Chapter 298 Clarissa Had Completely Given Up on Shane
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Jasper cried until his sobs faded, sniffled a few times, and then broke into giggles, his mood lifting completely.
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He was still very young and didn’t comprehend how hurt Shane might have been by Wade’s actions. All he knew was that he had fallen into the pool on his own. “Mommy, I fell in by myself…
He told his mother it was his own mistake, not Shane’s.
The nanny stood awkwardly, uncertain. “Maybe I was mistaken… I think Mr. Shane was trying to help Mr. Jasper.”
Kelly furrowed her brow and looked at the nanny. “If you didn’t see clearly, don’t say things like that again.” The nanny quickly lowered her head, clearly embarrassed.
Wade sighed, guilt washing over him. At that moment, however, his unconscious bias–whether intentional or not–became clear. He had, without realizing, shown a preference, treating one child differently from the other.
After a long silence, he finally met Kelly’s gaze. “Are you planning to take Jasper with you?”
Kelly shook her head. “Zev’s busy with work, and since you seem to have a lot of time on your hands and enjoy the children’s company, I thought it would be good for Jasper to stay with you for a while.”
Wade let out a sigh of relief.
Kelly then turned her attention to Shane. “That way, Shane will have someone to keep him company.”
Shane, who had been tense, visibly relaxed. Children may not understand the complexities of adult relationships, but they certainly recognize loneliness. He just wanted someone to play with him. Jasper might be goofy, but his cheerful attitude always made Shane feel better. Jasper always told him what a great big brother he was.
“Shane is your responsibility, and you said you wanted Jasper around. Just make sure you treat them equally,” Zev reminded Wade firmly.
Wade understood, but the truth was, parents are only human. Even with the best intentions, treating all children equally is impossible, even when they are your own. Inevitably, one child will always seem to get a bit more attention, a little more affection.
Kelly couldn’t help but worry as she watched Shane.
With the Lynches involved, and this child being so sensitive and perceptive, she couldn’t help but wonder how he would turn out. Would his strong personality remain intact as he grew, or would the weight of his circumstances shape him into someone different?
Children who lack love from their families tend to crave it more intensely.
And when they can’t find it, they can easily become bitter and closed off.
Kelly had considered trying to gain custody of Shane, making him legally her child. But she was aware of the risks. If she became his guardian, it would have serious consequences for her biological son.
People always act in their own self–interest … it’s just natural.
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Chapter 298 Clarissa Had Completely Given Up on Shane
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As Kelly had said, unless Clarissa were dead, her good intentions could still end up causing trouble for Jasper.
The Lynches might go to any lengths to get rid of Jasper and make Shane their sole heir.
All these potential threats made Kelly hesitant to take such a step.
“Daddy…
“Shane clung to Zev, his voice barely audible. “Will Jasper always stay with me?”
He was afraid that Jasper might leave him. More than that, he feared losing his father again, just like before. He didn’t fully understand who he truly belonged to, but everyone kept telling him that Zev was his father.
Zev held him tightly, reassuring him, “Yes, Jasper will stay with you as you both grow up. And I will, too.”
“Does Mommy not want me anymore?” Shane’s voice trembled.
“Mommy wants you, Shane,” Jasper chimed in, raising his little hands, wanting to be held by his father as
well.
Zev lifted Jasper with one arm, while Shane sat beside him on the bench, both children leaning against him.
Shane rested his head on Zev’s shoulder, looking over at Jasper, who was doing the same on the other side. “Can you really share your mommy with me?”
Jasper nodded, smiling innocently as he gently patted Shane’s cheek. “I like you.”
Kelly stood there, watching the three of them with a bittersweet smile.
Three little ones …
Even with all his strength, Zev is just as much a child when it comes to them.
“Mr. Zev, Mr. Wade … Ms. Clarissa has arrived,” the butler approached, speaking softly.
He had hesitated to announce her arrival–after all, the atmosphere was so warm and peaceful. But Clarissa had refused to leave, standing outside with no intention of going anywhere. Eventually, he had no choice but to inform them.
When Kelly and Zev heard Clarissa was here, their faces immediately darkened.
Her presence was a definite mood killer.
“What’s she here for?” Zev asked, clearly frustrated.
“She said she’s here to bring Mr. Shane some clothes and toys,” the butler explained quietly.
“Let her in,” Wade said, his tone resigned.
Shane was the result of his mistakes, and so, he
always soft when it came to Clarissa.
Just as Clarissa had claimed, having Shane had been her card to hold over Wade’s heart.
“Shane,” Clarissa called out as she entered, carrying a large bag filled with clothes and toys. These were items that Shane had used or worn in the past.
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Chapter 298 Clarissa Had Completely Given Up on Shane
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It was clear that Clarissa was trying to show she had completely given up on the child. She hoped to make Wade feel guilty enough to quickly prepare a will that would grant Shane a respectable public identity.
“Shane… come to Mommy,” Clarissa called again, but Shane, terrified, clung tightly to Zev.
He feared that his mother no longer wanted him, and even more so, that she might try to take him away.
Zev raised his hand protectively, his expression darkening. “If you don’t want him, stop pretending. Put down the stuff and leave.”
Clarissa looked at Wade. “Wade, no matter what this child’s situation is, I can’t keep him anymore. You insisted I have him, so now you need to take responsibility for him.”
Clarissa’s words were a declaration spoken in front of the child, telling him she no longer wanted him.
Shane’s eyes filled with tears. He wasn’t naive–he understood.
He clung to Zev even tighter, his heart breaking as the fear settled in that one day, everyone would abandon
him.
His great–grandfather, his mother … even his father.
Would the whole world eventually turn its back on him?
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