The Unwanted Daughter: When Love Comes Too Late Chapter 63: Can't Let Tracy Go

"Even if the company falls apart tomorrow, that's on you all—"

Smack!

A sharp slap interrupted Tracy's words, pulling her back from the edge of her fury.

Everyone froze. No one expected Benjamin—the quiet one so far—to suddenly hit her.

Tracy tilted her head, ears ringing, then heard Benjamin's angry voice. "What nonsense are you talking? The Jackmans raised you for 18 years. I don't expect you to be grateful, but what right do you have to hate us?"

Her face burned from the slap.

Though she'd left that nightmare behind, the hurt on her face felt worse than any she'd gotten at the etiquette academy.

But facing Benjamin's fury, Tracy stayed steady. "I never hated the Jackmans."

Even when she was first sent to the Angelic Etiquette Academy, all she wanted was their help. She never hated them.

It was true that they raised and spoiled her for 18 years. She didn't resent being sent to the academy. She thought it was just paying them back for everything.

Tracy met Benjamin's gaze without blinking. "I don't hate the Jackmans. But I want no ties to you all. Just thinking about being one of you makes me want to puke. I can't even sleep."

She was scared that if she fell asleep, they'd send her back to that academy "for her own good" again.

Every word was serious and clear, as if she were afraid they wouldn't understand the truth in her heart. "So, Mr. Benjamin, don't worry about me causing trouble just because I'm the Jackmans' heiress. I don't care about that."

Benjamin's anger instantly faded, as if cold water had been poured over him. He just stood there, stunned.

Looking into Tracy's cold eyes, he vaguely remembered when those same eyes once looked at him full of love and admiration.

She used to wrap her arm around his, cooing, "I can't believe I'm your daughter. I'm so proud and lucky!"

But now she said that she felt sick just thinking she was a Jackman.

How could she—my own daughter—say that?

Benjamin's anger turned into deep sadness. "I held you close and loved you since you were little. I fed you formula and changed your diaper—I never let the nanny do it. How have I ever hurt you?

"You don't regret your mistakes, and now you say things like this ... You really disappoint me."

His eyes glistened with tears.

Though a top business figure in Cloudville, he looked like a broken father crushed by his child's words, barely standing.

Andrew quickly stepped in, frowning at Tracy. "Tracy, how can you say things like that just to hurt Dad? Apologize right now!"

"I didn't mean to hurt him." Tracy stayed calm. "I'm just telling the truth. Isn't that what you all want?"

No matter when, they always complain that I embarrass the Jackmans.

No matter the situation, Erin is the only true Jackman's daughter they acknowledge.

Before, I was stupid to think we could be family without blood ties. I deserved the two years of hell I went through.

Now, I see the truth, and I'm giving them what they want. I won't try anymore to be one of the Jackmans.

Andrew wanted to say more, but Benjamin raised his hand to stop him. "Enough. If you don't want to be a Jackman, then get out of the house!"

Everyone stared at Benjamin in shock.

Even when Tracy's last name was changed, he never said he wanted to kick her out.

Andrew was first to react, trying to calm Benjamin down quickly. "Dad, calm down. I believe Tracy doesn't really mean that."

Liam looked worried. "Dad ... "

He wanted to say more, but froze at Benjamin's anger. Instead, he turned to Tracy.

"CeeCee, don't be stubborn. Apologize to Dad. He's just angry now. If you admit you're wrong, he won't actually kick you out."

Tracy glanced at Liam.

She couldn't remember how long it had been since he last called her "CeeCee." Hearing it again felt empty inside.

Since Erin came back, she felt like she didn't have a place in the family anymore.

Benjamin still looked angry but didn't argue with Andrew or Liam. Instead, he kept his eyes on Tracy, waiting for her to soften and speak first.

If she hadn't pushed me so far, I wouldn't have said those words about kicking her out.

She's still the daughter I raised. If she shows a hint of regret, I won't hesitate to take back what I said and keep her in the house.

But she's been spoiled too much. She needs some tough lessons.

Erin watched it all, nearly grinding her teeth in frustration.

They all say they only accept me as a daughter and sister, but they still can't let Tracy go.