Page 285 of Billionaire Temptations

“If this is your way of punishing Mom and Dad, you suck, and I’m so pissed at you right now.”

I quickly sat up and dialed her number. After a few rings, it went to voicemail.

“Jules, I’m sorry. I had a rough night, and I was passed out. I’m on my way, but I need details. Is he okay? What room is he in?”

I reeked of alcohol, but I didn’t care. I didn’t have time to shower. After I put on some clothes and brushed my teeth, Jules called.

“Hello.”

“He’s fine, and he’s in room 4012.” Her tone was cold and flat.

“Jules, I’m sorry. I didn’t hear my phone.”

“Just get here as soon as you can.”

She was mad, and I didn’t blame her. They needed me last night, and I failed them because I was in a drunken state over a woman whose heart I broke. While Edward drove me to the hospital, I called my secretary to tell her I wasn’t coming in until later. When I walked into room 4012, my dad was sleeping, and my mother was at his side, holding his hand.

“It’s about time you got here,” she spoke sternly without looking at me.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t hear my phone.”

“Were you with her?” she asked.

“No. I was in a bar getting drunk and then went home and passed out.”

She turned her head, and her eyes met mine.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I don’t know. How is he?”

“He’s doing better now. He’s going in for bypass surgery in a couple of hours.”

“Is he going to be okay?” I placed my hand on her shoulder.

“Do you really care?”

“Mom, don’t. Of course, I care.”

She brought her hand up to mine and gently squeezed it. “He’s going to be okay.”

I sat on the edge of the bed and placed my hand on his arm. Thoughts of how he could have died plagued me.

“Well, look who decided to show up,” Jules spoke as she walked into the room.

“Not now, Jules.”

“Step outside in the hall for a moment. I need a word with you.”

Rolling my eyes and letting out a sigh, I followed her out to the hallway.

“What the fuck, Jackson? We needed you here last night. Mom needed you here last night.”

“I said I was sorry. I didn’t hear my phone,” I spoke through gritted teeth.

“What happened? And by the way, you reek of alcohol.”

Running my hand through my hair, I leaned against the wall.

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