Chapter 2

Silence stretched across the line. Just as my heart sank, Violet burst into tears of joy.

"Get over here right this second! With your talent, you could run the entire company, let alone the design department!"

"Back then, you threw away your career for marriage and a baby. Even after the divorce, when you finally returned to the industry, you gave it all up again for that spoiled brat."

"You literally had an admission offer from the top design academy in Milan, and you tossed it in the trash!"

"We're preparing for our massive end-of-year runway show. The design team is working in a closed-off retreat right now. Think about it."

I raised my shaking right hand and caught sight of my haggard reflection in the mirror.

"I don't need to think about it. But... my age..."

"Stop overthinking! We all know your vision and your technical genius."

"The pieces you designed years ago are still timeless bestsellers at House of C. Settle your business in New York. I’ll send a car for you this Monday."

I hung up, determined to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

I pushed open the door to the VIP room. Tyler froze in place before rushing to my side, panic flashing across his face.

"Mom! You're finally here! Where were you? They were about to kill me!"

The loan shark stood up and delivered a stinging slap across Tyler's back.

"Got the money? We had a deal, lady. The deadline's up today. If the funds aren't here, I’m taking one of your son's fingers."

Richard leaned back, eyes narrowed with amusement.

"Evelyn, is this how you raised my boy? Or maybe you can beg me. Come back and be my maid, and I’ll make this go away."

"After all, you wouldn't want to watch your only son get mutilated, would you?"

"Or if you're too proud to beg, I have a quick-cash job for you."

"You've aged decently over the years. I know a high-end parlor that loves mature MILFs like you. What do you think?"

Raucous laughter exploded in the room. Tyler flushed red, burning with humiliation.

"Mom, did you bring the cash or not? Just give it to them!"

"What are you waiting for? Do you actually want them to cut off my finger?!"

Trembling with rage, I refused to play their sick game. I reached into my coat and pulled out a bank draft.

"Here’s one million dollars. From this second on, our debt is settled."

I turned to leave.

"Hold on. Who said one million is enough?"

"Sweetheart, your son borrowed one million. We run a business, not a charity. What about the interest?"

The loan shark grabbed my wrist hard. From the corner of my eye, I caught Richard giving him a subtle signal.

Instantly, the man released me.

"Mom, I... I forgot to mention, they want astronomical interest! If we don't pay, they'll break my legs!"

"Mom, I’m your only son! You can't just leave me to die!"

Tyler dropped to his knees, wailing theatrically.

"Mom, you have to help me! You have to save me!"

"Why don't you just beg Dad? Apologize to him! We can be a happy family of three again! Wouldn't that be great?"

"Why are you playing the martyr? Just kneel and say you're sorry! Dad will forgive you!"

Richard scoffed coldly.

"Your mom is a fancy college graduate and an elite designer. I'm just an uncultured new-money brute. I'm not worthy of her apologies."

The loan shark picked up a heavy whiskey bottle, making a move toward Tyler's knees.

Every single one of them was putting on a theatrical performance for me.

My son. My own flesh and blood. He degraded his own mother just to play daddy's little rich boy.

Where was the boy who used to bring me warm water to soak my tired feet, who massaged my stiff shoulders, who smiled and promised to buy me the world once he made it big?