The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart novel Chapter 1231

"Get out!"

The furious shout tore through the pitch-black night.

Lightning flashed, revealing the bloodless face of the boy, startling Willa who had just gotten off work so much that she stumbled backward. Recognizing the boy, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ronald, what happened to your head?"

Ronald's gaze was cold as he brushed past her.

Willa glanced at the closed door, remembered Ronald's background, and felt a twinge of heartache. She hurried forward, grabbing Ronald's arm. "Ronald, did your mom hit you again?"

Ronald looked down, his eyes shadowed.

He was a child born out of wedlock.

His mom, chasing after a life of luxury, became the mistress of a wealthy man, her ambitions growing until she even aspired to replace his wife. Her scheme, however, was discovered by Mrs. Malone. Not only did she fail in her attempt to climb the social ladder, but she also managed to infuriate the Malone family!

They were forced to leave Imperial City, relocating to a small, obscure town.

Used to a lavish lifestyle, his mother turned to alcohol to cope with their downfall.

When drunk, she'd smash things around.

More often than not, Ronald was her target for venting her frustrations.

It was his fault, in her eyes, that the Malone family hadn't accepted her.

When sober, she'd hug him and cry, then return to her cycle of drinking and lashing out... a vicious loop that was well known throughout their street.

Willa was a local, widowed after her husband died in a car accident, struggling to make ends meet with her daughter.

Having grown up in a single-parent family herself, she could particularly empathize with Ronald's situation.

"Ronald, have you eaten?"

Still in middle school, Ronald had to work part-time at a garage to earn money right after school. By the time he got home, before he could even think about food, his mom would have already unleashed her fury on him.

"Come to my place."

Willa smiled. "I've got some fresh ribs. How about I make us a nice rib soup tonight?"

Ronald shook his head. "No, it's okay."

Having grown up in such an environment, he was all too familiar with the complexities of human kindness.

Willa wanted to help, but Ronald didn't want to burden her with his problems, knowing he couldn't repay her kindness.