Chapter 29
Villains sure loved to torment each other most of all!
“But I’m sure Maddie will manage to turn him back into a simp in record time. That’s what scheming bitches are best at they play men like it’s bloody psychological warfare
“They can throw all sorts of abuse at men and somehow manipulate them into drinking their bathwater with some of that sweet nothing,” Jean, PhD in “How to Identify a Bad Bitch,” stated.
“Whatever. These two belong together forever. May death do them part,” I replied sincerely.
Jean cast me a suspicious look. “Mm–hmm. You’re sure you’ll be able to say no to him if he comes back?”
“Of course! He humiliated and betrayed me! If I say yes to being with him again just because he asked, I’d be rightfully derided and laughed at everywhere!
“They’d think I’m so obsessed with being with a guy that I’d eat a piece of trash!”
“Besides, you said it best. He might not have wanted me back because he realized he loved me. He just realized I
I replied. provide more functionality and service than Maddie–least of all because I’m a functional blood bank!” 1
There was no one Edward loved more than himself. Giving yourself to a man like that was like offering yourself to a fire.
Jean seemed relieved. “A strong resolve is always welcome. If you need any help getting the money for a divorce, just tell me. I’ll help.”
“Thanks, Jeannie.”
I returned to my office to work overtime after that.
When I was about to leave at 10:00, Aunt Sarah called.
“Tay–Tay! Do you remember the white nephrite bracelet your mom sold a few years ago? It’s been found!”
“It has?!” I was elated. “Where?”
“There will be a large charity drive, hosted by the Swedbury Auction House, in Holms at the end of the month. That bracelet is one of the items!
“You have to take a look–but both your grandmother and I think it’s the exact same bracelet!”
I looked at the picture she sent me. It was it–my mother’s bracelet!
I returned home and immediately checked the professional auctioneers‘ assessments. The bracelet would have to start at 4,000,000 dollars.
It felt like a bucket of ice–cold water had been poured on my parade. How was I supposed to gather that much money?!
But it was the most important keepsake my mother had left me, and my grandmother’s one last wish.
We had searched for it for years. If we couldn’t get it back, it would become the one regret she’d bring to her grave -and the ghost that would haunt me for the rest of my life
Chapter 20
I tossed and turned in bed, trying to come up with ways to pool enough money.
+25 BONUS
Edward returned to Metropolis in two days. He called me to invite me to dinner.
I knew what he was trying to do and refused to let him. “I‘ pass. Just tell me things over the phone.”
“Is all of this distance necessary? Even friends share meals from time to time.”
I was not interested.
“Is there any reason for this call at all? If not, bye,” I stated
“Fine, Tay. It’s the villa. Let’s transfer its ownership to you tomorrow,” he said.
I frowned for a moment.
After some thought, I replied, “I changed my mind. You take it. You should reimburse me for the furniture and renovation.‘
I needed money, and fast. It was better to have several thousand dollars on hand than an unliquidated asset worth millions.
“Where are you going to stay, then?” he asked, puzzled.
