After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 8

Seeing the situation escalate, Victor made a call to Jeffrey.

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your price because you gave us Samuel Marcus said, his gaze hard and unyielding. “But since you can’t be reasonable, this

“We only let you name y

discussion is over

Rebecca said calmly. “We really don’t need to discuss this. It’s not your decision to make!”

Marcus’s voice turned icy. “What did you just say?”

“The divorce papers are already filed,” Rebecca said, her body tense but her voice steady. “I get custody once it’s final. If you try to take him, I’ll call the police”

Both Marcus’s and Candice’s faces instantly darkened.

That was exactly why they’d rushed over when they heard the news. After the divorce was finalized, changing anything would be nearly impossible.

“How can you be so selfish?” Candice snapped. “Have you even considered that he’s just a child? You’re making him suffer by dragging him through this instability.”

“I just have custody,” Rebecca shot back. “It’s not like his father’s dead. I’ve never stopped Jeffrey from spending money on him.”

“Let’s cut to the chase. You’re just using Samuel to get money out of Joffrey, Candice said with venom. “Someone as manipulative as you doesn’t deserve to be his mother.”

“I might not be perfect, but at least I’m better than a cheater,” Rebecca fired back, done with explanations.

“So he had an affair? Big deal,” Marcus shot back. “That’s practically normal in our crowd

“Which is exactly why I’m taking Samuel and leaving, Rebecca said, her conviction growing. Your family’s twisted values would mess up anyone, no matter how strong their moral foundation.”

“Watch your mouth!” Marcus snapped, furious that Rebecca–a trophy his son supported–dared to judge him.

her ground. T’ll say it as many times

between them

that moment, Marcus’s

your woman just did,” he

the respect he should have for his father,

fueled Marcus’s anger, though he knew

phone to speaker. “Actually, your timing is perfect. Your mother and I need to ask you

before they could continue. “Let me guess. This is

eyes flickered toward Rebecca before

with it,”

atmosphere grew tense as Marcus’s anger

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Chapter 8

on his father’s mood, Jeffrey said calmly, “If she wants to raise him, let

thought of losing her grandson. “If Samuel goes with her, he’ll forget all about you.

“But once he

supposed to mean?” Candice asked, not following

people finding their kids,” Jeffrey said, always thinking about the

quiet, clearly not having considered that

he’s older, he’ll figure out what the right choice is,” Jeffrey said practically. “Besides, be there as he grows up–I won’t miss

moments.”

well–behaved and sensible–never greedy or competitive with others. Her voice filled with uncertainty

him as he grows up,” Jeffrey stated

about the boy,” he added, his tone making clear he wouldn’t tolerate their meddling. “The harder you push, the more you’ll push Samuel away. Just act normal around him like you always

understood exactly why Jeffrey hadn’t contested the custody. Now she saw why people called him calculating and

had to admit his reasoning was airtight. With occasional visits, showing up for birthdays and holidays, and bringing gifts, he’d still look like the

cheating had only hurt her, but his love for Samuel never wavered. Whether his son stayed with him or not

what if she won’t let us see Samuel?” Candice asked, thinking about how defiant Rebecca

though the threat in his voice was unmistakable.

into a

colder

no free rides in life. What had seemed like rescue when she