?Chapter 1693:


    Lucille, who had been listening in tense silence, finally snapped. “Lowell, how can you be so heartless? She’s your sister! Can’t you just help her?”


    The second Lucille took her side, Dolores’s scowl flipped into a smug smirk as she shot Lowell a triumphant re.


    Unfazed, he sighed. “Mom, Dolores is a grown woman. Stop bailing her out like she’s some helpless child.”


    Lucille frowned, caught in the middle of the dispute. “It’s a small thing, Lowell. It wouldn’t kill you to lend a hand. We’re family—shouldn’t we support each other?”


    Dolores folded her arms and let out a derisive snort. “Mom, don’t bother. Lowell’s too caught up in his booming career and perfect little love life to give a damn about us.”


    She let the words hang before adding with a sharine smile, “Oh, right. He probably doesn’t consider us his family anymore. Soon enough, he’ll have a new one. Don’t waste your breath on him.”


    Leon, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke in a deep, serious tone. “Is what Dolores said true, Lowell? Have you found someone? Who is she? What family does shee from?”


    Before Lowell could utter a word, Dolores pounced. “If she were from some prestigious family, he wouldn’t be so secretive. He’s obviously dating some nobody, and that’s why he’s hiding her.”


    That did it. Lowell’sposure shattered, fury shing in his eyes. His voice was a sharpsh of anger. “Dolores, you can’t even manage your own life, so stay the hell out of mine!”


    Lucille wrung her hands, visibly distressed. “Lowell… is it true? Are you really involved with some—some poor girl? You’re the future of our family! Our entire legacy rests on you. You need someone who can elevate you, not drag you down!”


    “Enough!” Lowell raked a hand through his hair. “I’m not dating anyone. Don’t listen to Dolores. I’ve been drowning in work—I haven’t even had time to consider it.”


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    Dolores hissed under her breath. “Liar. You’re totally seeing someone. You just won’t admit it.”


    “Quiet!” Leon’s voice cracked like a whip. “Both of you, shut it!”


    His re pinned them both in ce—Dolores, still simmering, and Lowell, visibly annoyed. He exhaled sharply. “Lowell is busy running thepany. Let him be. And as for you…”


    He leveled Dolores with a look. “Lowell’s right. If you’re so obsessed with Shaun, go after him yourself. Your mom and I are too old for this nonsense. We covered for you with that forged document, yed along with your ridiculous schemes—but don’t expect us to clean up your mess again.”


    Dolores’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Dad! You have to help me! I’m your daughter!”


    “Being my daughter doesn’t mean I’m obligated to clean up your messes forever,” Leon snapped. “Look at Lowell. Since he took over thepany, he’s handled everything on his own without causing us a single worry.”


    Dolores gawked at him, stunned. He’d agreed to help—so why was he suddenly backing out?


    Leon didn’t spare her another nce as he pulled a distraught Lucille away. “Enough. Deal with Shaun yourself. Don’t drag your mom and me into this again!”


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