Chapter 76 Only Because She’s Been Chasing After…
“We’re not selling the house? Why? Nixon, don’t you care about our son’s safety?” Sally’s voice quivered with frustration and distress.
As soon as Nixon had come home, he told her he wouldn’t sell the old Carter family house and would figure out another plan, which immediately caused Sally to panic.
Nixon exhaled deeply, his tone heavy. “At first, I thought if Renee refused, I’d just bring people over. After all, I’m her father–my word should count. But today, when I went to see her, she was with William,” Nixon said, his voice laced with frustration.
“William? Aren’t they… divorced?” Sally asked, her eyes widening in shock.
“I thought so too. I always thought Renee was the one holding on to William, but today, it seemed…”
“Seemed what?” Sally pressed.
“It seemed like he was begging her to take him back. If Renee really has the backing of the Mitchell family, what can we do? We can’t sell the house! Her vengeful spirit plus William’s support? If it comes to that, we’re all done for.”
The realization sank in. Still, at the thought of Nixon’s hesitant behavior around Renee, Sally’s frustration boiled over. “What a coward you are! In the past, you were scared of her because Johnny had her back, and now you’re terrified because the Mitchell family supports her. What about our son? Don’t you care about him?”
As she spoke, Sally instinctively placed her hand on her swollen belly, forcing out a few tears, which made Nixon’s heart ache.
“Sally, please don’t cry. I’ll figure something out. I’ll save our son, I promise. I’ll consult that fortune teller again, maybe there’s another way,” he said, his voice soft but desperate.
Sally’s eyes darkened with doubt.
Just then, Rosa came downstairs, noticing the tension. She stretched, yawning, and
casually asked, “Dad, Mom, why aren’t you asleep yet?”
“Rosa, did we wake you?” Nixon asked gently.
He always treated Rosa with more kindness than Renee, and it showed.
Rosa poured herself a glass of water, still thirsty after all the drinking earlier.
Sally’s frustration boiled over at the sight of her daughter reeking alcohol. “You’re always out partying. Why can’t you behave and find a wealthy husband? Those friends of yours are nothing but trouble.”
“You think I do not want to?” Rosa slammed the glass onto the counter, its sharp clink echoing in the room. “They look down on me, okay? They used to hang out with Renee and know I’m not even really a Carter. And that’s exactly why none of them wants to marry me! Don’t blame me; blame yourself!”
She still didn’t know who her real father was. She had asked Sally before, but Sally refused to answer. Who knew if he was just some nobody?
Sally’s face turned red with anger, and she swayed slightly, nearly fainting. Nixon quickly helped her sit down, trying to calm her. “Honey, please don’t get upset. I’m sure Rosa didn’t mean it. And Rosa, come over and apologize to your mother.”
Rosa was still seething, but she always did what Nixon asked. After all, the life she had
now was all thanks to him. Before Nixon came into their lives, she and Sally had lived in poverty. As a little girl, she would often hear Sally bringing different men home. Rosa would hide in her room, knowing that once those men left, Sally would buy her something nice. She never wanted to return to those days.
“Mom, I’m sorry…” Rosa muttered.
Sally shot her a sharp glare, still scolding. “Don’t argue with me, just get yourself a rich husband. Look at Renee, she married William. And we have to rely on her now.”
It sounded like Sally was scolding Rosa, but it was clear those words were meant for
Nixon’s ears as well.
Rosa muttered under her breath, “It’s only because Renee’s been chasing after him shamelessly for years.”
Sally shot back quickly, “Then why don’t you learn from her?”
