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.

T’ll say it as many times as it takes.

between

that moment, Marcus’s phone buzzed

screen, he answered with barely contained rage. “You won’t believe what your woman just did,” he snapped without greeting. “She actually had

respect he should have for his

anger, though he knew better than to take it out on his

“Actually, your timing is perfect. Your mother and I need to

they could continue. “Let me guess. This is

toward Rebecca before

with it,” Jeffrey

grew tense as Marcus’s

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Chapter 8

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

Candice burst out, her voice sharp with panic at the thought of losing her grandson. “If Samuel goes with her, he’ll forget all about you. What happens when he starts

said casually. “But once he

to mean?” Candice asked,

seen those stories about rich people finding their kids,” Jeffrey said, always thinking about the bottom line. “Those kids are always

clearly not

what the right choice is,” Jeffrey said practically. “Besides, be there as he grows up–I won’t miss any of the

moments.”

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

there for him as he grows up,” Jeffrey

about the boy,” he added, his tone making clear he wouldn’t tolerate their meddling. “The harder you push, the more you’ll push

Jeffrey hadn’t contested the custody. Now she saw why people called him

was airtight. With occasional visits, showing up for birthdays and holidays, and bringing

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

see Samuel?” Candice asked, thinking about how defiant Rebecca had

said calmly, though the threat in his voice was

into a thin

grow colder

there were no free rides in life. What had seemed like rescue when she was at her lowest turned