"You just scare me sometimes, my dear," Mrs. Anderson said.

Jeff scoffed. "I’m… I’m sorry for laughing, but…" He shook his head and added, "I’m fine, Mom. And I’d say you don’t need to worry about me or Alicia."

Mrs Anderson pressed her lips together in a tight line and nodded. "Fine," she conceded. "Just be careful." After a brief pause, her expression turned concerned as she asked, "How is she doing now?"

Lowering his head, Jeff’s voice wavered as he replied, "She’s alright… she’s at home."

A pang of guilt and fear twisted in Jeff’s chest. He winced and stole a glance at Mrs Anderson, who was quietly picking up her mug.

"No, Mom!" Jeff shut his eyes tightly, his forehead creased as he fought to block out the haunting memories.

"Let go of me! Mom! Mom!"

"You son of a bitch!"

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The vivid memory of that terrifying voice and the moment everything went black lingered in Jeff's mind.

"I came here to talk about something important," Mrs. Anderson said, tracing her fingers around the rim of her mug.

Jeff exhaled slowly and silently, lifting his head. Watching Mrs Anderson inhaling the coffee's steam, his hands began to tremble. Fearing she might notice, he suddenly stood up.

As he turned to leave, he blurted out, "We can talk later."

"I’m retiring soon as the chairman. You’ll need to take over, Jeff," Mrs. Anderson declared before he could escape.

Jeff froze, as if struck by an icy wind, and his face turned pale.

"It’s time, Jeff," Mrs. Anderson continued, looking at Jeff's back. "It’s time for you to take charge of your mother’s properties. They’re not mine."

Jeff turned back to her. "I call you Mom," he reminded her.

"That’s not the point. You’re old enough, Jeff. You need to start preparing for it. Besides, I’m old enough to retire—or…" She raised an eyebrow. "Do you expect your mother to keep working into her old age? I’m sixty-six, Jeff."

Jeff opened his mouth to respond but found himself speechless. He sighed and gave a hesitant nod. "Maybe Jason should take over," he suggested, rubbing the back of his neck.

Mrs. Anderson’s eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Is there more to this? What’s the problem?"

"It’s just… it’s not the right time yet."

"When, then?" she asked, her gaze sharpening.

"Very soon," Jeff muttered, nodding absently. "Very soon."