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.”

smiled. “Now, don’t laugh at me for being easily

grow up, I’ll show you

tight. “Oh my gosh, you are the absolute sweetest! I

Xavier next. “Seriously, Xavier-how did you raise your kid so well? I need tips. I want mine

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

asked herself-was it her fault?

usually swamped

and Wendy exchanged

Genes. Terrifying things.

Theo practically a mirror of Carter? Even down

came

said, “The performance is about to begin. Could the parent of Matty please come with me to draw the

it. You guys wait here

the hallway before she bumped into

gave her a glance, unreadable, and looked away

the drawing room, several other parents were already gathered, chatting and making small talk. Sharon didn’t know