Chapter 74 Vixen
Finished
Shawn’s eyes reluctantly shifted from my body to my face. When he saw how firm my stance was, his face. darkened. “You really don’t want to give me another son?” he asked.
“No,” I replied calmly, throwing on a robe without another glance at him.
Clearly annoyed, Shawn got out of bed too, marching around to grab my arm. “What’s this tantrum about now? If you give me a son, I’ll give you a generous reward–more than you’d expect, not less.”
He must’ve noticed how money seems to sway me lately and thought he could use it to win me over again.
But between a fat check and a lifetime of responsibility. I know which one weighs more.
A woman’s greatest discipline is knowing not to have children on a whim.
I was already thinking about divorce. If I had another child with him now, I’d just be repeating the same mistakes from my last life,
And this time, I might not get another chance to start over. Therefore, I refuse to allow anyone to restrict my freedom once more.
Love? That’s no longer a course I’m required to take in life.
“I said no. Each word fell with crisp clarity.
Shawn’s anger flared. To him, letting me have another child was a gift–his way of ensuring I’d always have a share of his wealth, a place in his world.
He believed that only with a son could a woman earn her place.
But real happiness isn’t about a woman carning her place through her child–it’s about a child being honored because of the mother.
Only when the mother is cherished first can the child be born into a real loving family.
Take Nell Gwyn and King Charles II–if a king loves you, your child will be granted a noble title.
“Tiffany, you’re not the only woman in the world who can give me a son. Have you thought the matter through?” he warned, practically seething.
I’m not easy to scare. He can’t frighten me into submission.
I smiled seductively, teasing and confident. “Fine then. Let another woman have your child. If she can do it. I’ll even take care of her postpartum. Will that work for you?”
With that, I yanked my arm free and marched into the bathroom without looking back.
I could hear Shawn’s heavy breathing behind me. He was furious. He was likely on the verge of exploding.
There was a time, when I used to be so obedient–gentle and quiet, like a kitten without claws.
He was my god. Whatever he said, I did. I had no opinions of my own. Never questioned anything.
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13:42 Sat, Apr 5
Chapter 74 Vixen
me, I threw one right back. He couldn’t control me anymore.
Shawn had left when I emerged. I took the box of gold bars he gave me and tucked it into my safe.
Finished
I figured he probably smack out in the middle of the night again. But to my surprise, I saw him in the hallway the next morning.
He looked unusually polished–slicked–back hair, sharp gray suit. Not sure where he was off to.
Upon catching sight of me, his expression turned icy, and he immediately headed downstairs.
I listened as the sound of his car faded down the driveway. Then I slowly made my way down to the kitchen to fix myself some breakfast.
Mona used to cook for me. She was wonderful in the kitchen. Without her, everything felt a little off.
Later that afternoon, Melanie invited me to lunch. When I got there, I realized she’d picked a rather expensive place.
“Promotion, Ms. Justice?” I asked with a teasing smile as I slid into the seat.
Melanie wore a bitter look on her face. “Not quite… I was actually hoping to borrow some money.”
I asked with a smile, “How much?”
“Ten grand.” She knew that was pocket change for me, but still, she pulled out a loan agreement and laid it on the table. “I want to buy a house. When the baby comes, I’ll need my mom to help out. She said she’d come if there’s somewhere for her to stay.
Stunned, I asked, “What about Richard’s parents?”
She gave a bitter smile and explained, “They’re already helping his brother with two kids. And his sister’s expecting it too. They all have commitments. I talked to my mom. She’s willing, but she needs her space.”
“You’re pregnant?” I asked, completely shocked.
Melanie lowered her head, a little shy. “Not yet, but Richard and I are planning to visit both families over Harvest Festival. Weddings are in November. We want to get the house ready first–there’s renovation to do, so we’re just taking it one step at a time.”
I agreed. “Don’t worry. I’ll wire the money to you this afternoon. And if it’s not enough, I can lend you a bit
more.”
“No, no, this is more than enough. Melanie wasn’t the type to take advantage. Lending her money was something I didn’t have to think twice about.
We were seated on the second floor of the restaurant, by the window overlooking the main hall.
Suddenly, I caught sight of Shawn and Queena. My whole body tensed. They were heading toward a private dining room downstairs. Just before stepping in Queena reached up to smooth out Shawn’s shoulder–something on his suit was slightly creased.
Melanie noticed me staring and leaned closer. “Is that Mr. Hartwell? And who’s the vixen with him? What is her hand doing on his suit?”
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