Ch. RET KID ` 44 RET KID ` 44

Chapter 5 

Not only had Jake diverted my bonuses and raises, but he thought I was lying about my mother’s death and deliberately delayed signing my bereavement benefits. 

He even canceled my request to advance my own salary. 

It was just 2000 dollars. Why couldn’t he give it to me? Why did he go out of his way to make my life harder? 

Thinking about everything I’d done for Jake over the years made me feel pathetically stupid. 

If I’d worked at any other company, I wouldn’t have been so exhausted, would have had savings. 

Maybe Mom would still be alive. 

I wish I’d never met Jake Parker. 

All those coworkers who’d just accused me of using my mother’s illness as a ploy for money? 

They all went silent after hearing the HR manager’s words. 

Each one stared at the floor, unable to meet my eyes. 

I guess they hadn’t expected to be proven wrong so quickly. 

But when faced with someone like Jake, none of them dared to question him. 

People always pick on the vulnerable, even when the powerful are clearly in the wrong. 

I’d understood this truth for a long time, but seeing it play out was still devastating. 

Coworkers whose projects I’d helped with, friends whose kids I’d watched–people I’d supported in the past. 

Even knowing the truth, none of them dared speak up for me. 

It was both laughable and pathetic. 

After collecting myself, I spoke calmly. 

“Mr. Parker, have you calculated it yet? Exactly how much money did I scam from you?” 

While I remained composed, Jake was visibly rattled. 

He couldn’t think of a single instance where he’d spent money on me. 

Not even a drop of water or a grain of salt. 

But something else from the HR manager’s words seemed to finally register with him. 

13:06 

My Ex’s Secret Kid? LOL, I Chose the CEO Who Faked Crazy for Me 

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Chapter 5 

Jake suddenly grabbed the HR manager’s wrist, his voice strained. 

“Emina’s mother… actually died?” 

The HR manager nodded, confused. 

“Yes, Mr. Parker. Didn’t you know?” 

Jake went pale, nearly losing his balance. 

He couldn’t believe the sweet woman who’d always called him “Jakey” was really gone. 

And that he’d indirectly caused her death. 

His reaction was so dramatic, he looked like someone mourning his own mother’s death. 

I let out a cold laugh, my tone both playful and biting. 

“Can’t remember any money you spent on me?” 

“Or was there simply none?” 

I thought about throwing more jabs, but why bother with someone like him? 

The most important thing now was to collect my mother’s ashes. 

To take her away from this heartbreaking city. 

Jake always knew I was proud and self–reliant. 

In all these years, I truly hadn’t spent a penny of his money. 

When someone like me–someone with that much dignity–is willing to get on their knees begging for money, 

It means I must have been facing something truly desperate. 

Jake understood this all along. 

But whenever he wavered, Madison was always there to pull him back. 

Jake’s unfocused gaze suddenly sharpened. 

He looked around frantically until he spotted me by the elevators. 

“Emma!” 

As he called out, the elevator doors closed. 

Jake felt a surge of panic. 

He sensed that if he didn’t get my forgiveness this time, I would leave him forever. 

th–cro Who Faked Crazy for Me 

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Chapter 5 

He strode toward the elevator, jabbing the button repeatedly. 

Watching the floor numbers decrease, Jake cursed under his breath. 

He kicked the elevator doors in frustration. 

The atmosphere around him darkened with his foul mood. 

Madison knew exactly what Jake planned to do next. 

To stop him, she rushed after him and threw herself around his waist. 

“Jake, where are you going?” 

Jake pried Madison’s clinging arms off him. 

His brow furrowed in annoyance. 

“I need to apologize to Emma.” 

A flash of venom crossed Madison’s eyes before she quickly masked it.