Chapter 57

• The absurdity of the situation left Nick momentarily dumbfounded. He recalled all the instances where he had pleaded with Jed for a mere conversation, let alone a meal together. Yet now, under his new wife's influence, Jed expected him to readily agree to explore a father-son bond. A hint of bitterness seeped through his icy demeanor. It was too little, too late. What was worse, Jed didn't even seem to genuinely care.
• Nick finished his coffee, "Thanks for the offer, Jed, but I'll have to decline. I didn't need you before. I don't need you now." His father's eyes hardened, "Always thought you were superior to me, didn't you? The golden boy. Listen, son, blood is blood, and soon you'll realize you're destined to repeat my mistakes." His next words were almost a snarl, "Want to hear the truth? I married your mother for love, but she was after my money. I discovered the truth too late, she was already pregnant. And I got stuck. With you."
• Nick was taken aback, "What?" Jed laughed cruelly, "That's right, you were her desperate attempt to hold onto me, and it worked. A child meant lifelong child support and alimony. I decided to stick around and make it work, but I never forgave her." The revelation fell into place with unnerving ease. Jed never wanted him or Maggie in the first place. "Why tell me this now?"