I looked at the impatient woman in front of me, my voice strained. “Mom, no need.”
The voice on the other end of the line paused for a moment, sounding somewhat anxious. "What's wrong? Tell me, did Gabriela do something to betray you?"
Turning away, I forced back a sob. "Don't worry, Mom, I'll handle it."
After a long pause, a sigh, tinged with age, came from the other end of the phone.
A woman who had navigated the business world for years was exceptionally perceptive when it came to matters concerning her children, yet she was also helpless.
Just like six years ago, when I endured my first beating for marrying Gabriela.
That slap clearly landed on my face, but it brought tears to the eyes of the woman nearing fifty.
"Julius, your father never suffered such hardship, how can I bear to let you suffer?"
My father had a good life, but a tragic one.
In that feudal era, under my mother's protection, he married into the Davidson Family, yet he wielded immense power within the family, dominating the region.
And on the first day he met Gabriela’s mother, she meticulously listed the virtues and habits a son-in-law should possess.
Gabriela remained silent, but my mother nearly crushed her wine glass.
But I didn't care—marriage was a matter between two people.
The Petersen Family background was simple and even with a difficult mother-in-law, I was confident I could live a good life every day.
Besides, what was not to like about a woman who saved my life?
Leon's voice came from behind me, "Mrs. Petersen, I just received a message from a client. They'll be at the company in five minutes."
The woman's voice returned to its usual calm. "Okay."
The footsteps faded into the distance. I took a deep breath and put down the phone, which I had already hung up.
Suddenly, a pair of leather shoes appeared in front of me.
It was Leon.
He chuckled, a mocking tone in his voice. "Mr. Davidson, Mr. Petersen said that you can tell me directly if you need anything in the future and I can relay it for you."
Communication between husband and wife had to be relayed through an outsider.
The implication was obvious.
The man stood there, observing my expression, a hint of smugness in his eyes.
"Mr. Davidson, let me be frank. Mrs. Petersen has been incredibly kind to me and I cherish the opportunity to work with her. I also deeply understand her passion for the company, so I won't leave her easily.”