Chapter 734
Margaret’s tone was matter–of–fact, as if Ruby were an object to be discarded at will. She didn’t even consider whether Ruby would agree.
As far as she was concerned, as long as Hansel could be saved, Ruby’s life was expendable. After all, Hansel was the lifeline of the Jenners. If they lost their son, she and her husband wouldn’t be able to go
- on.
Ruby let out a short, bitter laugh, which soon escalated into a loud, almost hysterical one.
“What are you laughing at? Are you crazy?” Margaret’s voice was sharp, filled with anger.
When Ruby finally stopped laughing, she spoke in a low, steady voice. “Do you know why I took your call?”
“Why?” Margaret asked.
“Because wanted to see just how disgusting the things you’d say could be. You didn’t disappoint me,” Ruby replied.
Her voice, rough and hoarse from laughing so hard, was unsettlingly calm. It gave Margaret a sinking feeling.
“Ruby, what are you planning to do?” Margaret asked, unease creeping into her tone.
Ruby smiled and said slowly, “Mom, this will be the last time I call you that. Over the years, the money I’ve given you, plus the 30,000 dollars you tricked out of me this time for Hansel–we’ll count that as the debt I owed you. From now on, we’re done. Whether you live or die has nothing to d ‘h me.”
The more Margaret listened, the more uneasy she felt. She had tricked money out of Ruby before, and although Ruby had gotten angry, she had never mentioned going no contact.
Nervous and furious, Margaret’s voice came out strained. “Ruby, are you crazy? I’m your mother! I gave birth to you. Your life belongs to me. How dare you talk about cutting ties? I don’t agree!”
“Whether you agree or not doesn’t matter to me,” Ruby replied coolly. “If I remember correctly, you’re only 45 this year. Once you reach the legal age for assisted living, I’ll send the required amount each month. Until then, I won’t be involved with you.”
With that, Ruby hung up. She removed the SIM card, broke it, and threw it in the trash, severing any chance for Margaret to contact her again.
+25 BONUS
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