Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 857

"I thought you weren't going to show up," Tanya said as soon as I walked in.

"Just tell me what do you want?" I replied, studying her. Memories of her flooded back, some sharp, others faded, but one thing stood out: Tanya had completely upended my life.

If not for her, maybe Jace and I would still be together. Maybe we'd even have a child by now, crawling around our home.

"Have you been to Desmond's parents' house recently? Seen the child?" she asked, catching me off guard.

The child. A pawn in her games. She hadn't even looked back after giving birth, hadn't visited once in over a year. Now she wanted to know about him?

"I have. The boy is doing well," I said.

She nodded and smiled faintly. "See? He's fine without a mother."

"Stop dressing up your negligence," I snapped, "What's your point? Don't tell me you suddenly want to claim that boy now."

Tanya let out a hollow laugh. "I'm not that delusional. If he saw me, he'd probably cry."

"At least you know," I said coldly. "That boy doesn't need you, Tanya. He's better off without a mother like you."

but they weren't wrong. With all the heinous crimes Tanya had committed, it was better for the child to grow up without knowing

"With

the child will live all

wrong. Desmond's parents were old and worn down, their grief weighing heavy. Raising the boy had drained their savings, and

Desmond a selfish choice that had ultimately led to

your concern," I said sharply. Tanya's crimes ensured she'd either face the

for a beat, then leaned forward. "Desmond had a

startled. Stocks? Jace had never mentioned Desmond having

and realization hit. The money wasn't Desmond's-it

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Chapter 857

hidden under his name.

money won't

comfortable life.

she murmured. "Enough

something behind felt... strange. She'd ignored this child

this one of those "even the worst moms have a soft spot

don't like me. You probably hate me. But at least do this for Desmond." She was stripped of her usual arrogance. "There's no way that