Chapter 20

“Fine,” I replied, closing my eyes to signal the discussion was over.

Like sand, men escaped when held too tightly. Push them too hard, and they’d only push back harder. It wasn’t worth the fight.

Play by their rules, and their better nature might show itself. That was when a smart woman could claim her advantage.

I knew Jared from before–knew the only way to get anything from him was to play vulnerable. Let him pity me, and I might just get what I wanted.

The hours at the hospital passed quickly. Before we knew it, evening had arrived. Yvonne’s cut turned out to be shallow, so after changing the dressing, the doctor cleared us to leave.

Our usually dramatic daughter actually grew more cautious after the scare.

Yvonne’s injury kept her home from school the next day. Though she pleaded for company, I prioritized the hotel negotiations at Jared’s company, confident the servants would care for her properly.

offer to cancel my plans and stay

and Jared’s silent stares made it clear he’d

in me.

dress hugged my curves as I perfected my

voice came from beyond the bedroom door. “You’re really going to the

my earrings. “Six is plenty

“There was a time when you’d drop everything the moment Yvonne cried. A single cough would keep you

baby anymore. Six–year–olds don’t need constant coddling. I walked myself to school at that

she was caught between babyhood and childhood—still clinging to me one moment, yet quick to

tantrum ended with his promises of

his indulgence with quiet satisfaction. He’d regret spoiling her like

She burned through hundreds of millions in a single year, a testament to her talent

her injured leg carefully positioned. “You’re all dressed up to leave

need to work so we can have nice things. Listen to Joyce and Wendy, and call me if you

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