Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 155

Chapter 155

Kelly could feel it-clear as day. Carter was drifting away from her.

But it was Nate who spoke up first.

“That Shaluna violin sitting in Sharon’s hands is a total waste of a national treasure! Carter, just give it to Kelly already. What’s the holdup? You and Sharon are married-what’s hers is yours. And you know Kelly doesn’t have much time left. She’s admired Shayla her whole life. All she wants is to play one concert with that violin. Just one. It’s only a few days-we’re not asking to keep it forever. Does Sharon really need to be so stingy? She wants money, right? We’ll pay her. A woman who’d leave her own kid behind for cash? Toss her a hundred thousand and she’ll probably sprint over to hand us the violin herself.”

Carter’s eyes flickered. Sharon had mentioned money. More than once.

Maybe Nate was right. Maybe she was just waiting for a better offer.

In the backstage dressing room, Wendy looked around, eyes wide with wonder, awe practically leaking from her voice. “No wonder they call this place a royal kindergarten. Just the campus alone is bigger than most universities. And look at the environment-it’s better than the upscale neighborhood we live in. Even the performance hall feels like a professional venue.”

She glanced around the spacious private dressing room again, still marveling.

“Private rooms for every performer… even celebrities don’t always get that.”

to Matty, she smiled. “Now, don’t laugh at me for being

giggled. “Wendy, once I grow up, I’ll show

let out a delighted squeal and hugged her tight. “Oh my gosh, you are the absolute sweetest! I

did you raise your kid so well?

everything into raising Theo. And yet… He felt distant. Detached. His values

she’d asked herself-was it her

gave a crooked, devil-may-care smile. “Maybe it’s in the genes. I’m usually swamped with work. Barely have time to check in, let alone parent

and Wendy exchanged

Genes. Terrifying things.

practically a mirror of Carter? Even down

long, a knock came

about to begin. Could the parent

do it. You guys

down the hallway before she bumped into Kelly-there

glance, unreadable, and looked away

were already gathered, chatting and