Chapter 12
Jaylee stared at Moira, her eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and outrage–like she’d just come face–to–face with a rattlesnake poised to strike.
“Now,” Moira said, her voice sharp and icy, each word curting through the tension like a blade. “Get the hell out. Right now. Or I swear, 111 make good on my promise.”
Jaylee flinched at the venom in Moira’s tone, her body stiffening. How dare she talk to me like that? she thought.
But when her gaze met Moira’s, the sheer coldness in her eyes made her second–guess herself. The thought of Moira actually following through on her threat–ruining her precious son’s life–rooted her to the spot.
Jayler clenched her teeth, struggling to summon a comeback, but no words came. Instead, she muttered something incoherent under her breath,
spun on her heel, and stormed off, her defeat plain as day.
The small crowd that had gathered lingered for a moment, murmuring words of sympathy and encouragement to Jane before slowly dispersing
Moira closed the door behind them, her face calm, though her chest felt tight from the confrontation. She walked over to the table, poured a glass of water, and handed it to her mother with care. Here, have some water.
Jane took the glass, her brow creased with concern and curiosity. “What on earth did
y to her? How did she just leave like that?”
you say to
Moira’s voice was cool and steady. “I told her if she kept messing with us. I’d make sure Austin could kiss any chance of marrying into the Mitchell family goodbye”
She didn’t mention the other part of her threat–the one that would hit harder if Jaylee dared to push her again
Jane sighed, her guilt clear in her expression. She stared into the water for a moment, her voice trembling with regret. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t taken you away from the Mitchell family…
“Mom, that’s ancient history, Moira interrupted, her tone gentle yet firm. “Let’s not dig it up. I’m good now
you were still the Mitchell
Jane sighed, though the lines of worry on her face didn’t completely fade. “But dal you see the way Jaylee gloated! If you were family’s eldest daughter, Austin wouldn’t have dared break up with you.”
“Why would I want a man like hira?” Moira’s response was sharp, almost biting. “He can’t keep it in his pants. I’ve got no intereshin dealing with that kind of trash
Jane’s lips curled into a faint smile, a hint of relief washing over her. She had worried her daughter might st all carry a torch for Austin, but now, she could see Moira had truly closes that chapter.
Still, Jane’s thoughts drifted, unbidden, to her own failed marriage. If she had been as decisive as Moira when she discovered Norman’s affair, maybe she wouldn’t have suffered as deeply or for as long. Her gaze grew distant, and she absently set the glass down on the nightstand.
“Mom, what’s on your mind?” Moira’s brows furrowed as she noticed the shift in her mother’s mood. Concern flickered in her voice.
“Moira,” Jane started after a long pause, her tone serious, “I think you should return the house. Jaylee’s not someone to mess with, and now that you’re with Virgil, if he finds out that house came from Austin, I’m worried it could stir up trouble.”
Moira nodded slightly, her face calm. She’d already planned on dealing with the house once her mother was discharged, but today’s drama with Jaylee made it clear–it was better to deal with it sooner rather than later
*Don’t worry, Mom, Moira reassured her. “I’ve been planning to deal with it. I’ll take care of it right away”
That evening, back at home, Moira wasted no time. She took a few pictures of the house, polished up a listing, and put it up for sale online.
Ajistin had originally bought the place for 700 thousand dollars, but with the subway expansion, the market had gone wild. The property was now valued at 1.2 million dollars.
Moira listed it for a cool million–200 grand under market value–just to speed things up. The location was prime close to a top school, mid–floor unit, and a layout that checked all the boxes.
I didn’t take long for the offers to rull 1 in. Within hours, a realtor reached out, excited to show it to eager buyers
One buyer, in particular, jumped at the chance after hearing Moira was selling because of a breakup. They were so determined they offered to seal the deal on the spot.
By the
or end of the day, all the paperwork was signed and sealed. Moira asked for one day to pack and find a new place, and the buyer was more than happy to agree,
wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped. The new subway had driven up rent in the area, and every place within her budget was either
new spot w
But finding a new
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Chapter 12
too far from work or too inconvenient for hospital visits.
After days of searching, she gave up and called her best friend, Zea, to crash at her place until she could sort things out.
The sale went through smoothly, and the million dollars hit Moira’s account quickly. She kept 70 grand for herself–her share of the initial investment—and wired the rest straight to Austin’s account without a second thought.
Her phone buzzed almost immediately. It was Joy, again. Moira didn’t even flinch this time. She hit decline, blocked the number, and tossed her. phone onto the coffee table.
After a long day of fruitless job interviews, Moira was exhausted and frustrated. She stopped by a supermarket to grab some groceries before heading home to cook.
As she approached her apartment building, she froze. A sleek Forsche was parked right out front, and leaning against it was Austin, puffing away on a cigarette.
Moira debated pretending not to see him and heading straight inside, but Austin had already locked eyes with her. He flicked his cigarette to the ground and strode toward her before she could dodge.
Just as she reached the door, his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist
g her wrist and pulling
herback
“Let go of mel” Moira snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.
Austin didn’t budge, his grip tightening instead. “Did you sell the house?”
“I already sent you the money. Didn’t you get it Her tone was ice–cold. She knew damn well he had, or he wouldn’t be here non
want things to end?”
Austin’s jaw tightened. “Is this really how you want
“Moira’s eyes narrowed, “Austin, you’re standing outside my building, in full view of the security cameras. If your girlfriend catches wand of you
harassing me. I’m pretty sure your dream of cozying up to the Mitchell family is toast.”
The smirk on her lips and the venom in her words hit their mark. Austin’s hand fell away, but his frustration was written all over his face
“You don’t have to be so spiteful,” he said, his voice softening in a poor attempt to coax her
“Your mom has stomach cancer, treatment isn’t cheap, and you’re struggling to find a job. You can’t live with Zea forever. She’s your best friend, but even she’s going to get fed up eventually.“
That was it. Moira’s patience snapped like a rubber band stretched too far. “Are you kidding me right now! You’re the reason I can’t find a job! If you hadn’t trashed my reputation, I wouldn’t be broke or leaning on my friends for help.
“So spare me your fake concern, Austin. You’re not the hero here you’re the dain problem.”
Austin’s eyes darkened, his voice low and insistent. T’m only doing all this because I want you back. I’ve realized I can’t live without you, Moira,
“I know what you’re doing–this thing with another guy! You’re just trying to make me jealous. You won’t fall for someone new so quickly, I know you better than that.
help you find a job, get you a place to live-
“Five years, Moira. Five years! If you leave him now and come back to me, I’ll fix everything. I’ll help you everything can go back to the way it was
Moira stared at him, her face unreadable, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. “And what about Kayla?”
Austin hesitated, his composure cracking for a brief moment as guilt flickered across his face. “Moira, listen to me—I swear, I’ll love you for the rest ot my life. Even if I marry Kayla, I’ll still take care of you. TU make sure you’re-
“What?” Moira cut him off, her words laced with venom. “Your mistress? That’s how you show your so–called love for mer
Austin flinched at her tone, but he quickly tried to justify himself. “You don’t understand. Kayla is the eldest daughter of the Mitchell family. Mitchell Group controls 30% of Sailing Tech’s shares. 1 can’t just walk away from her, Moira.”
Moira let out a sharp, dry laugh. “You’re unbelievable. How did you become such a coward, Austin?” She shook her head, her disgust evident. There was no pain lef, no heartbreak–just a deep, cold loathing. She had seen the ugliest parts of him, and nothing he did could shock her anymore.
Suddenly, Virgil’s face flashed in her mind–his sharp, handsome features, his quiet strength, the way he carried himself with confidence and dignity. A smile tugged at her lips, but it wasn’t warm or soft, it was sharp and almost mocking
“Austin,” she said slowly, her voice calm but steely. I’m not going to be your mistress. Because..
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Chapter 12
Austin froze, his expression tightening as he braced himself for what she’d say next
“Because I’m already married,” Moira finished, her tone cool and matter–of–fact, like she was stating the weather
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