Maxine turned to meet Kathleen’s gaze. She snorted, retorting, “Now what? Done pretending?”
There was never an act,” Kathleen sneered, stepping closer to whisper, “One day, Maxine, Sebastian will choose me. Willingly.
“Good luck with that,” Maxine replied flatly.
Kathleen huffed and turned to catch Sebastian and Brian up.
899
Kathleen chased them out of the neighborhood, finally stopping to catch her breath. “Sebastian! Brian! Don’t be upset. I just tried to talk some sense into Maxine. Maybe later, Sebastian, you can—*
Sebastian suddenly looked back at her, his gaze intense. Kathleen froze, a flicker of unease crossing her face.
Kathleen forced a smile. “What’s wrong, Sebastian?”
“Kathleen, you always said our interactions were just ‘normal‘ between friends. Then why does Maxine think we’ve crossed a line?” Sebastian said.
His genuine confusion was palpable. He truly didn’t understand–Kathleen had insisted this was how close friends behaved.
A shadow flickered in Kathleen’s eyes before she laughed breezily. “See? I told you Maxine was overreacting! Don’t worry. Once she calms down, I’ll talk to her myself.”
“She’s so mean! Leave her alone, Kathleen! What if she bullies you again?” Brian tugged Sebastian’s hand. “Dad, let’s never talk to her again! We don’t need her!”
Sebastian shot Brian a reproachful look. It suddenly struck him how inappropriate it was to criticize Maxine in front of others.
“Enough, Brian. Let’s go home.” He nodded curtly at Kathleen. “We’re leaving.”
Kathleen bit back her words, knowing Sebastian’s stubbornness. Instead, she forced a gracious smile.“Alright, take care.”
As they drove off, Kathleen’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and stiffened.
Kathleen hurried to a secluded spot, answering in a hushed snarl. “I told you not to contact me! My job’s done. What now?”
A gruff voice snapped, “Words said that the lawsuit–happy Maxine adopted Ivanna’s kid. Check it out–now.”
Kathleen’s breath hitched.
Brian’s words echoed in her mind: ‘You just want Dad’s money… to raise that bastard?‘
Kathleen’s eyes narrowed, murmuring, “So that’s what he meant…”
The man on the line barked, “What’s that? Speak clearly!”
Kathleen’s voice sharpened with excitement. “Nothing! But I think I’ve found something. Maxine did adopt Ivanna’s kid. The child’s with her now!”
“Good, find a way to tail them for a few days. Report to me immediately once you’re sure.”
Kathleen gripped her phone. “Wait, does he…plan to go after the kid?”
“Just do your job!” the man snapped. “Stick close. Report everything. You’ll get paid.”
1/1
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