Chapter 90

It seemed he had noticed my recent obsession with money and decided to use it as a bargaining chip. However, I knew the weight of responsibility that came with money. A woman’s greatest self-discipline is not having children recklessly.

I was planning on divorcing him. If I had another son, my life would mirror my previous one. I couldn’t guarantee another chance to start over. No one could bind my freedom in this lifetime. Love was no longer a mandatory course in my life.

“I don’t want it,” I said firmly, enunciating each word.

Jared’s anger intensified. He clearly saw allowing me to have another child as a gift and a safeguard for me.

Having a son to secure a mother’s status and share his wealth—this was his belief. But true happiness came from a mother being esteemed herself, not through her child. A cherished mother was the essence of a joyous state.

“Victoria, you’re not the only woman in the world who can give me a son. Think carefully,” Jared said angrily, trying to intimidate me.

I wasn’t intimidated. I smiled charmingly and provocatively said, “Fine, then let another woman have your child. As long as she can bear him, I’ll even take care of her postpartum. Is that good enough?” With that, I shook off his hand and walked into the bathroom.

I heard Jared’s heavy breathing and thought, ‘He must be furious with my words and actions.’

I used to be so obedient, so submissive, like a small cat without a temper. He was my world; whatever he said, I followed without my own thoughts or questioning.

But now I was like a rebellious teenager, a wildcat defying him at every turn. He couldn’t control me anymore.

When I came back out, Jared had already left, and I put the box of gold bars into my safe.

Thinking Jared probably snuck out in the middle of the night again, I was surprised to see him in the hallway in the morning. He was dressed impeccably, with his hair slicked back and wearing a dark suit. I had no idea what he was up to.

When he saw me, his expression was stern. He turned and headed downstairs.

Hearing his car pull away, I slowly made my way downstairs to make breakfast for myself. Wendy’s cooking skills were impeccable, and her absence made me miss her meals.

At noon, Melissa invited me to lunch. When I arrived, I realized she had chosen quite a pricey restaurant.

“Ms. Jenkins, did you get promoted?” I asked with a friendly smile as I sat down.

Melissa, however, wore a troubled expression. “No, I actually wanted to ask you for a loan.”

I laughed and asked, “How much?”

“30 thousand.” Melissa knew that amount was small change for me. She sincerely placed a loan agreement on the table. “I want to buy a small house. Once I have a baby, my mom might come to stay to help.”

I was taken aback. “What about Zachary’s parents?”

Melissa gave a wry smile. “They’re helping his brother with two kids, and his sister is pregnant too. They have no time. I asked my mom; she said she’d come if there’s a place to stay.”

“You’re pregnant now?” I asked, shocked.

Melissa lowered her head, blushing slightly. “No. Zachary and I plan to visit our families soon and have a wedding. We want to buy the house first so we can start renovations. It’s all step by step.”

I nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll transfer the money this afternoon. If you need more, let me know.”

“No, no, that’s enough.” Melissa insisted. She wasn’t one to take advantage, and I felt comfortable lending her money.

We were seated on the second floor of the restaurant, near a window overlooking the lobby below.

Suddenly, I saw Jared and Tracy appear downstairs. My face stiffened as they headed toward a private room door. Before entering, Tracy reached out to straighten Jared’s shoulder where it seemed slightly wrinkled.