Chapter 863 Equally Loving Both Daughters
Nora said angrily, "Yes! I left you, and my living conditions got worse, but don't worry, we won't starve! Why are you here? If you have something to say, say it. If not, leave and stop interrupting our meal!"
Hearing his gentle Nora speak to him so harshly, Brent felt uncomfortable. He sighed, sat down, and softened his tone, "Alright, haven't you had enough? We're not young anymore; why are you still acting so willfully? Finish your food and come back with me!"
Nora put down a half-eaten chicken wing and said, "Cole, did you not listen to what I said that day, or did you just not take it seriously?"
Brent looked innocent, "When did I not take what you said seriously? Nora, can we stop this?"
Nora took a sip of Linda's Coke, "I said I wanted a divorce. Did you forget? Since we are getting a divorce, we have to start with separation. Why would I go back with you?"
Brent frowned, "Divorce? Nora, we don't have any major issues. Why divorce over something so small? I was in a bad mood that day and didn't pay attention to my tone with you and Linda, but it's not enough to really get a divorce over, right?"
Nora laughed sarcastically, "Something so small? You still think what I'm angry about is trivial! Cole, all these years I've been with you, what have I gained? Everyone thinks I've been living the good life with you, but what good life? Can you tell me?"
Brent opened his mouth but couldn't say anything.
Nora glared at him, "You can't say anything, can you? Because you know better than anyone that being with you hasn't been easy for me!
Sophia always thought I married you for your money and status. She bossed me around and mocked me. For your sake, I always backed down, trying to be a good stepmother.
But how did Sophia treat Linda? She always saw Linda as a threat, thinking I had Linda to compete for the inheritance! I taught Linda from a young age not to argue with Sophia or fight for the inheritance.
Linda is a good kid; she never thought about competing with Sophia for anything.
But you, as a father, just assumed that since she doesn't fight for anything, you don't have to give her anything? You're in a hurry to hand over all the assets to Sophia, afraid that when Linda grows up, she'll change her mind and fight for the inheritance.
I'm telling you, Linda and I don't care about your money and possessions, but your blatant favoritism is hurtful!"
Brent, with a stern face, tried to explain.
Nora interrupted him, "You must think I'm hypocritical, saying I don't want it but getting angry when you don't give it, right?
Think whatever you want! I've decided to file for divorce and fight for everything that rightfully belongs to Linda! Then I'll respect her wishes and donate it to those in need, as a good deed! I can endure grievances, but my daughter shouldn't have to!"
Brent's face was a mix of emotions. He pulled a cigar box from his pocket, put a cigar in his mouth, and was about to light it.
Nora snatched the cigar from his mouth and threw it in the trash, "If you want to smoke, do it outside! This small house may not be to your liking, but it's my friend's cherished home! Don't fill it with smoke! And Linda shouldn't be exposed to your secondhand smoke!"
Brent just wanted to smoke to ease his awkwardness, but now he felt even more awkward.
"Nora, I understand everything you just said. There were things I didn't consider, and it was unfair to Linda! But for Linda to have a complete family, you can't just talk about divorce! Linda is still young..."
Linda, sitting next to Nora eating a burger, interrupted, "Don't use me as an excuse. I don't care! Whether you divorce or not, as long as I'm with Mom, it's a complete family for me!"
Nora rolled her eyes at Brent, "Did you hear that? To Linda, it doesn't matter if she has a biased father like you!"
Unable to smoke, Brent slapped his thigh in frustration. After a long silence, he looked up and said, "How could you think I'd leave nothing for you and Linda? I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to feel burdened, and I didn't want Sophia to find out and cause more trouble! Nora, after all these years, you still don't understand me!"
Nora was stunned and frowned, "What do you mean?"
Linda also looked at Brent with wide eyes, curious about what he would say next.
Brent said, "I'm planning to hand over all my visible assets to Sophia, but years ago, I secretly invested in many businesses in your and Linda's names. Those assets are just as valuable as what I'm giving to Sophia.
I arranged it this way because I know my own child best! Sophia lost her mother at a young age, and she's sensitive and jealous. If she knew I divided the assets equally, she'd only be more hostile towards you, thinking you took what was originally all hers!
I want a harmonious family, so I hid your and Linda's share of the assets! This way, there would be fewer conflicts at home.
As for why I didn't tell you, it's because I know you're not good at hiding things. If you knew, it would show on your face, and Sophia would find out!
I admit I sometimes favor Sophia because she lost her mom early, and giving her more support makes her feel secure. But that doesn't mean I love the two kids differently!
Nora, I love Linda just as much as I love Sophia! Why don't you understand that?"
Getting emotional, Brent lowered his head and sighed.
After hearing Brent's explanation, Nora was surprised. She didn't expect Brent to have such secret arrangements. She turned to look at Linda, and they both felt they had wronged Brent!
"Cole, you..." Nora felt guilty. "You should have told me earlier."
Brent, with a headache, said, "How was I supposed to know things would turn out like this? You even want to divorce me!"
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