Chapter 203: People Change

Chapter 203: Chapter 203: People Change

Julian Sterling’s cheek felt numb. A few seconds passed before the pain registered.

In a stark departure from his usual habit of instinctively talking back, Julian Sterling didn’t snap at his mother. Instead, his gaze fell as he said in a low, heavy voice, "Mom, go ahead and hit me again. This is all my fault. I was a poor judge of character, and that’s why I’ve ended up in this mess."

...

"I never should have gotten involved with Jane Jacobs. You warned me so many times, telling me to focus on my life with Evelyn Grant, but I never listened. I even thought Jane was innocent and that you were just prejudiced against her."

Florence Morgan glared at him viciously but didn’t move to strike him again.

’After all, he’s already in this state. How could I hit him again?’

"You’re a grown man now, can’t you tell good from bad? Fine, so you don’t understand the kinds of games women play. I warned you! But what did you do? You actually thought I was trying to break you two up!"

"Yes... I was wrong."

"Now look at this! It’s all over the city news—how Jane Jacobs’s father publicly screamed at you! The media is just waiting to watch this disaster unfold. So tell me, what are you going to do now!" Florence Morgan planted her hands on her hips, too furious to maintain her usual poised, high-society image.

Julian Sterling hadn’t expected things to get this serious.

He thought the problem would be solved once he sent Mr. Jacobs away.

"Mom... it’s all my fault. I admit it... I just want a chance to start over! Please, I’m begging you, help me. I’ll listen to anything you say from now on! I’ll never act on my own again!"

Julian’s eyes reddened as he spoke.

This wasn’t an act. He knew, deep down, that he was wrong. Horribly wrong.

’How could I have been so stupid? Getting duped by Jane and her father was bad enough, but Jane is already dead, and I still went soft on her dad and even promised him money!’

And in the end, he had gotten tangled up with a man like that, ruining his own reputation at the company.

"You’re begging me, but how can I help you? You’re not considering my position at all! I’m not just your mother; I’m Ryan’s too!" Florence said, looking at him with exasperation. "If I help you, how am I supposed to face Ryan?"

’Besides, it’s not like I haven’t helped before!’

’I’ve put in so much time and effort on multiple occasions!’

But now, Florence Morgan could see it clearly: Evelyn Grant truly had no intention of getting back together with him. The woman had moved on. If Florence went to her again about this, she would only be a nuisance.

So, after much consideration, Florence Morgan had simply told her son to stop pursuing her.

The chances of them getting back together were slim.

"Mom, you’re my only hope! I’ve thought of every possible solution. I even considered what you said about giving up on Evelyn, but I can’t... Mom, I really can’t do it! I just want to be with her! She loved me so much. I can’t believe she could just throw all of that away in the blink of an eye!"

"But that’s the reality. You’ve seen it for yourself, haven’t you?"

"No! She’s just furious, that’s why she won’t forgive me yet! You saw how much she loved me, how good she was to me, didn’t you?"

Florence Morgan sighed. "But people change. No matter how good someone is, they can’t endure the way you’ve hurt them. You tried to have her thrown in prison and sentenced to death. Who could forgive that?"