Chapter 29
Melissa’s hand tightened into a determined fist. I’ve got two working hands and feet. Maybe I can’t promise him a life of luxury, but I can give him a life where he’s loved, fed, and cared for.
“He’s not some shallow, materialistic kid like you think. Even when he grows up, he won’t regret choosing me over you just because you’ve got more money”
Bradley let out a cold laugh, his face full of disdain. “You’re unbelievably stubborı”
Melissa’s eyes narrowed as she snapped back. “And you? You’re just a spoiled rich boy hiding behind your family’s fortune. Take all that away, and what are you? Nothing special.”
Bradley’s smirk turned icy, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Alright. Let’s see what you’re really made of. I’ll give you two weeks. If you can get a job paying over five thousand dollars a month, I’ll let Milton Moore live with you. Deal?
Melissa blinked, momentarily stunned. Is he serious? A chance like this is almost too good to be true, she thought.
Back in Lachlan, during the recession, she’d struggled to find decent work while raising Cuntis. But this was Chassis–a thriving metropolis with opportunities everywhere. With her professional skills, she was confident she could land a high–paying job. Five thousand Piece of cake, she thought
“Put it in writing” the demanded, her voice firm, “And once I get that offer, Curtis comes with met
Bradley’s laugh was cold. “Of course, we’ll put it in writing. But let me be clear if you fail, you’ll never see him again.”
Melissa’s eyes burned with determination. “Deal.”
Melissa was brought into Bradley’s sprawling luxurious villa. The sheer opulence of the place made her feel like an outsider.
The house staff, seeing her arrival, exchanged relieved glances, though they said nothing.
Her heart ached to see Curtis immediately, but she forced herself to follow Bradley to the study first. There were things to settle.
Once the agreement was drafted signed, and copies exchanged, Melissa couldn’t hold back any longer. I’m going to see Curtis”
Bradley leaned back in his chair, his tone as lazy as it was condescending “Go ahead. But don’t get his hopes up. Until you prove yourself, keep the fantasies to yourself
Melissa didn’t waste another second. She bolted down the stairs but stopped abruptly at the door, spinning around to face him. “When I win my Jawsuit and get the settlement manry, I’ll pay you rent
Bradley raised a brow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. If you’re keeping track, don’t forget the lawyer Fres
Melissa scoffed, her tone sharp. Don’t worry, every cent will be accounted for.”
Without waiting for his response, she turned and ran down the hall toward Curtis’s room
Inside the room, Curtis heard the door open and assumed it was Bradley again. His small voice, full of anger and heartbreak, rang out, “I told you, I hate you! Get out!”
The words felt like a punch to Melissa’s chest. She froze, staring at the small figure curled up in the corner. Slowly, she stepped forward, crouched down, and gently wrapped her arms around him from behind.
Curtis flinched and tried to pull away. But when he turned and saw her face, his tear–streaked eyes widened in disbelief. His lips quivered, but no
sound came out.
Instead, he bit down hard on his lower lip, his tiny hands pushing weakly at her shoulders as if trying to put distance between them.
Melissa’s heart shattered at the sight. She rested her head on his unali, trembling shoulder and whispered softly, her voice breaking, “I’m so sorry I’m so, so sorry.
Her words broke through his defenses. Curr Tet out a choked sob, the floodgates opening as he cried uncontrollably. “You left me! You didn’t want ne anymore! Why did you even come back!”
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Melissa Bush hugged Curtis tightly, her tears falling uncontrollably, “Mommy was wrong so wrong. Seeing you refuse to eat hurt me more than anything.”
They held each other, crying until their emotions finally eased. At the door, Bradley stood silently, arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he warched the scene unfold
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