Adam wanted to smoke a cigar topose himself. He felt a little embarrassed, and he became even more so when Melinda threw his cigar away.


    "Mel, I understand everything you''re saying. I admit I was unfair to Lilin, and I could''ve done better as a husband and a father. But you shouldn''t rush into divorce like this. Think about how this will affect Lilin! Do you really want to let her grow up in a broken home? She''s still so young..."


    Lilin, who was sitting beside Melinda and eating a burger, suddenly chimed in, "Please don''t use me as an excuse. I''m really fine with the divorce; aplete home is wherever Mom is. "Why you..."


    Melinda rolled her eyes at Adam. "Hear that? It doesn''t matter to Lilin whether you''re in her life at all."


    Adam pped his own thigh out of agitation. After a long while of silence, he looked up and said, "How can you think that I won''t leave anything for you and Lilin? I didn''t want to let you know because I didn''t want to burden you with the knowledge. I was also worried Sophia would kick up a fuss again if word got out. Mel, I''m disappointed in you. You''ve been with me for so many years, so you should know better than that."


    Melinda was a little taken aback, but then she frowned with consternation. "What are you talking about? Exin yourself this instant!"


    Lilin looked at Adam with her big, bright eyes, too. She wanted to see what kind ofme excuse her father woulde up again.


    "While it''s true I''m preparing to give Sophia all of my assets, a few years ago, I''ve been secretly investing in other businesses and properties under your and Lilin''s name. And trust me when I say, those assetsbined are no less than what I''m giving Sophia.


    "I did this because I know my children the best! Sophia lost her mother when she was little, and it caused her to grow up to be a sensitive and easily jealous person. It''ll just make her hate you more if I give everyone an equal share of the inheritance. She''s going to think you stole away what rightfully belongs to her.


    "So for the sake of peace in the family, I had no choice but to keep your and Lilin''s inheritance a secret. That way, there''ll be less conflict in the family, and everyonees out a winner in the end. As to why I didn''t tell you... It''s because I know you''re not very good at keeping secrets. You''re like an open book, and I fear Sophia will find out.


    "I admit I do favor Sophia more, but that''s because she lost her mom when she was little. I just want her to know I have her back no matter what. But that doesn''t mean I don''t love Lilin as much as I love Sophia. Why can''t you understand that, Mel?"


    Adam lowered his head, put his hand to his forehead, and sighed. He could not believe that he, a man known for his cutthroat business acumen, would actually have to humble himself to deal with trivial family matters in his old age.


    Melinda was a little shocked by Adam''s exnation. She never thought her husband had made arrangements for her and Lilin in secret. She exchanged nces with Lilin, and both of them thought they had unjustly used Adam.RêAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "Brian... You should''ve told me sooner," said Melinda remorsefully.


    "I didn''t expect things would turn out like this... I mean, you even wanted to divorce me!" said Adam, his head hurting.