"Gwyn, that racecar isn''t yours, sweetheart. It belongs to someone else. But if you really like it, how about Mommy buys you one next time?"


    Gwh''s face fell at once, her expression darkening.


    "Why not? It''s so cool-I want this one, Mom. Please, I want this one."


    It hadn''t even urred to Gwh that the model car wasn''t a gift for her. Her disappointment quickly turned into frustration.


    Hadn''t Mom thought to bring her a present after all this time apart? She remembered, just the other day, when she went out for dinner with Dad and Ms. Marchand, she''d even chosen Mom''s favorite restaurant, hoping Mom would join them one day.


    Gwh thought, as long as Mom wasn''t upset about Dad seeing Ms. Marchand, she''d ask Dad to invite Mom along for dinner sometime.


    She never expected Mom to walk in today with such a gorgeous racecar model and then refuse to let her have it. It felt so unfair.


    "Gwyn, be good. Mommy''s giving this car to a friend. I promise, next time we''ll go pick one out together, okay?"


    Honestly, every time Victoria saw that racecar-Curtis''s gift-it reminded her of the awkward mess with V&S Group buying out the racing game. She just wanted it out of her sight.


    Marcus had invited her to dinner for Max''s birthday, and Victoria thought, why not give the car to Max? It was better than leaving it around as a constant reminder of Curtis.


    She''d promised it to Max, so she couldn''t back out now.


    "Mom, you''re so stingy. I don''t want to talk to you anymore!"


    Tears spilled down Gwh''s cheeks as anger bubbled up in her chest.


    Mom used to be different. As long as she didn''t ask for anything outrageous, Mom would always get it for her. Now she wouldn''t even spare a silly toy car.


    Gwh sobbed, heartbroken, but Victoria stood firm.


    She''d made a promise-she couldn''t go back on her word. If Gwh wanted a model car, she''d buy her a new one, simple as that.


    No matter how much Gwh cried or called her a bad mom under her breath, Victoria just soothed her gently, staying resolute as she dropped her off at the McNeil estate and handed her over to Xenia.


    "Ma''am, will you be having dinner at home tonight?"


    It was rare for Miss Gwh and Victoria toe home together. Xenia figured Gwh would be eating in, but wasn''t sure about Victoria.


    "Not tonight. I''ve got dinner ns elsewhere, but I''ll be backter to tuck Gwyn in."


    Victoria figured McNeil and Violet must both be busy-why else would they ask her toe? But she had things to do too; she wasn''t on call for McNeil''s convenience.


    "I don''t want you to tuck me in. I can sleep by myself," Gwh snapped, leaping out of the car and pulling away from Victoria''s hand.


    Victoria watched her daughter''s stubborn, wounded little figure disappear inside, but she felt no regret. A promise was a promise.


    It was almost time to meet Marcus for Max''s birthday. She had the gift ready; if she handed the model over to Gwh now, she''d have to find something else for Max, and there was simply no time.


    If Gwh wanted to cry, so be it. Victoria waited until she saw her enter the house, then finally rxed.


    "Take care of Gwyn for me. I''ll be back after dinner," she told Xenia.


    Her phone buzzed with Marcus''s call. Without another thought, Victoria hit the gas and sped off down the drive.


    Inside the house, Gwh was already calling McNeil.


    He could hear her sniffling through the phone, his brow creasing in concern.


    "What happened?"


    "Daddy, Mommy doesn''t love me anymore," Gwh sobbed. "She''d rather give that awesome racecar to someone else than give it to me!"