Jackson's roar tore through the hospital room.
"You f*****g bastard! Twenty-four years!" His voice cracked, spitting fury like fire. "Helen was a goddamn fraud, and you… " he pointed at Rio with shaking hands, "… you're her biggest f*****g lie!"
Rio, broken already, sat frozen, tears streaming. He'd never seen his father like this. Never.
Jackson lunged toward him, his face twisted with hate, grief, and madness all tangled together. "You made me a fool! Twenty-four years ago, I called you my son. Twenty-four years, I gave you everything I had, and what do I get back? Nothing but lies!"
"Father, please…" Rio sobbed, reaching out, but Jackson swatted his hand away like it was poison.
"Don't touch me!" he roared, spit flying. "You are not mine! You were never mine! I should h
