From the time they were in college and dating, Mrs. Dawson had never liked Emily Thompson. Emily was not from New York City. Her parents were overseas, and her family background was unclear. However, Emily was always well-dressed, which raised suspicions. The first time Mrs. Dawson saw Emily at school, she emerged from a luxury car, which only added to her doubts. Emilys alluring looks were also in stark contrast to Grace Kellys pure and lovely appearance. In Mrs. Dawsons eyes, Emily was a woman of loose morals, a schemer trying to climb up the social ladder through her son. Grace, being the daughter of Mrs. Dawsons close friend and known to her since childhood, was the daughter-in-law she had always hoped for. Yet, Emily had ruined those plans.
Facing Mrs. Dawsons glare, Emily dared not speak and instinctively looked to Jack for help. But Jack didnt meet her gaze; instead, he guided his mother towards a sofa, saying, "Mom, its rare for your son to come home for a meal. Why be angry? Lets talk inside."
Mrs. Dawson plopped down on the sofa, leaned back, folded her arms across her chest, and turned to Jack. "Why did you bring her back? You better have a good explanation for me."
Jack stood casually by the sofa and replied nonchalantly, "I married her."
Mrs. Dawson leaped to her feet, pointing at Emily and shouting, "How dare you come back and cling to my son?! Wasnt it enough that you made Grace a vegetative state? Now youre here to harm my son?!"
She then rushed to Emily, grabbed her, and pushed her to the ground, furiously saying, "You wicked woman! Ill kill you!" Mrs. Dawson slammed Emilys head against the floor, making a loud noise with each impact.
Seeing his mother was out of control and fearing for her health, Jack went over and pulled her away, speaking meaningfully to her, "Mom, when have you ever seen your son do anything unreliable? Anger is harmful to health. Theres always a reason for what I do!"
Hearing her sons words, Mrs. Dawson fell silent, panting heavily, "Youd better have a convincing reason for me!"
Then she kicked Emily, who was lying on the ground, twice more.
Jack patted his mothers back to help her catch her breath and escorted her to the living room.
After a while, Emily, who had been knocked to the ground, shakily got to her feet. From the living room came the conversation between Jack and his mother:
"You said you wouldnt have anything to do with this woman again. Youve forgotten that she was the one who pushed Grace into the traffic! How could a woman with such a vicious heart do such an appalling thing?"
"Mom, as early as a year ago, when she disappeared, and I was investigating her whereabouts, I found out that she held 40% of the shares in Sterling Realty. Dawson Enterprises has been looking for the right opportunity to acquire Sterling. However, weve never found the right chance. Now, with the 40% of shares Emily holds and the additional 15% Ive acquired, we can take this opportunity to swallow Sterling whole." Jack spoke slowly, with no emotion in his words, as if he were summarizing a meeting.
Emily, standing behind the wall, was stunned. She felt a sourness in her nose, and tears quietly slid down her cheeks.
It turned out that she, Emily Thompson, was just a pawn in Jack Dawsons business war, to be used and discarded at his will.