Chapter 228
Chapter 228:
“Or is it that you can’t bring yourself to let him face this alone p>
Jenessa smiled bitterly.
“Anyway, at the end of the day, they’re still my parents. I can’t turn on my own flesh and blood p>
Besides, if her dad was caught and sent to prison, her mom would be heartbroken.
Richard sighed.
Then, with newfound determination flashing across his eyes, he vowed solemnly, “Don’t worry, Jenessa. Just focus on taking good care of yourself while I deal with your dad’s problem p>
Although Jenessa claimed she was fine just now, judging from the tinge of hurt in her eyes, Richard could tell that her dad must’ve hit her.
Jenessa refused to talk more about what had happened, and he didn’t want to pry; he just wanted her to get well.
Eyebrows shooting up in surprise, Jenessa refused without hesitation.
“No, don’t—this is a family affair. I can’t get you involved p>
With unprecedented firmness, she added unflinchingly, “Thanks for all your help, Richard, but you’ve done more than enough already. I’ll figure out the rest myself p>
As soon as she finished speaking, Richard suddenly grabbed her hand.
His palm was warm, which made her heart skip a beat.
“Jenessa, your family faced a huge challenge three years ago, and because I was abroad, there was nothing I could do to help. You ended up marrying Ryan and endured so much suffering. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you p>
Richard’s voice grew increasingly remorseful, his usually gentle eyes now filled with deep sadness.
Jenessa stared at him blankly, taken aback by his sudden emotional shift, and found herself unable to respond for a long time.
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Richard took a deep breath and continued, “Now, I finally have the chance to make it up to you. Jenessa, please don’t refuse me anymore p>
At a loss for words, Jenessa opened her mouth in an attempt to say something that would change Richard’s mind.
After all, what happened to her wasn’t his fault. He shouldn’t have felt so guilty.
But before Jenessa could say anything, Richard added solemnly, “It’s not just me who feels this way; Brinley has also blamed herself all these years. You two are so close, but when you were in trouble, she couldn’t help. She feels terrible about it, you know p>
Stunned, a lump formed in Jenessa’s throat.
Brinley and Richard were her good friends. She shouldn’t have refused their kindness; she should’ve known that doing so would hurt their feelings.
Now that she thought about it, she realized that she’d also be disappointed if her friends encountered problems but didn’t come to her for help.
After thinking for a while, Jenessa nodded gratefully.
“Thank you, Rick. I don’t know how to repay you. You’ve always taken such good care of me p>
Seeing that she finally agreed, Richard cracked a smile.
“Come on! We’ve known each other for so long. That’s what I should do p>
At this, Jenessa felt inexplicably sad.
She couldn’t help but picture the ferocity in her father’s eyes. Compared to her father, she felt that Richard treated her more like family than her own blood.
With a self-mocking smile, Jenessa said, “Sometimes I wonder if I’m really my parents’ biological child. How can they be so cruel to their own daughter? Compared to them, you and Brinley feel more like my real family p>
The sad look on Jenessa’s face tugged at Richard’s heartstrings. Without thinking, he threw his arms around her and pulled her into a warm embrace.
“It’s okay, Jennie. From now on, you can rely on me. I swear I’ll do everything in my power to protect you p>
The sudden hug made Jenessa stiffen, and her first instinct was to push him away.
But before she could make a move, Maisie’s excited, shrill voice pierced the air.