?Chapter 1664:


    Shepard nodded. “Dad’s death hit her hard. I’m wrapping up work soon, so I’ll have more time to spend with her. We’ll take turns keeping herpany.”


    Both felt they had failed Tessa, especially Ableson, as she lived with him yet had be like this under his care despite hisck of work obligations.


    His role was to ensure her happiness, and he had fallen short. He felt very guilty.


    “Ableson, I think the children should stop by more often,” Shepard suggested. “Mom loves tasty treats—let them bring her favorite snacks. She used to love exploring new ces in her youth. Once I retire, we could take her on trips together. What do you think?”


    He believed the me wasn’t solely Ableson’s; he shared the burden.


    “Absolutely, let’s make it happen,” Ableson agreed. “Our wives can join if they’re up for it, but we won’t force them.”


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Conor returned to the hospital room after settling the remaining bills. Jalen hadpleted the discharge process, their belongings nearly packed.


    Madge, frail and racked with pain, couldn’t walk, so Conor carried her on his back, his eyes brimming with tears. He felt utterly inadequate, unable to prevent his father’s reckless choices that dyed his mother’s care and to cover her medical fees.


    Jalen, however, was consumed by his own ambitions. With their father under investigation, detained, and facing sentencing, he knew his political aspirations were at risk. His focus was on shielding himself from the fallout, a concern that preupied him throughout the bus ride home.


    Once home, he sat there, lost in thought.


    Conor, tending to their mother, prepared warm water and administered her pain relief medication.


    Jalen, having crafted a strategy that depended on Conor’s cooperation, called out, “We need to discuss something, Conor. Come here.”


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    “Mom, please rest after taking your medication,” Conor urged, his brow furrowed with concern, pained by his mother’s anguished expression. As her son, his inability to ease her suffering filled him with deep guilt and a sense of failure.


    “Come outside for a sec,” Jalen called to Conor again, his frown signaling impatience.


    Conor waited until Madge had swallowed her pills and settled down before stepping out.


    Jalen led him straight to the elevator. “It’s not private enough here. Let’s head downstairs.”


    Conor, all too familiar with Jalen’s usual motives, snapped irritably, “Don’t even think about asking me for money again. I’ve already drained every cent from myw firm. Thewyers there are covering their own travel costs now. You’re not getting a dime from me.”


    Jalen, equally frustrated, shot back, “I’m not after your money. I’ve got a n to raise some cash and want to talk to you about it.”


    Conor’s anger red. “Talk to me about it? Every time you ‘discuss’ a money-making scheme, I end up the one borrowing the funds. I’m done!”


    Jalen scoffed, “If not you, then who? Me? I’m a government official with a reputation to uphold. I can’t be seen asking people for money. Can’t you consider my position? You’re the only one in this family who can borrow money from people.”


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