?Chapter 399:


    A quiet smile touched Elliana’s lips, and she made her way downstairs to have breakfast.


    Upstairs, the air in Irene’s room was charged with tension.


    Sprawled across the sofa, Jeff clung to his white kitten, a stubborn scowl shadowing his features.


    Irene’s voice rang out, sharp and relentless. “Jeff, you know pretty clearly that Elliana lives to make my life miserable. I can’t bear the sight of her. And now you’re siding with her? Tell me, do you even remember you’re my son?”


    A re shot from Jeff’s eyes as he lifted his chin. “Mom, you’re just not being fair. Elliana’s done nothing wrong. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror before pointing fingers at her.”


    Rage climbed up Irene’s cheeks, leaving her face crimson. “Listen to yourself! Are you trying to make me lose my mind? That girl’s been going against me from day one. Cole called me out in front of everyone just to defend her. Now my own son’s turning his back on me? Maybe a good p will smack some sense into you!”


    Just as she raised her hand to strike, Jason—who had been silently watching—stepped in, catching her wrist before itnded.


    A steady, even tone marked Jason’s words. “Take a breath, Mom. Jeff’s still a kid. Don’t forget, it was Elliana who saved him from trouble with Venacure. He’s grateful to her, that’s all.”


    Wide-eyed, Irene stared at Jason, disbelief and anger mixing in her expression. “So, you’re on her side too? Are you going to turn your back on me, after all these years? I waited for you toe back from abroad and defend me. Instead, you’re breaking my heart.”


    A heavy sigh escaped Jason, his gaze unwavering. “Mom, I’m your son. Of course, I’m on your side. But standing with you also means helping you see what’s really happening—what matters, what’s right. I can’t just fight all your battles blindly.”


    “Go on, enlighten me. What big picture am I missing? What rules of right and wrong am I too blind to see?” Irene retorted.


    Jason remained calm. “Since I came back, I’ve watched everything closely. Let’s be honest, Mom. The real reason you can’t stand Elliana is that she took over this household and became the matriarch, a role you had once held for so long. Am I wrong?”


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    For a moment, Irene faltered, his words hitting their mark. Embarrassment flickered in her eyes, but defiance quickly followed. “Yes, I hate handing over the power thates with the role of the matriarch. Is that a crime? Cole’s mother left years ago, and who’s held the family together? Me. I’ve given everything, made this ce run, and earned every bit of respect.”


    She continued, “So tell me—why could I possibly ept that some nobody like Elliana just walked in and pushed me aside? Is that even fair? How can the Evans family just ignore everything I’ve done?”


    She looked directly at Jason, her voice quivering but strong. “Let’s not kid ourselves—you’re the one who keeps us all safe. Out of everyone, you know what I’ve given. Tell me, as your mother, don’t I deserve a little respect?”


    After enduring Irene’s cascade of grievances, Jason exhaled softly. “Mom, do you know why, after all these years, you never managed to win Dad’s love?”


    The question hit Irene like a p.


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