Chapter 59
It was Brian.
Brian froze in his tracks when he saw Maxine.
Valerie tugged him closer, her smirk sharp. “Poor kid’s been neglected. I took Brian out for a stroll. Men can’t parent carefully, right?”
89%
+38)
Maxine’s tone was flat. “Parenting has nothing to do with gender. Sebastian’s his father–he owns half the responsibility.”
Valerie’s nearly lost her smile. She glanced at Jessica. “So this is the orphan you chose over your own son?”
Maxine’s face darkened completely. “Valerie, you’re an adult and should have your own judgment. I don’t care where you heard this nonsense–don’t spout it in front of the kids again!”
Brian’s eyes were red. He was silent until now, but spoke up, his voice cracking. “Valerie’s not lying! It’s true! You left us for this… this bastard!”
Maxine snapped, “Brian! Who taught this?”
Maxine immediately turned to look at Jessica’s reaction. Jessica stepped back, visibly hurt, as if she feared Brian, and firmly hid herself behind Maxine.
Brian glared at Jessica, then suddenly strode forward to grab her arm. “Who do you think you are? Don’t you have your own mom? She is my mom!”
Even Valerie seemed taken aback. “Brian, wait-”
The next second, Brian shoved Jessica to the floor.
“Brian!” Maxine scooped up a trembling Jessica. “Who taught you to act like this? Valerie, take him home. Now.”
Brian clenched his fists, glaring at Maxine and Jessica. When he sawMaxine hold Jessica in her arms, his eyes filled with jealousy.
Valerie finally snapped out of it, grabbing Brian and calling her assistant in a hurry.
A young woman rushed moments later. Valerie thrust Brian at her, barking, “Get him to the car–now!”
After her assistant finally led Brian away, Valerie whirled at Maxine. “You just yelled at your own son to defend some random kid? That’s messed up!”
“None of your business. Besides, Brian started this. If he isn’t disciplined now, someone else will do it for me in the future,” Maxine said indifferently.
Maxine stood up, locking eyes with Valerie. “Or here’s an idea–if you don’t want me involved in his upbringing anymore, go talk to Sebastian and get him to sign the divorce papers!”
Valerie’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait, what? You’ve got a comeback for everything I say.”
Valerie stared at Maxine, still processing. “You…you’re actually serious about divorcing Sebastian? You meant it?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?” Maxine said flatly.
Valerie froze for a full beat before panicking. “Wait, Maxine–don’t mess with me. I just…I just mouthed off, didn’t mean anything by it. If you two split up, what happens to Brian? He’s not even ten. You’d make him grow up without a mom?”
1/2
17:13 Wed, 18 Jun
Chapter 59
Maxine ignored her, picking up Jessica to leave.
“Wait! Hold on!” Valerie blurted. “There’s something important you need to know. Let’s talk. Please.”
Maxine paused, turning back with a sigh. “What is it?”
Valerie gestured to a nearby restaurant. “Uh, let’s go grab some food. It’s…. complicated.”
2/2
