?Chapter 39:


    Ste nced at the pair and let out a bright, unrestrainedugh. “I’m justying out the truth here. That membership card you’re so fond of? My friend owns the salon—I got you a ny percent discount. The health supplements you’re taking every month—why not ask Marc who’s really footing the bill? And everyone at the casino knows exactly how many toes you’ve stepped on.”


    All those perks Jazlyn enjoyed had never meant anything to Ste before. Just the monthly supplements alone added up to a hefty sum, but Ste had never gone to Marc for a single cent—she’d always covered the cost herself. Now that the divorce was underway, she saw no reason not to reim everyst bit, plus interest.


    Jazlyn’s expression soured with each word.


    She might have outranked Ste socially, but Ste wasn’t known for spinning stories.


    Jazlyn was thoroughly used to her regr beauty appointments, and those supplements felt indispensable. If she lost ess to either, her body would almost certainly show it.


    The thought left Jazlyn uncertain, her gaze dropping for a moment.


    Those perks were nothing if not real.


    Haley, picking up on her hesitation, felt a rush of nerves. She clutched Jazlyn’s hand and blurted, “Please, Mrs. Walsh, don’t worry. From now on, I’ll make sure you have everything you need. Your standard of living won’t drop, I swear! Supplements, salon treatments—I have plenty of connections. I’ll handle it all.”


    Ste caught the desperate edge in Haley’s voice and fought the urge to roll her eyes.


    Everything she’d named so far barely scratched the surface.


    Jazlyn’s condition was fragile, and ordinary supplements weren’t enough—she relied on an elusive remedy that couldn’t be bought, no matter how deep your pockets were.


    Ste herself had once flown overseas and spent more than two weeks tracking it down.


    Updates loaded at gαlησνe??s


    Jazlyn cared deeply about appearances and chased after every opportunity to climb the socialdder.


    After Ste married Marc, she’d gone out of her way to secure Jazlyn a prestigious—if mostly ceremonial—professor title at a university. That title had opened countless doors for Jazlyn.


    At every school function, she could step onto the stage, soaking in the admiration that fed her pride year after year.


    But now, with Ste out of the picture, the university would almost certainly strip her of that honor.


    Haley might grit her teeth and try to pull strings, but as the heiress of the Smith family, would she really go that far for Jazlyn’s sake?


    That seemed highly unlikely.


    If she refused toply, Jazlyn would kick up a storm, dragging the entire Walsh family into chaos.


    With that thought, Ste found herself almost anticipating the spectacle.


    Haley, oblivious to the amusement flickering in Ste’s eyes, poured all her effort into manipting Jazlyn, urging her to pressure Ste and Marc into splitting up.


    Jazlyn’s patience finally snapped. She jabbed a finger in Ste’s direction, her voice quivering with frustration. “Fine. If you im all that’s gone, then so be it. But I want you to divorce my son—right now!”


    Ste just gave a weary shake of her head. Predictably, Haley only needed to prod a little to get Jazlyn riled up.


    Settling back against the armchair, Ste studied the two women facing her, their postures stiff with self-importance. “Alright. But a divorce requires both parties to show up. If you can get Marc here, I won’t stand in your way.” She’d expected some grand ultimatum, but this was all they had—just another ploy to make her file for divorce first.


    What a pointless waste of time.


    Neither Jazlyn nor Haley coulde up with a response.


    They were painfully aware that Marc refused to even discuss divorce—if he hadn’t, they wouldn’t have dragged Ste out here in secret.


    Jazlyn’s temper snapped. “I’m Marc’s mother. Doesn’t that count for anything? I want you out, and even if you refuse, you’ll have to leave!”


    Ste found the whole thing faintly ridiculous. “Jazlyn, I’m not doubting your authority, but you can’t sign those papers on Marc’s behalf. If you’re so determined, maybe spend your energy convincing him instead of wasting mine.”


    Ste had gotten what she needed from the meeting. With a cold nod, she slung her bag over her shoulder and headed for the door.


    Jazlyn instinctively tried to block her path but couldn’t find any justification, so she was forced to let Ste walk out unchallenged. Still, Jazlyn refused to feel anxious—sheforted herself with the thought that it wouldn’t be long before Ste paid the price.


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