Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 544

Mila had no idea what Sophia was thinking—and frankly, if she did, she'd probably just call it crazy. All these people treated others like they didn't even matter. It was just maddening.

By evening, after listening to Sophia rattle off her so-called "business

arrangements," Mila left the hospital in a daze. When she finally arrived home and opened the door, she found Cara crouched by the entryway, exhaustion etched across her face. The moment she saw Mila, Cara's expression shifted to barely contained excitement.

"Ms. Sutherland... you're back."

"Mom!"

Adrian came barreling into her.

The collision nearly knocked Mila off her feet; she had to grab the doorframe to steady herself before she finally managed to nod at Cara. "Thank you for looking after Adrian today. Why don't you stay for dinner? I can have someone drive you home afterward."

"Oh, no, no, that's really not necessary!"

Cara waved her hands in frantic refusal. The last thing she wanted was for her boss to cook for her. Realizing how abrupt she sounded, she hurried to correct herself: "Ms. Sutherland, I actually have dinner plans with a friend. You've had a long day-please, get some rest. I don't want to trouble you."

She grabbed her bag and all but ran out the door, her retreat so hasty it was as if she feared being caught in some awkward scene of Mila scolding her child.

Only after Mila led Adrian into the main hall did she suddenly understand Cara's reaction. The living room looked like a tornado had swept through. Throw pillows were on the floor, books stacked in odd places, toys everywhere.

No wonder Cara had looked so frazzled. Judging by the mess, she'd spent the whole day cleaning up after Adrian-and probably being run ragged in the process.

Mila's gaze shifted to her son.

Adrian stared up at her with wide, innocent eyes. When he saw her looking, he glanced away, then quickly back again, hands on his hips, trying to look affronted. "Mom, you left me home alone today. It was so boring."

Cara here, didn't

you to stay with

After a day full of shocks, she didn't have the energy to discipline him. She offered a few words

Mila didn't trust anyone else, and the only other option was sending Adrian to the Montgomerys. But she'd promised Jade she'd let Adrian choose for himself between the Sutherland and Montgomery families. Sending him there now would break that promise... and with the Cossio situation unresolved, Mila wasn't about to risk taking Adrian abroad,

Adrian carried the Montgomery bloodline there was no getting around that. Mila knew there was no reasoning with someone like Cossio;

person

Forrest Whitmore.

abundantly clear after that night at the Pembroke house that he didn't like

This couldn't go on.

"Adrian."

and broached the subject, choosing her words carefully. "I'll be pretty busy these next few days and

meeting might help the two of them get

It

Adrian, without missing

the

bowl, making his opinion clear without a word. Mila stared at him, speechless for a moment, then sighed and put the drumstick back. "If

then said bluntly, "I don't want to play with

not?" Mila

was worried you'd be

his face twisting with indecision. Finally, he asked, "Mom, do you like Mr. Whitmore

you right now,"

moment. Then, barely above a whisper, he said, "I don't like him. I hate him.

A stepdad?

caught off guard. That was the

was her chance to