Chapter 186

She had stumbled upon a heart wrenching story online once a case where a father, unwilling to spend time and energy on his son who suffered from bipolar disorder, had cold–heartedly chained the boy like a dog and locked him away in a cage.

When the story broke, the poor kid was found curled up in a corner of the cage, filthy and cold to the touch, breathless.

And just recently, a man from Fest City, eager to start over with his new flame, had mercilessly pushed his young son and daughter down the stairs, resulting in their tragic deaths.

Some people are supposed to be parents.

Others, it seems, are devils incomate.

She didn’t really know Tarin. Given that he might be the man who bullied her years ago, she felt animosity towards him.

He might not be a good guy, but there was no doubt in her mind that he was a good father.

The way he looked out for Elijah made that clear, Elysia approached her snow–covered scooter, hesitated for a second, then wrapped the scarf he’d given her around her neck and left the neighborhood.

The scarf was soft, a cozy bamier against the winter chill.

No sooner had Elysia disappeared than the photo of her sneaking a peek at Tarquin was sent to Nola’s phone.

“That little tramp! She dares to make a play for Tarquin! Dad said I was just stiming up trouble, and accused me of being dramatic. Mom, can’t you see? Am I wronging her?”

Alleen squinted at the photo, her gaze fierce.

Alleen, Nola’s mother, was closing in on fifty but took such good care of herself she could pass for forty.

She was the epitome of a trophy wife, bom and bred in wealth.

She was Donovan’s second wife, the other woman who had successfully climbed her way to the top.

In Alleen’s second year as Donovan’s mistress, his first wife passed away.

The year she mamed Donovan and gave birth to Nola, Donovan’s son met his untimely death.

The drama that unfolded wasn’t something you could sum up in a few words To describe Aileen in one sentence: she was ruthless and cunning.

She had been away in King City attending a high–society ladies‘ gathering when Nola got into trouble, and she rushed back only after a furious call from Donovan, demanding she take better care of their daughter.

“Speak up, Mom! Does she look innocent to you, the way she looks at Tarquin? No! I must find a way to get rid of her!”

Nola was about to make a call when Alleen snatched her phone away.

“How many times must I tell you, Nola? Stay cool–headed in the face of trouble. Don’t act on impulse.

Do you even know this woman? Have you looked into her relationship with Tarquin?”

Nola was livid.

“Do I need to investigate? It’s obvious she’s seducing Tarquin!

Alleen pursed her lips.

“Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated. You go picking a fight without understanding her, and you’ll be the one to suffer! And you dare to go after her directly? Have you forgotten what happened to the Sutton family? Did Tarquin’s warning fall on deaf ears? If you keep this up, the Slater family will become the next Suttons!”

Nola glared “That’s impossible! I saved Elijah’s life. I’m bis savior, Tarquin would never turn on me! Besides, it was Keaton who bankrupted the Suttons, not Tarquin!”

“Foolish girl! Without Tarquin’s pressure from behind the scenes, Keaton wouldn’t have had the heart to act so ruthlessly. And another thing, stop flaunting your deed of saving Elijah. Some debts of gratitude should remain unspoken. If you keep using it as leverage, it’s no longer a favor, it becomes blackmail.

Do you think Tarquin would tolerate that?”

“Then… what do you suggest? That woman Elysia is clearly here with a plan. She’s barely been here a few days, and Tarquin is already shielding her. If we don’t deal with her soon, who knows? They might end up together!”

“That won’t happen. Tarquin is yours, and I won’t let him end up with another woman.”

As Aileen’s words faded, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, her eyes narrowing.