Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 12

“Thanks,” Jared said. Without sparing me another glance, he strode away.

I spun on my heel and left. Since I hadn’t had a single drink at dinner, I got in the car and drove. In the afternoon, I met my violin coach and locked in the next batch of lessons.

That night, when I got home, Jared still wasn’t there. I fired up my computer and started working through the Englysian tutor’s lessons.

The next afternoon, Yvonne had a horseback riding lesson that required a parent to be there. Right after I canceled, Jared called and asked, “Why’d you cancel Yvonne’s riding lesson?”

I kept my voice steady. “I have a class this afternoon too. No time to go.”

“Victoria, this has gone way too far. What the hell is your problem?” Jared finally snapped–Yvonne was his absolute bottom

line.

I knew he’d blow up, so I kept my cool. “I’ll hire another servant tomorrow. She can take Yvonne to her lessons, drop her off at school, pick her up–won’t interfere with her grades one bit.”

Jared raised his voice. “You’re Yvonne’s mother.”

“Blood doesn’t always make the best family,” I said, speaking from hard experience.

In my previous life, I had doted on Yvonne, pouring my entire heart into her, but she only had eyes for Tracy.

When Tracy had that little surgery, Yvonne ran to sit by her bed, fawning over her. And when I was on my deathbed, she felt sorry for Tracy instead.

kid like that? To tear my heart

to get back at

I stayed quiet.

I don’t let you work, you’ll keep giving Yvonne the cold shoulder? Victoria, do you know how to be a mother? You’re

angry he got. Right now,

right? Take over the company’s two hotels, and you’ll get half the profits. But if they tank, you come home, take care of Yvonne,

I perked up, suddenly willing to talk. “Then I’ll head to Yvonne’s riding lesson

isn’t always a good thing. Using Yvonne as leverage against me isn’t smart,” Jared said coldly before

it, honey. Thanks for the lesson. With a husband this generous, I’d better step up my game. I’ll

voice

late for the lesson. Bye.” I hung up, giving

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Chapter 12

a red–eyed Yvonne. She sat with a pouty expression, while a teacher stayed by her side. Other kids were happily

I’m here,” I called, walking

shot me a look like I was the last person on earth she wanted to see. “I don’t

to meet her eyes. “Oh yeah? Did he say he was

Holcomb said he was tied up, but you’d be here. Yvonne’s still

her?” I plopped down next to Yvonne. “She’s too big

like I was

let out an awkward laugh. “Yvonne, talk to your mom first. I’ll