Lost Me Gained Regret

Hearing this, Allen's face went through a rapid palette of emotions, ending up with a shade that screamed trouble. "Well, well... we're all family here, right?" he stammered, "No need to keep tabs like this."

Bryant, cool as a cucumber, laid on the charm thick, "Oh, but there is, Uncle. Gratitude is owed where gratitude is due. Don't be shy about asking for it. Setting aside the financial help she's given over the years, raising her must have cost a pretty penny, at least ten grand, right? So, I figure I owe you a hundred million."

"The thing is... the thing is..."

Allen's face was a live show of colors, finally settling on a dee, red. "Seriously, after all these years, how could I possibly keep track of all this?"

"No trouble at all. Which bank are you with? I'll make a call, and we'll have it sorted in minutes," Bryant said, pretending to reach for his phone.

Allen, terrified, practically lunged at Bryant, pleading. "Mr. Ferguson, no need to check, really!"This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

He was petrified Bryant would uncover the truth about how he had almost maltreated me and cause him trouble. His guilt was written all over his face.

"What's wrong?"

Bryant furrowed his brows, feigning confusion "I thought Jane was being ungrateful? Now that we want to repay you generously, you're turning us down?"

Allen was still thick-skinned enough to say, "Who needs a hundred million? If you really want to give something, a million and a half will cover it."

"Huh." Bryant let out a scoff, "Uncle, I've been around the block a few times in the business world, and I don't like unclear deals. You want money, fine, but bring me the receipts."

He straightened his tie with a deliberate slowness, "Or are you saying, you've just been 'taking care of her without actually spending a dime?"

"How could that be...?"

Allen was on the verge of jumping out of his skin but was too afraid of Bryant to raise his voice, "If I hadn't spent money on her, how could she have grown up so well?"

"Why couldn't she?"

A frail yet firm female voice came from the doorway. Aunt Cheryl, supported by a nurse, entered, "Did you ever spend money on Jane? She went to public school, came home to chores, and started part-time jobs in middle school! And you, how much do you owe her that you're well aware of?"

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Bryant's expression darkened, a flicker of sympathy crossing his face, his brows knitting together.

I looked away, telling myself it was just an illusion.

Allen shot back, "I raised her, and now I owe her?"

"Her parents left her half a million, what did you do with It? Haven't forgotten, have you?" Allen, after a moment's thought, retorted angrily, "Why bring up something from so long ago?"

I was taken aback. Aunt Cheryl looked at me, Her eyes filled with shame and remorse, "Your parents must have foreseen the company's crisis and let that half a million with me, in case something happened, to take care of you. But he g nbled it all away... I've been too ashamed to mention it."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

I clenched my fists, holding back sobs, and shook my head, "It's okay, you're not to blame. Mom and Dad... they wouldn't blame you either"

Some things were beyond her control.

"Why are you even saying this now, are you stupid?!"

Allen, unable to vent his anger on Bryant, turned it towards Aunt Cheryl. Seeing the money shipping through his fingers, he was about to leap from the ground and slap her!

I instinctively stepped in front of her, and just as his hand was about to hit me, s grabbed Allen's arm with a swift motion!

Bryant's grip was iron, his eyes cold as ice, "Touch her and see what happens."

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