Side Chick Era Over (Sharon and Carter) novel Chapter 485

Chapter 485

Before Madeline could say any more, Carter cut her off coldly, “Mom, what are you even talking about?”

Madeline was clearly displeased. “Am I wrong? Ever since the divorce, has she visited Theo even once?”

Carter’s handsome face darkened. “No matter what happens between us, Sharon is and always will be Theo’s mother. That won’t change.”

Madeline opened her mouth to argue again, but Denise stepped in at just the right moment.

“Mom, let’s not talk about this now. Uriah’s banquet is more important.”

With that, Madeline gave a sharp snort but said nothing more.

A low-profile luxury van sped smoothly down the road. Inside, three members of the Kalen family sat quietly.

“There was an urgent matter at the company,” Rick said. “Scott and Silas can’t make it to the banquet for now. They’ll be waiting at home for Jenna to return.”

Richard nodded. He’d heard something had gone wrong at their respective companies and didn’t ask further. Instead, he turned to Victoria, concern softening his expression.

“Victoria, are you feeling alright?”

Fatigue lingered in Victoria’s delicate features. Her eyes were dull, and her voice was soft as she shook her head. “I’m okay.”

Richard replied, “Since you’ve got a competition coming up, focus on that. Your brother and I can represent the family at Uriah’s birthday banquet.”

Victoria smiled. “The main reason I came to Amstern City is to bring Jenna home. She and I had some misunderstandings back then, and I worry that if I don’t explain things clearly, she’ll still hold a grudge.

“Besides, I heard Maestro Warner will be at the banquet too. He’s a world-class violinist. I’d love the chance to meet him.”

Richard nodded slowly, clearly pleased by her mindset.

His own plan was to attend the banquet and then go see Jenna.

Jenna’s current identity was still delicate-too complicated to make public.

Thinking of her, he turned and asked, “Victoria, what are your feelings toward Cole?”

Victoria had already guessed Richard’s intentions from what Rick told her.

She smiled. “I’ve only ever seen Cole as an older brother. There’s nothing romantic between us.”

Richard was satisfied with her sense of propriety.

“Victoria, Jenna has had a tough time these past few years. Unlike you, she didn’t grow up in comfort. She’s had to fend for

herself.

“You’re a year older than her. You’re her older sister. So if the two of you clash in the future, I hope you’ll be the one to step back.

He paused, then continued with quiet weight.

“Victoria, you and Jenna are different. I’ve always been stricter with you. I hope one day you’ll understand that it was because I expected more from you.”

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All these years, Richard had demanded perfection from Victoria.

Even for someone as gifted as she was, there were times she almost buckled under the pressure.

At first, when her father refused to let her study business, Victoria had resented him.

She thought he favored sons over daughters–or worse, that because she was born out of wedlock, he saw her as a burden.

But then, something Rick said opened her eyes.

Her father had never looked down on her for being a woman. Nor had he ever distrusted her because of her background.

Richard had placed such high expectations on her, not out of bias, but because he believed in her.

In contrast, he made no demands of Sharon. He let her live freely, without interference. Not because he respected her choices. But because, in his heart, he had already given up on her potential.

Otherwise, why had he given company shares to Theo, but never once considered entrusting them to Sharon?

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