Following Sonny’s gaze, Connor and Tessa both looked over.


    74


    <b>55 </b>vouchers


    Seeing Xylia show up, an icy look shed in Connor’s eyes, and he let out a snort. He knew Xylia couldn’t walk away from the title of Mrs. Ford in the end.


    Tessa grinned widely and waved Xylia over. “Xylia, I knew you’d be back. Seriously, being Mrs. Ford is the life. If it weren’t for my dancing career, I’d totally be a housewife myself.”


    Still smiling, Tessa hooked her arm through Xylia’s and steered her towards the sofa. “That guy from the other day? Total deadbeat. If you ask me, there is no point dragging in some nobody like that just to get back at Connor.”


    Xylia instinctively frowned and opened her mouth to speak, but Connor cut her off. “<b>If </b>you know you messed up, then focus on home. Better straighten up and keep your distance from that man. Don’t let me see you with him again.”


    At Tessa’s words, Connor’s face darkened, and he stared coldly at Xylia. It had never crossed his mind before that Xylia would try to get a rise out of him by bringing in another guy.


    Connor figured his threats fromst night must have hit home. Xylia was back, and she still couldn’t help but cling to him.


    Tessa pped Connor on the shoulder like a buddy. “Come on. Xylia was just throwing a little fit. Girls do that sometimes. Since she’s back now and knows she was wrong, quit giving her the cold shoulder.”


    Connor looked at Tessa, the ice in his eyes thawing a bit, his expression softening. “You’re the only one who always cuts her some ck. She doesn’t show a shred of remorse, you know.”


    Xylia watched them in silence, a wave of bitter amusement washing over her. Their cozy little scene was enough to turn her stomach.


    Just then, Sonny’s shrill voice cut through Xylia’s silence. “What are you doing back here? You’re broken and had jail time. If the other kids find out I’ve got you for a mom, they’llugh


    at me.”


    Sonny’s words stabbed at Xylia’s heart.


    Xylia could stay cold towards Connor. But this was Sonny, the child she’d carried for nine months and given birth to. That bond still tugged at her somewhere deep down.


    Before, Xylia could tell herself maybe Tessa had poisoned Sonny’s mind, turning him against his own birth mother.


    74


    55 vouchers


    But now, she saw the truth. It wasn’t anyone whispering in his ear. It was Sonny himself, looking down on her from the bottom of his heart.


    Xylia pressed her lips together, her fingers curling slightly. A bitter thought settled in her mind, ‘Fine. If Sonny doesn’t see me as his mother, then he doesn’t have to be my son either.‘ Even so, the sudden severing of that bond sent a sharp pang through her heart.


    Sonny watched her warily. “You can’t make it on your own in Jupiton. That’s it, isn’t it? Who else would want damaged goods like you, besides Dad and me?”


    He threw his head back, chest puffed up with smugness. “If you beg us properly, I might just give you another chance.”


    Sonny hadn’t forgotten those times Xylia’d scolded him before. This time, he was determined to put her in her ce.


    Xylia gave a humorless tug at the corner of her mouth.


    ‘My own son calling me damaged goods. A bitter ache spread through her chest. ‘Of course he does. My own flesh and blood knows just how to twist the knife.


    “Xylia, don’t take it to heart. He is just a kid.” Tessa chirped, pping a hand yfully over Sonny’s mouth, “But he’s got a point, you know?”


    Watching the three of them looking like a picture–perfect little family, Xylia felt nothing but bone–deep exhaustion. She didn’t even have the energy left to argue.


    Her gaze drifted calmly to Connor. “Your phone’s dead. Since you’re here, let’s go find Grandpa Orion together and get this divorce settled.”


    Connor’s softened expression darkened again. He pulled out his cigarette case, tapped one


    out.


    “Xylia, how much longer are you gonna keep this act up?” The scent of tobo filled the air as he looked at her, eyes cold and mocking. “I’ve given you more than enough.”


    Connor paused, taking a drag. “I don’t care for women who push their luck.”


    Xylia barked a short, bitterugh. She hadn’t pushed it nearly enough, which made them torn her to pieces.


    “You reminded me yesterday. We owe Grandpa an exnation. He has to hear about this divorce from us.” Xylia said.


    Connor’s face twisted with rage. He mmed the cup he was holding to the floor. It shattered everywhere.


    :


    74


    E55 vouchers


    “Xylia, enough is enough with this nonsense.” he roared, “I spoiled you rotten, but that doesn’t mean I’ll put up with your tantrums forever.”


    Xylia listened, a coldugh echoing silently inside her. ‘Spoiled me? He has spun his web of lies so long that he probably starts believing them himself. The sheer nerve of him, making such pretty speeches.‘


    Xylia had no more words to waste on him. “If you won’te, I’ll go tell him myself.” With that, she turned and marched straight off toward Orion’s room.


    Sonny watched her retreating back, his eyes, usually so clear, burning red. A jumble of thoughts tumbled through his mind. ‘Mom hasn’t looked at me once since she got here. Does she really not want me anymore?‘


    A pang of fear shot through him, quickly smothered by anger. ‘No! Tessa says Mom’s just a spoiled brat throwing a fit to get back at Dad. Dad works so hard, and she pulls this running away nonsense. She just wants us to chase after her, doesn’t she? What a drama queen! Well, I’m not giving in. I won’t let her win.’


    Connor watched Xylia’s determined back, that same unsettling unease bubbling up inside him again. Frustrated, he started after her.


    Suddenly, Ivan Wade, the butler, hurried over to the stairnding, calling out to Connor, “Mr. Connor! Mr. Orion has copsed!”


    Connor bolted up the stairs. Xylia’s heart lurched, and she hurried after him.


    Minutester, a car sped out of Ford Mansion, racing towards the hospital.


    <b>44444 </b>


    Xylia, Connor, Sonny, and Tessa were all stationed outside the ER doors.


    Paxton and Mnie rushed in momentster. The second Mnie spotted Xylia, she strode straight up and pped her across the face.


    Xylia, caught off guard, took the blow full force.


    “Dad was fine until you showed up, and now he’s in there.” Mnie snapped, her voice trembling with fury, “You’re nothing but a bad luck charm. You brought this on him.”


    Seeing Xylia struck, Connor frowned slightly. “Mom, Grandpa copsed suddenly,” he said, stepping forward, “It has nothing to do with Xylia.”


    It was rare for Connor to defend Xylia. Seeing her standing there, looking so fragile and pitiful after the p, tugged at him. Besides, she was still his wife. He wasn’t about to stand by and watch her get hit.


    55 vouchers


    Mnie shot Connor a re. “Defending her now? At a time like this? Your grandfather is fighting for his life. Can’t you think straight?”


    Seeing the tension, Tessa quickly stepped in, tucking her arm through Mnie’s. “Mnie, Grandpa really did copse out of the blue.” she said soothingly, “As far as we saw, it wasn’t because of Xylia. It’s just that…”


    “Just what?” Mnie asked.


    Tessa lowered her voice slightly, casting a meaningful nce at Xylia. “It’s just that Xylia’s beenpletely out of line these past few days. Not only did she run off, but she’s been getting awfully cozy with some other man out there. Maybe Grandpa heard about it, and that’s what upset him enough to copse.”


    Mnie went ballistic. “Xylia! You actually dared to sneak around behind my son’s back?” she shrieked, “You shameless woman!”


    Enraged beyond reason, Mnie lunged at Xylia, hand raised for another p.


    This time, Xylia was ready. She moved just enough to block the blow.


    “I didn’t run off. I’m leaving for good. I want a divorce.” Xylia stated, her voice surprisingly steady, “Isn’t that exactly what you’ve always wanted?”


    “Xylia!” Before Mnie could fully process what Xylia’d just said, Connor snapped furiously. “Grandpa’s still fighting in there, and this is what you pull? Have you no respect for your elders?” His voice was tight with rage.


    Sonny red at Xylia, his young face twisted with pure disgust. “I’m ashamed you’re my mom. You made Great–grandpa copse, and you don’t even feel bad. A woman who has served time in prison is just cruel and scary.


    “You don’t hold a candle to Tessa. You don’t deserve to be my mom.”


    Mnie’s gaze flickered between Xylia and Tessa.


    ‘All these years as the daughter of the Schultz family, and she has turned out to be a phony. Mnie sneered inside.


    Mnie had always felt Xylia had no business marrying her brilliant son. Now, Xylia was demanding a divorce, which was music to Mnie’s cars.


    Mnie patted Tessa’s hand affectionately, then turned a look of undisguised contempt on Xylia. “Since you know you’re not good enough for my son, tell Dad yourself when hees out–you and Connor are getting divorced.”


    With that, she shifted her attention back to Tessa. “Tessa, it’s been years since your husband


    …


    <b>74 </b>


    55 vouchers


    passed. Why not find yourself a proper match?” She threw a meaningful nce Connor’s way.


    Tessa didn’t speak, but dipped her head, a shy smile ying on her lips.


    Connor missed it entirely. His eyes were locked on Xylia, his face like thunder.


    74