Samantha curled her lips and smiled. “Do you think Thaddeus would make a bad business call? If my guess is right, the necklace should be for Mona. You, poor man. You waited for more than a decade only for your first love to be taken by your uncle. You’re no better than I am.” Envy and resentment flickered across Victor’s eyes. Gritting his teeth, he said, “They aren’t married, and even if they are, divorce is highly possible. There’s no telling who will be the last one laughing.” Samantha clicked her tongue and shook her head. “It sounds like someone is not planning to give up. They have children together. Do you think you still stand a chance?” “What about you? You cooked up an elaborate scheme, only to be on the losing end. Do you think you can ever call it quits?”The expression on Samantha’s face stiffened, making her look guilty of something. “What do you mean by an elaborate scheme?” Raising a brow, Victor smiled in disdain. “Susan’s fall into the sea wasn’t an acc
“Why are you giving me the necklace?” The jewelry box suddenly felt heavy in Mona’s hand. “What do you mean? It’s a gift for you.” Thaddeus took a glance inside the house and noticed the signs of someone else living there. “Did another man come here after I left?” Mona rolled her eyes at him. “You’re crazy.” Thaddeus held the door so that Mona could not lock him out again. “I don’t want the necklace. Give it to someone else.” A ten-million-dollar necklace was too rich for her neck. The man answered, “Alright. I’ll get your name engraved on it tomorrow.” Mona furrowed her brows. “Have you gone mad, Thaddeus? Why are you so wasteful?” The ring lost its value the moment her name was inscribed on the inner band. No pawn shop would even accept it. A certain somebody answered unabashedly, “Well, it’s your fault for not accepting the gift.” Peeved, Mona gave him the brush. She lowered her gaze to the sapphire necklace and rubbed the stone between her fingers. The gemston
It was a good example right now. Thaddeus got Mona the most expensive gift to show his feelings to her since no woman could resist jewelry. It was a romantic gesture to reflect that she was the only one for him. However, it backfired on him. He seemed to have gone about it the wrong way. Thaddeus stood at the door for a while, only turning around and leaving when he was sure that Mona would not open the door for him. On his way back, Thaddeus got a call from his employee that the woman Samantha mentioned had been located. She was Susan’s mother, and the employee needed Thaddeus to make a trip over to confirm if this was the case. After much thought, the man turned around and took the highway to the destination. …It was late into the night when Mona lay in bed. Thaddeus’ visit swept away her drowsiness, and now she tossed and turned in bed. The phone on her bedside table beeped. She took her phone and saw a notification of a mail. The sender was none other than the myster
Since Mona had her doubts, she could not put full confidence in the man’s story. She could not possibly take a stranger’s words at face value. Besides, the whole thing sounded far-fetched. Thaddeus gave her a ten-million-dollar necklace last night, and it, at least, showed that he cared enough to give the relationship something. Why would he harm her mother? Things were not as simple as they seemed. Mona drew a deep breath and asked, “You must know where my mother is. Give me the address, so I can save her from danger.” The man rattled off. “She’s in Neuffield. The rescue mission won’t be easy. Thaddeus has her under lock and key. I doubt you can pin her location down.” Mona remained unfazed. “I can call the cops.” The man smiled broadly but not for a good reason. “You are naïve, Ms. Susan Mayers. Your mother has been issued a death certificate years ago. The police will just think you’re a lunatic for sending them on a wild goose chase. Save your breath.” Mona fell sil
“I’m not too sure about that, but Mr. Fontaine is there to talk business.” In fact, Marcus knew what was going on. Thaddeus went to Neuffield to meet Mona’s mother. However, it was not something he could tell Mona. At the very least, it should not come from Marcus. “Alright. I got it. No need to get in touch with him. It can wait. I’ll talk to him when he comes back.” “Alright, Ms. Ortega. Just let me know if you need anything at all.” After hanging up the call, Mona hesitated for a bit but dialed Thaddeus’ number in the end. The phone rang for a while before it was connected. “What’s the matter?” The man’s husky voice was heard on the other end. “Nothing. I wanted to ask you when you intend to visit the kids.” “Why? Do the kids miss me?” The man’s tone reflected delight. It was the best thing in the world to feel needed by the children. “Yes. They’ve been talking about their trip with you to the amusement park this morning. Are you free today? Do you want to take them
Isabel scoffed. “Just admit that you’re upset. Don’t pretend to be a good sport. There’s no one else here. Who are you acting for?” That comment was a bolt out of the blue to Mona. What did Isabel mean by acting? Was Mona not supposed to offer well-wishes? She guessed she could never do good in Isabel’s eyes. “Ms. Graham, I’m here to collect my final paycheck. Spare me details of your personal life.” Giving Isabel the cold shoulder, Mona made a beeline to the finance office. “Victor, why did you come so early to pick me up?” In the back, Isabel’s shrill and biting voice suddenly turned soft and tender. Mona got goosebumps. She looked back and saw Victor with a bouquet of flowers. God knew when he arrived. Paying him no mind, she hurried to the finance office to collect the paycheck. “Suzy, hold up,” Victor called Mona from behind. She stopped in her tracks, and her internal alarm bells were ringing off the roof. She had a feeling that the name “Suzy” was going to give
Victor was all over Mona’s face like gum to a shoe. Not knowing what to do, Mona quickened the pace and turned the corner, only to bump into someone. The person’s rock-hard chest nearly crushed her nose. She lifted her chin and saw that it was Raymond. Standing next to him, Isabel was giving Mona the death stare. Seeing that it was Mona, Raymond stopped her. “I finally caught you. You won’t take my calls or answer my texts. You just quit without saying a word. I see you grew some balls.” “I got a job lined up. I have already gone through the resignation formalities.” Mona made it clear that she was not coming back, leaving out her personal conflict with Isabel even though it was the real reason for her quitting. She did not want to put Raymond in the spot, so she chose to keep mum. Raymond had a clear idea of the situation. Although he wanted to retain her, Mona had made up her mind. There was nothing much he could say. “Why were you in a hurry to leave? What? Was someone
“Mona, I won’t let this slide. I will never forgive you.” “Enough. Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough?” Victor helped Isabel up and glanced at the onlooking crowd. He tugged on Isabel’s sleeve. It was humiliating for Victor. Isabel shook Victor’s hand off and hysterically shouted, “What? I was beaten up by your lover. Not only did you not help, but you think I embarrassed you too?” Victor was flustered with this cocky woman. Nevertheless, he had to concede for the sake of pride. “You’re hurt. I’ll take you to the hospital.” Isabel’s resentment only intensified. “Oh, you know that I’m hurt, but it’s only now you’re showing concern. It’s too late!” Drained, Victor sounded peevish. “Then, what do you want me to do?” “Victor, watch your attitude when you’re talking to me. Respect should be mutual. I’ll call my brother to swing by if this is how you intend to treat me.” Isabel peered at Mona and threatened, “It’s time to end this.” It was like a switch was flipped in