Chapter 64

I lounged in a secluded booth, savoring a decadent slice of chocolate cake. Liam was spending the night at Ethan’s, which meant I had the rare luxury of a child-free evening.

For some inexplicable reason, my mood was lighter than usual. Seizing the moment, I’d indulged in comfort food—hence the mountain of dessert in front of me, devoured as if I hadn’t eaten in weeks.

My visit to the prison had been… unexpected. I’d braced myself for Daniel to reject the baby outright. Instead, he’d blindsided me with a confession of love.

It left me hollow. He had to understand—it was too late. After everything he’d done, reconciliation was impossible. The man had literally tried to kill me. Going back to him would be nothing short of self-destruction.

That didn’t mean I’d deny him his rights as a father. But I refused to be the one facilitating visits. Natalie could handle that. It was the bare minimum I’d concede, and not an inch more.

Men? Done. Love? A losing game. I’d chased it twice and ended up with nothing but scars. Clearly, the universe had other plans for me. Fine. I’d focus on myself—on becoming the best version of me, the best mother for Liam.

I forked another bite of cake, moaning as the rich flavor melted on my tongue.

“Aren’t you worried about gaining weight? Oh wait, too late.”

The shrill voice snapped me out of my bliss. My eyes flew open to find Cassandra smirking at me, flanked by her snickering coworkers.

I rolled my eyes. Here we go.

She was one of Ethan’s financial advisors and, as evidenced by her sneer, despised me. I never understood her obsession. Sure, I’d been married to Ethan—a man she clearly wanted—but anyone with half a brain could see he’d loathed me.

“I’m talking to you, you pathetic cow,” she spat when I ignored her.

I sipped my juice lazily. “By all means, keep talking. Doesn’t mean I’m listening.”

Back when I was desperate for Ethan’s approval, I’d endured her insults in silence. Now? Not a chance.

“Think you’re hot shit now that you’ve got money?” She leaned in, voice dripping with venom. “Let me guess—you earned it on your back.”

I laughed. “Projecting much, Cassandra? Not everyone climbs the ladder by spreading their legs.”

Her face twisted. “You bitch!” She lunged, but I stood in one fluid motion, meeting her glare with icy calm.

“Take one more step,” I warned, “and I’ll make sure you regret it. The old Sophia took your crap lying down. Push me now, and I’ll push back harder.”

She glanced at her friends for backup, but they faltered under my stare.

“Are you threatening me?” she hissed, stepping closer.

I shrugged. “If the shoe fits.”

“One word to Ethan, and he’ll ruin you,” she sneered. “We’ve played this game before. You know how this ends.”

Once, that threat would’ve sent me scrambling to appease her. Not anymore.

“Go ahead. Call him. Right now.” I smirked. “I dare you.”

The confidence I’d lost after Daniel’s betrayal was creeping back. No man would ever break me again.

“What’s going on here?”

A sharp voice cut through the tension. Natalie stood between us, arms crossed. We weren’t close—more like business associates. Her family’s construction firm handled my Hope Houses, and this restaurant was hers.

“She’s causing a scene,” Cassandra lied instantly. “We were just sitting here when she started hurling insults.”

I snorted. “Oh, please.”

Natalie’s gaze flicked to the security cameras. “Try again. I saw everything.”

Cassandra paled. “It—it was a misunderstanding—”

“Get out.” Natalie’s voice was lethal. “Now. Or I’ll have security drag you out.”

Cassandra floundered before snapping, “This place is overrated anyway.”

A blatant lie. Everyone knew Natalie’s restaurants were the best in the city.

As Cassandra stormed off, her so-called friends scurried after her, cursing her for getting them banned.

“Thanks,” I said to Natalie. “She was grating on my last nerve.”

She smiled. “Anytime.”

Before I could reply, a voice froze me in place.

“Sophia?”

I turned slowly.

Standing there, tears in her eyes, was the woman who’d once called me her daughter—and treated me like a burden.

My so-called mother.