Chapter 8
Victor quickly pulled out his phone and dialed. “Hey, freeze every single bank card I gave Serena. Right now,” he ordered his assistant, even Daidoon in a tone that brooked no argument.
Kevin’s voice came through the line, tinged with surprise. “Mr. Powell, are you sure? Isn’t that a little.”
“Just do what I said.”
“Understood, Mr. Powell. I’ll handle it right away.”
Victor thought, ‘Let’s see how tough Serena acts without money in her pocket!
After hanging up, he felt a surge of satisfaction. He couldn’t wait to see Serena crawling back, begging him for mercy.
Victor gently patted Leon’s back, lulling him to sleep. “Ellie, why don’t you take a break? I’ve got him.”
Eliza shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m not tired. Plus, I have experience taking care of kids.” She reached over to check Leon’s forehead. “Still a bit too hot.”
She fetched some water, then carefully unbuttoned Leon’s clothes and gently wiped down his small body.
Leon squirmed in his sleep, murmuring indistinctly, “Ellie.”
Eliza stroked his cheek tenderly. “It’s okay, Leon. I’m right here.”
Watching Eliza care for Leon with such care made Victor resent Serena even more.
Leon’s fever finally broke, and the healthy flush returned to his face. Only then did Victor hand him over to the professional caretaker. Then be quietly let
Eliza out of the room.
Without thinking, Victor pulled out his phone. The screen lit up, but there was still no message from Serena. Annoyed, he shoved the phone back into h pocket. But deep down, a faint unease lingered.
Eliza had been watching him and noticed the way he checked his phone. “Vic, have you heard from Mrs. Powell?” she asked, looking concerned.
Victor ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “No. She’s probably still pissed off.”
With that, Victor pulled out his phone. After a brief hesitation, he still dialed Serena’s number. He called several times, but every time it went straight to
voicemail.
Seeing this, Eliza quickly tried to comfort him, “Vic, don’t be upset. Maybe Seri’s just busy.”
Victor sneered, “How long can she keep this up? She married me for my family’s money, didn’t she?”
Meanwhile, when Serena received the bank’s notification about the bank cards being frozen, she merely scoffed. In her eyes, Victor’s move was childish
and laughable.
Those bank cards he froze were only used to cover/household expenses and Leon’s education.
Serena opened the closet and calmly picked out a few comfortable outfits. She folded them neatly into her suitcase. Her usual toiletries and skincare products were packed one by one into a travel bag.
She took out a notebook and carefully made a checklist, noting down some daily essentials for going abroad.
Looking over the list, Serena saw that it wasn’t complete. She still needed to make a trip to the supermarket.
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Chapter 8
She threw on a jacket, grabbed her phone and keys, and decided to swing by the nearby mail to pick up a few things and to check if she had missed anything else.
As Serena stepped into the mall, she spotted Eliza from afar, holding a child’s hand on each side, chatting and laughing as they headed her way Leon’s cheeks were rosy again. It looked like he’d recovered.
Serena thought, ‘They really do look like a happy little family. Her lips curled into a mocking smile. She was about to turn away when Eliza caught sight of her.
“Mrs. Powell.” Eliza hurried over to her. “What are you doing here? Where have you been these past few days? We’re all so worried about your
Serena gave her a glance, her tone indifferent. “I’m just here to buy a few things.”
“Leon just got better, so I thought I’d take them out for some fresh air,” Eliza hurried to explain, afraid Serena might get the wrong idea. “Mrs. Powell, please don’t overthink it.”
Serena glanced at Leon, who was glaring at her. She said nothing and turned to leave.
“Mrs. Powell, wait.” Eliza grabbed her arm.
“Do you need something else?” Serena asked.
“Mrs. Powell, I know you’re still upset about me staying at your place. If you and Vic fought because of me, I’ll leave with Oliver right away,” Eliza remarked.
The moment Leon heard that, he pouted and tears started pouring down. “Eliza, Ollie, don’t go.”
He turned to Serena, crying out, “It’s all your fault. You’re the one making Eliza leave.”
Oliver chimed in, “Mom, I don’t wanna move. I like it here.”
Serena shook off Eliza’s hand, her eyes full of disdain. “Eliza, your acting’s really something now. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re some saint who never hurts a soul.”
Eliza said, “Mrs. Powell, why would you say that about me? I really just want what’s best for you and Vic.”
“What’s best for me and Victor?” Serena snorted. “You want what’s best for me and Victor, so you moved into my house and started taking care of my kid?” Serena then pressed, her tone sharp and aggressive.
Eliza explained, “You’ve got it wrong. Nothing’s going on between me and Vic.”
Serena scoffed, “Nothing? Eliza, even now, you’re still playing innocent?”
Seeing that Eliza’s face turned red, Serena raised an eyebrow and remarked, “Can’t say anything now, can you? If you’ve got nothing to say, then stop playing the victim.”
Eliza said, “Mrs. Powell, I know this is hard for you, but please don’t let your emotions get the best of you.”
Serena snorted, “So what you’re saying is, you moved in without asking, my kid likes you, so I’m the one who should leave, and you’re the one who belongs in this family now. Is that it?”
Eliza’s expression soured. “Mrs. Powell, why would you think that of me? I never intended to come between you and your family. I already said, if you’re uncomfortable, I’ll move out right away.”
“You’re living in my house, taking care of my kid–what part of that doesn’t look like you’re playing the lady of the house? Eliza, stop pretending.”
“Believe it or not, I’ve never tried to replace you.”
“Never?” Serena sneered. “Then what exactly are you doing right now?”
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Chapter 8
Eliza unconsciously stepped back, her face turning pale, her lips trembling, but she couldn’t get a word out.
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Leon immediately jumped in front of her like a baby chick guarding its mother hen. His wide eyes were brimming with tears, his face flushed red as he pointed at Serena and shouted, “You wretch, don’t you dare bully Eliza.”
Serena watched the ridiculous scene in front of her and snorted. She thought, ‘Eliza really taught him well. Leon’s already learned how to twist the truth and blur right and wrong at such a young age.’
“Leon, Mrs. Powell is your mom. Don’t call her that. And she’s not bullying me,” Eliza said softly, reaching out to pull Leon behind her.
“No. I’m not going. You wretch, you’re the one who should leave,” Leon cried as he turned to Serena, his little fists pounding on her leg
AD
