Tough & Classy

Chapter 52

Chapter 52: "She learned my secrets. Scars. Bruises. Flaws. And then she left."

"Your grandparents have been waiting for a long time for you. It's time you fulfill your duty as the only grandson of Timothy Adam, Chester. It's time you take over the TDA Conglomerate."

Here is the woman who gave birth to me but was never a mother to me. It's funny how I thought that she had probably changed over time; that's why when she called and wanted to meet me after years of not seeing each other, I came to see her immediately.

"Fulfill my duty?" I scoffed and shook my head. "That's rich coming from someone who abandoned her own son to have her freedom back."

Her jaw clenched and looked at me sharply. "Pull your shit together and come with me to New York. TDA needs you."

My mouth set in a hard line. What the hell am I even disappointed for? What did I even expect from someone who has always been cold and emotionless? She never once showed me motherly gestures. She has always been purely self-focused from the beginning.

I was never her top priority, and she never tried to hide that fact from me.

"Years of not seeing each other, and yet, the first thing that comes out of your mouth is TDA Conglomerate." I let out a sarcastic chuckle. "You really are a piece of work, mother. Your consistency never fails to disgust me."

She simply gave me a frigid stare, clearly unaffected. Is there even anything that could affect her? Probably, just her beloved TDA.

"TDA is your responsibility."

"No. TDA isn't my responsibility. It's yours. I have my own company to run."

Her eyes turned into slit. "Your company is nothing compared to TDA, and yet, you're choosing it over an empire? Don't be stupid, Chester!"

"It may be nothing compared to TDA and Samaniego Holding. But I built it and managed to grow it without any help from you or dad. And I promise you, I will surpass your empire one day soon."

I stood up and said, "Enjoy your food, mother. I'm afraid I've lost my appetite. And don't bother calling nor meeting me again if it's about your beloved empire. Let me make it clear enough, I don't give a shit about it."

As soon as I got into my car, I loosened my tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of my dress shirt. I took a deep breath. Talking to my estranged mother drained me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My eyes flew open when my phone rang. I glanced at it, and decided to ignore it when I saw that it was my dad. He has probably heard about my meeting with my mother. I don't have the energy to listen to whatever he wants to say.

Matter of fact, I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone. That's why when JL was calling me, I just ignored it, too. I ignored all the calls.

However, there's one person that I can never disregard, no matter what.

Seeing her name on the screen of my phone gives me comfort. I find myself wanting to rush to her for the solace that only she can give. It has always been that way. 

I inhaled deeply and answered, "Claire."

When I saw her face, I felt like a little kid who wanted to vent out to the only person who could reassure me that everything would be well. 

However, the instant I saw her crying, I forgot about my own agony and worry took over. Did anyone hurt her? Rage nearly consumed me with the thought. I had to calm myself and checked carefully if she was hurt.