Chapter 120 Kitchen Knife
Although the car's air conditioning wasn't very cold, Mary still felt a chill all over her body.
Sitting in Charles's old Audi, she stared out the window motionlessly, feeling completely consumed by a sense of defeat.
She had never felt so embarrassed before. She had pleaded with James, trying to make him stay, but he left without hesitation.
The James who used to come and go at her beck and call was gone.
Mary knew she was being extreme and that she was in the wrong. Since they got married, she had never really treated James as her husband.
But to ask her to put aside all her pride to win him back? Mary couldn't bring herself to do it. She was used to being strong and arrogant. So, she felt that James was trying to drive her crazy.
"Mary, can you have some self-respect? Can't you live without him?"
Addison, sitting next to Mary, was very displeased and scolded her.
"When did he become so important to you?"
Mary was very annoyed. "Mom, it's not like that."
Addison retorted, "Then what is it? Look at him. Does he even care about you or us?"
Although Phillip's arrival clarified the truth that it was James who stormed into Vocal Vista to rescue Mary, it also greatly embarrassed Addison.
Feeling both humiliated and angry, she began to slander James even more.
"He's a scumbag. He stabbed someone but deliberately didn't clarify the truth, setting Joseph up."
"If it weren't for enough witnesses and video evidence, Joseph would be facing three years in prison."
"James is a bastard, killing without mercy, and he didn't even spare us any face."
For Addison, right or wrong no longer mattered. What mattered was that James was like a thorn in her side, and she wished he would get out of the Smith family as soon as possible.
"That's a bit unreasonable." Charles hesitated for a moment. "It was clearly Joseph who took the credit and twisted the truth to show off in front of us. How is that James's fault?"
"And James didn't retaliate even though we scolded him so harshly. He's been quite generous and kind."
Charles remained rational. "We owe James an apology."
"Apology? What apology? Why should I apologize to him? Is he even worthy?"
Addison scolded Charles unceremoniously. "And Joseph took the credit because he loves Mary so much."
"In today's society, a man who risks his reputation to take credit just to win a woman's favor is a rare gem."
"He's gone to great lengths to win our daughter's heart, got it?"
With some embellishment, Joseph was instantly portrayed as a lovesick lad. His actions were not only cleansed of any disgrace but he was also hailed as a model of madness in love.
Charles shook his head. "Unbelievable."
"If you don't understand, just shut up and don't mislead our daughter."
Addison bluntly told Charles to shut up, then turned to Mary and said, "Mary, in my opinion, you should get a divorce. James isn't right for you, but Joseph is worth considering."
"Marrying Joseph would not only rid you of the burden of James but also bring the support of The Wilson Group, giving TG Company a chance to grow."
"If TG Company performs well and gains more financial power, Summit Villa might be restarted. At the very least, we could move to Stardust City."
No one noticed the cold, metallic look that briefly appeared on Charles's old face before it quickly disappeared, returning to calm.
"Mom, stop it." Mary was agitated. "I won't get a divorce."
Addison said, "Why won't you get a divorce? Are you trying to prove something? Or are you just unwilling to let him go? It's meaningless, you know."
Addison was very dissatisfied. "We don't need to insist on being the ones to initiate the divorce. Maybe this is just a trick James is playing. Break up cleanly, and you'll be free. Don't forget, six months ago, you wanted a divorce, but James clung to you like a leech, pretending to be crazy and dragging it out for six months."
"Now that he's bringing it up, just agree and save yourself some money."
Addison analyzed the pros and cons for Mary, hoping they would part ways soon and let Joseph become her son-in-law.
"Mom, stop talking." Mary showed no regard for Addison's feelings. "I can handle my own affairs. I don't need you to interfere. If you continue to persuade me, I'll move out."
Addison's eyebrows shot up, and she wanted to scold Mary for being ungrateful, but seeing her daughter's lost look, she sighed softly. "Fine, I won't push you. In a few days, your sister will come back and talk to you."
No one knew Mary better than her mother. Mary's behavior clearly showed she had feelings for James that she shouldn't have.
After leaving the hospital, James leaned against a taxi, closing his eyes tightly to calm his emotions.
When he opened them again, they were clear and bright.
Even though he had felt a moment of impulse and heartache earlier, yearning to hold Mary in his arms, he had forcibly restrained himself.
He had humbled himself many times for this relationship, but he had no confidence in winning Mary's heart nor the energy to handle the next inevitable conflict.
After making his decision, James didn't return to JZL Medical Hall. Feeling emotionally drained, he went straight to visit Michelle.
"James, you're here."
Opening the security door, Michelle saw James and immediately became happy, pulling him into the house.
"Perfect timing. I bought half a chicken. I'll make your favorite dish later."
She glanced around. "Don't worry, I'll be quick. We'll eat, and you can go back to The Smith family to cook."
Seeing Michelle's doting expression, James felt a warmth in his heart, and all his unhappiness disappeared. A mother is always a son's best refuge.
"Mom, there's no rush. I'm staying here tonight and will go back tomorrow." He rolled up his sleeves. "You rest, and I'll cook."
"Where's Mary? Why didn't she come with you?" Michelle seemed to sense something.
"Should I call her and invite her over for dinner? I'll make her favorite dish."
James quickly waved his hand. "No need. She's busy and can't come."
"James, you don't have to hide it from me. Did you fight with Mary?"
Michelle saw through James's forced smile but didn't scold or lecture him. Instead, she held his hand and smiled kindly.
Michelle said, "I don't understand young people's issues. I just want to say you're always welcome home. Don't worry about my illness. I can take care of myself. You don't need to worry."
She sighed. "It's all my fault. Your dad and I have caused you so much trouble."
James smiled. "Mom, don't say that. I'm fine. I can handle my affairs. You sit down, I'll cook."
"How's business been lately?" He chatted casually to divert his mother's attention.
"Not bad. After rent and utilities, I can make a few dozen dollars a day. But once summer's over, it might not be as good." Michelle laughed. "Don't worry. I'll sell something else then and still make some money."
James said, "As long as you enjoy it, but remember, don't overwork yourself."
James chatted while heading into the kitchen. He opened the fridge, took out half a chicken, and then grabbed a knife from the knife rack.
As he moved the Life Gem, a scorching heat surged through his hand.
James almost dropped the knife.
"James, I found that knife while cleaning out your dad's stuff. It felt handy, so I kept it for cutting food."
Michelle reminded him, "Be careful. It's very sharp. Last week, I used it to cut ribs, and it was like cutting through a melon."
James's eyes slightly froze.
This knife was more like a dagger than a kitchen knife. The inscription on the blade caught James's attention the most.
Silvershore Bay, 1988.
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