Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

The woman standing before her was none other than Cindy. But she was nothing like the Cindy Allison remembered. In the past, Cindy was always dressed to the nines in designer suits or flowing silk dresses, with jewelry that sparkled just right. Her hair? Not a strand out of place. She was the epitome of a high-society socialite.

Today was a whole different story. Just as Joy had mentioned, Cindy was shockingly plain. No makeup, her face looked weary, her skin a bit dull, and shadows under her eyes told tales of sleepless nights. The simple light gray long- sleeve she wore made her blend into the crowd of everyday middle-aged women. The grandeur of Mrs. Reynolds was nowhere to be seen.

It was clear the Reynolds family had hit rock bottom. Even Cindy, who once lived for appearances and the latest fashion, had been stripped down to reality.

Allison couldn't help but let a small, satisfied smile play on her lips. It was about time.

She walked over to Cindy, slow and deliberate. Spotting her, Cindy practically sprinted to Allison, her urgency palpable. She reached out to grab Allison's arm, but Brooklyn was quick to step in and push her away.

Gone was the high-and-mighty Cindy, replaced by a woman pleading with humility. "Allison, please, save the Reynolds Group. Your family, the Owens, is the wealthiest in Oak Lake. If you could just invest in us, help us out, I'd do anything you ask!"

Allison chuckled, a soft, almost pitying sound. "Anything I ask?”

"Yes, yes," Cindy nodded desperately. "As long as I can, I'll do anything. We're really bankrupt now. My husband's stuck in the hospital from working too hard, and Shawn? He's drowning himself in booze. We're falling apart."

Allison gave Cindy a look that was both amused and mocking. "And what exactly can you do for me?"

possibly offer Allison? She hadn't

were together for three years. You loved each other once. Can you

Shawn

wider, a

t and something donet

she called out, eyeing Cindy's

title "Mrs. Reynolds" felt like a slap now, a sharp reminder of past

"Mrs. Reynolds, do you remember what you said to me when we first

went pale. Oh, she remembered all

Back then, when

Kate had come

overseas, Cindy wanted her to marry Shawn. But when she found out Shawn had been seeing someone for three years—a girl with no fancy family

no

way

no she'd let her son marry

tearing into her with words meant to sting. "A girl