsure how to ask for time off.
After all, right now, the company’s board consists of just two of them.
As he was thinking, Oliver interrupted, “What’s wrong? Trying to make excuses to skip it? Your company just started. What kind of board meeting could you possibly be holding?”
Jake frowned. “What I meant was that the board meeting can wait. I’m going with my mom to the courthouse.”
Keira nodded, “Alright, finish up your business, and we’ll reschedule.”
She glanced at Lewis and old Mrs. Horton.
Since they had all agreed to spend more time with the old lady, Keira figured it was best for her not to leave the house either. So, she told Jake, “After you’re done, just report back on the company’s progress here at home.”
Old Mrs. Horton liked Jake, and Keira knew this would give him more chances to visit the old lady, which might help soften some of the distance in the family.
Sure enough, after Keira spoke, a faint smile appeared on old Mrs. Horton’s face.
Though subtle, Keira noticed it.
She couldn’t help but sigh.
It was true—elders always hold deep feelings for their children and grandchildren.
Jake understood what Keira was getting at. He looked at old Mrs. Horton and nodded. “Okay, from now on, I’ll come by every day to give you updates on the company.”
He also realized that old Mrs. Horton didn’t have much time left.
The more days he could spend with her, the better.
After saying his goodbyes to old Mrs. Horton, Jake followed Oliver out the door.
Oliver’s car was parked in the garage, so they all walked out together. On the way, Selena looked at Jake and suddenly laughed, “Jake, are you really planning on visiting Great-Grandma every day? Is it because you’re after her shares?”
Oliver scoffed, “Him? The old lady would never leave her shares to him! She’s always had it out for our family. Do you think visiting her every day will get you anywhere? You’re just wasting your time. I bet he’s just looking for an excuse to come home.”
Jake kept his face tight and said nothing.
When they reached the garage, Oliver stood next to his car and looked at Jake. “You’re just starting out, and you don’t even have a car. How do you plan to get to the courthouse?”
To his surprise, Jake pulled out a bus card. “I took the bus here, so I’ll take it back.”
Oliver was stunned. “You’re going to take the bus?”
Jake smiled. “Why not? If other people can take it, why can’t I? Dad, I’ve already told you I’m not relying on you anymore, so don’t expect to control my life!”
With that, Jake turned and walked off.
Oliver stared at his son’s straight back, his face twisting in anger. “That little bastard! He’s trying to make me feel sorry for him, isn’t he? With that attitude, there’s no way I’d ever pity him! What did I do to deserve such a disrespectful son?!”
Selena immediately latched onto his arm. “Dad, you still have me and Mom.”
Oliver finally relaxed a little. “Yes, I still have you two.”
He got in the car. “Let’s go. We’ll see if his mother has the guts to follow through!”
He let out a cold laugh.
Jake had grown up and started rebelling, which wasn’t surprising. But Oliver was certain Melissa wouldn’t dare show up at the courthouse to actually divorce him!
He could already picture her calling in a little while, making excuses like she didn’t have transportation.
Or maybe she’d show up and claim she forgot her ID. Either way, today’s divorce wouldn’t happen.
Feeling confident, Oliver drove straight to the civil office.
Sure enough, when he arrived, Melissa and Jake were nowhere to be seen. He immediately called Melissa, “Where are you? Don’t tell me you’re backing out now.”
But before he could finish, he heard a hurried voice from around the corner. “I’m here, I’m here!”
Oliver snapped his head around and saw Melissa wearing sneakers and pedaling up to him on a rental bike.