After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

“If that’s your excuse, then go to the hospital and apologize to Mom,” Rebecca said, her voice clear and unwavering.

Richard set down his glass and slowly rose to his feet.

Rebecca thought he was about to go with her, only to see the guilt on his face vanish–replaced by something dark and cold.

“You think Amelia deserves my apology?” Richard took a step closer, his mask slipping completely. “Let me remind you: if I hadn’t left you two in Jelasburg, you would never have met someone like Jeffrey.”

Rebecca finally realized Richard wasn’t here to make things right.

“You should thank me,” Richard went on, his voice growing louder. “I’m the reason you got to live the high life as Mrs. Hanson.”

“I can’t believe Mom ever loved someone like you,” Rebecca said, the last trace of warmth draining from her voice. She

turned to leave.

“Watch your mouth!” Richard snapped. He grabbed her arm and shoved her back onto the couch. “Remember who put a roof over your head all those years.”

Rebecca was about to fire back when he cut her off, “I heard you divorced Jeffrey.”

Rebecca frowned. ‘The divorce is something barely anyone knew about–so how did he?‘

“Let’s cut the crap,” Richard said coldly. The earlier grief was gone, replaced by pure calculation. “I’m here for your divorce settlement. I don’t want it all–just give me seventy percent.”

“Then you’ll be disappointed.” Rebecca got to her feet, her voice dripping with cold mockery. “Jeffrey didn’t give me a

dime.”

ཆ།

patience is about to run

moment, Rebecca almost felt grateful

ring to cover Mom’s surgery,” She

of a lie.

heard she sold the multi–million–dollar ring for far less than it was worth. He assumed it was because Jeffrey had given her so much that a few million meant nothing. He never imagined the

gave you nothing?” Richard asked one last

you don’t believe me, go ask Jeffrey yourself,” Rebecca said, done with the talk. She turned to leave, ready

couldn’t understand why Richard, who had been good

Chapter 28

the moment things got tough–were

anything,” Richard snarled, grabbing Rebecca’s arm and staring hard at her stunning face, “then you’ll have to earn it yourself. Honestly, a face like yours

he was already dragging her toward the next booth. The room was loud and thick with smoke, making

Stanley, who had been scoping out the bar, saw the whole thing. He quickly snapped a photo, sent it to Jeffrey, and made the call. “Check

rough hand was gripping Rebecca’s arm,

to go in and

fingers tapping slowly

but Stanley felt the cold anger

the guest list,” Jeffrey said, his

Stanley replied. “But what

could get an answer, his phone was hacked. The rear camera flicked on by itself, and a cool, detached voice came through. “Point the camera inside. Don’t move

You could’ve just

with smoke. As Richard dragged

group of men. “Go make a toast to these

this?” one of them asked, looking Rebecca up and down with a

said with a flattering smile–a complete change from earlier. “She’ll be drinking with you tonight. We’re hoping for

laughed, trading a meaningful look with the

Rebecca fought to break free, her eyes erupting with a hatred so intense it was almost terrifying.

across the face, his eyes cold and cruel. “Drinking with

zero divorce settlement was just a sign that Jeffrey was one with her and had