‘I knew Jared wasn’t sticking his neck out for me—he just caught the scent of power, I thought.

“Jared, if you’re just in it for the money, don’t act like you’re doing me a favor,” I called him out without hesitation.

Jared’s face turned a little red, looking embarrassed. He shrugged. “Sorry, looks like I can’t put on an act in front of you.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re a real businessman.”

Jared paused, then grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I nodded. “Of course, it’s a compliment. But it also reminds me—businessmen only care about profit. If a woman tries to look for feelings with you, she’s just asking for heartbreak.”

Jared’s face darkened. “Victoria, I’m not as cold as you think. If you came back to me, I’d really try to love you again.”

“Time doesn’t rewind, and what’s done is done. Jared, honestly, we’re better off just making money together,” I said with a cold smirk.

Jared let out a helpless sigh. “Seeing you so calm and logical, I really don’t have any hope left.”

I opened the door and walked out, leaving without another word. I knew I wouldn’t argue with him ever again.

I had a lot of work waiting for me in Shaville, so I had to head back on Sunday afternoon.

I chose to spend the rest of my time with Yvonne.

She needed me now, and I was looking out for her too. We were slowly growing closer as mother and daughter.

While I was out shopping with Yvonne, we just happened to bump into Tracy, who was shopping with a few friends.

As she walked straight toward us, I felt Yvonne squeeze my hand tighter.

Tracy glanced at us, her expression complicated, but in the end, she came over to say hi.

“Ms. Murphy, Yvonne, you guys out shopping too?” Tracy greeted us with a smile.

I answered coolly, “Yeah, just picking up some clothes for Yvonne.”

Tracy looked at Yvonne, bent down and gently ruffled her hair. “Yvonne, how about having dinner with Tracy sometime? I’ve got a surprise waiting for you, what do you say?”

Yvonne shook her head. “No, thanks. If I want something, my dad gets it for me. I have everything I need—and I already have a mom.”

Hearing that, Tracy’s expression soured.

She shot me a look, her smile vanishing. “Ms. Murphy, you haven’t been saying things to her, have you?”

I let out a cold laugh. “She may be young, but she’s not clueless. She knows exactly who genuinely cares and who’s just putting on a show.”

Tracy’s face went stiff, but she managed to say, “I’ll head out first.”

Watching her lose that smug attitude, I actually felt a lot better.

Honestly, I barely thought about my previous life anymore. It was like a nightmare that kept fading away, slipping further from my mind with each passing day.

This life is my stage now, and for once, I’m calling the shots. I finally know how I want to live—and I’m not letting anyone else decide for me.

“Mom, don’t worry. Dad doesn’t see her anymore,” Yvonne said, noticing I was distracted. She thought I was still bothered by Tracy and Jared, so she tried to comfort me.

I smiled at her. “I really don’t care about your dad anymore.”

“Mom, Dad’s changed a lot lately. He doesn’t meet up with other ladies for dinner anymore. He comes home every day to spend time with me,” Yvonne said, swinging my hand, sticking up for her dad.

“That’s good. He’s your dad, and it’s his responsibility to take care of you,” I said softly.

“I guess I’m just not smart enough. Every time Dad helps me with my homework, he ends up getting mad,” Yvonne mumbled, her head drooping, sounding a little down.

Hearing her say that, I actually felt a bit relieved. It’s just a universal truth—helping kids with homework will drive anyone crazy.

By the time it was past three, Yvonne and I were still wandering around. Honestly, we just hung out like friends, not really like a mom and daughter duo. I let her do her thing, so she was always chill. She was my little sidekick—sometimes I’d help her pick out toys, tossing in a suggestion or two, and when I browsed dresses and purses, she’d chime in with her own opinions.

“Mom, your phone’s ringing,” Yvonne ran over and said as I was trying on clothes.

I picked up my phone and saw it was Nathan calling.

I stepped into the dressing room to answer, keeping my voice low. “Are you back in Hachester?”

“Yeah, just got off the plane. Are you still in Hachester?” he asked.

I replied, “I’m leaving for Shaville at 4:30.”

“You’re leaving so soon?” Nathan’s voice was tinged with urgency. “Is there any chance we could see each other before you go?”

I remembered the promise I made to Ryan. If he really managed to get me out of the Chancellor Family’s siege, then Nathan and I would have to go our separate ways.

It was the smartest move, and honestly, it was the best outcome for everyone.