Chapter 21
Wendy blinked. “Something to keep yourself busy?”
“Yeah. It’s strange–I’m not used to having this much free time,” Sharon said with a faint, self–deprecating smile. “I need something to keep ine busy. And… I need money.”
She paused, then added, “Carter already froze my card. I still have some savings, but John is trying to start a studio, and we need funds for that.”
“That bastard actually froze your card?” Wendy couldn’t hold back her anger. “All these years you gave so much to that family— he never even bought you flowers. But he sets off fireworks for Kelly? He’s spent more money on her than he ever has on you.”
“It’s great that I can take care of someone else’s child and get paid for it. It’s much better than taking care of Carter and Theo. I take care of them, and in return, I get my card frozen,” Sharon said calmly.
Wendy, who hadn’t married yet, suddenly found herself terrified at the thought. Sharon had married into a wealthy family, and even she had to deal with this. What if she ended up with an ordinary guy? Would she have to earn money, take care of the house, raise the kids–all by herself?
And worst of all, still be blamed by both her husband and her child? 1
As she was lost in thought, Sharon’s voice floated back.
“A woman needs to be financially independent if she wants real confidence–if she wants to stand tall. Otherwise… even your own son might stop respecting you.”
It struck a chord.
Wendy nodded. “I’m out of work myself lately. If you need anything, just give me a call.”
“Thanks, Wendy.”
“Oh, come on.” Wendy waved her hand. “We’re way past thank yous.”
After saying goodbye to her, Sharon carried Matty back home.
The next morning, she took Matty to school.
As they stepped outside, a sleek black car was already waiting by the curb, drawing curious glances from neighbors.
Noticing them come down, the driver quickly approached and gave a respectful nod.
“Good morning, Sharon. I’m Matty’s driver, Bernard. I’ll be responsible for taking him to and from school.”
Though he’d appeared at her doorstep without warning, Sharon didn’t seem the least bit surprised.
She smiled. “Thank you, Bernard.”
Bernard opened the car door for them. “You’re too kind, Sharon.”
About twenty minutes into the ride, Sharon realized something–the streets looked familiar.
It felt like they were headed toward… the same kindergarten Theo attended.
She finally spoke up. “Bernard, which kindergarten is Matty going to?”
Matty had only recently moved to Amstern City. The information Xavier had sent her last night hadn’t mentioned Matty’s school’s name.
Bernard replied with a smile, “It’s Otelia Kindergarten, just up ahead.”
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Chapter 21
+25 BONUS
Her brow twitched slightly.
That was where Theo went.
Otelia Kindergarten was the best in all of Amstern City. Every student there came from old money or powerful families–just being rich or influential wasn’t enough to get in.
Sharon had guessed that Xavier wasn’t an ordinary man. But she hadn’t expected his background to run that deep.
She personally walked Matty to the school gate, crouched down, and said softly, “If anything happens, call me, okay? Be nice to the other kids. I’ll be here to pick you up after school.”
Matty nodded and walked inside, glancing back three times with every step.
Sharon froze for a moment.
Theo had been the same when he first started kindergarten–reluctant to let go.
But somewhere along the line, her careful reminders started getting brushed off with impatience instead of obedience.
Just then, a surprised voice called out behind her.
“Sharon, are you here to see Theo?”
She turned and saw Theo, Kelly… and Carter.
