The Man’s Decree

Chapter 19 Upbringing

“Dad, stop overthinking!” Josephine turned away. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

In fact, Josephine’s admiration toward Jared had grown. Especially after she saw how he had protected her when they encountered Tommy, she felt a sense of security with him around.

Suddenly, the hotel manager entered the office and reported, “Mr. Sullivan, Tommy had left with his men. So did Mr. Chance.”

“I see. All right!” William nodded. Then he turned to Josephine and instructed, “Josephine, hurry up and gather up the medications needed by Mr. Chance. After that, arrange for someone to watch over Mr. Chance stealthily. I believe that the Scott family will not let this slide easily.”

“Got it!” Josephine nodded and proceeded to carry out the instructions.

After Jared left Glamor Hotel, he went back home. By then, it was already noontime. Mother should be expecting me by now.

Indeed, Jared saw that the dining table was already full of dishes when he arrived home. His parents were waiting for him to have a meal together.

“Is that you, Jared?” Hannah asked when she heard the door open.

“Mom, it’s me!” Jared hurried toward her and held her hand.

“Oh son, where have you been? Your dad had already prepared food. We’ve been waiting for you!” Although Hannah sounded as though she was grumbling, her face was filled with joy.

“Mom, I had to go out to get some things settled,” Jared explained. At that moment, Gary walked out of the kitchen. Unlike three years ago, Gary seemed to have grown old fairly quickly. His hair was all white, and his face was full of wrinkles.

“You’re back!” Gary simply said. His eyes were filled with excitement when he saw Jared. However, he tried his best to conceal his feelings.

“Yeah.” Jared nodded, with his eyes slightly reddened. Being the breadwinner of our family, you used to be a civil servant who everyone looked up to. Back then, you were an energetic and dashing man in a tux. Unfortunately, the past three years must’ve been rough on you.

“Let’s eat before the food turns cold!” Gary said before he served Jared a plate of pasta.

Jared had a strict upbringing because Gary was an authoritative figure at home. Hence, it had never been a norm for Gary to serve food in the household. Besides, meals were always prepared for Gary instead of the other way around. Indeed, their way of life had changed dramatically.

During lunch, neither Gary nor Jared spoke a word. Due to his upbringing, Jared had always been wary of his father. Hannah, on the other hand, was rather chatty.

With so many things in her mind since Jared was locked away, Hannah gave him a long lecture. “Jared, now that you’re back, you should start looking for a job and a girlfriend. Although our family is not doing well financially, I believe that things will get better once you and your dad hustle for it. Your dad can make some money from sweeping the streets. Then, I’ll get your Aunt Polly to find you a girlfriend. Once you’re settled down and have your own family, everything will be fine. In the meantime, don’t go looking for

Sandy anymore since she has already married into the Scott family. We can’t afford to cross them. Please don’t repeat your mistake. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it if you go back to jail.”

In response, Jared just kept nodding his way through.

After lunch, Jared cleared the dining table and went to wash up. Meanwhile, Gary was putting on his sanitation work uniform as it was time for him to go to work.

“Dad, now that I’m back, please don’t go back to cleaning up the streets anymore. I’ll take care of us.” Jared then took out a set of keys and said, “I have a friend who is willing to lend us a nice house. How about we pack up our things and move in there?”

Jared wanted to move his parents to Dragon Bay because the house they were staying in was too run- down. However, he didn’t dare to come clean on how he had gotten the place. Instead, he just told them that he was borrowing it from a friend.