Chapter 14
She had spent five long years consulting doctors and taking every remedy she could find, all for the chance to have a daughter again.
And yet, for those same five years, Eddy had been cheating on her behind her back.
She would never forgive him.
Eddy noticed the tremor in Blanche’s shoulders and leaned in to whisper softly in her ear, “Don’t cry, darling. We finally found the daughter we always wanted. From now on, the four of us will be so happy together.”
Happy?
After her mother passed away, Blanche had moved into the Simmons family home, fallen in love with Eddy, and truly believed happiness was within reach.
But he was the one who shattered that dream.
His tender words only lashed at her already broken heart.
She didn’t want to hear his voice, so she closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.
Eddy climbed into bed, carefully pulling her into his arms. He tucked her icy feet between his warm thighs, the same way he always did, trying to bring her comfort.
His care for her had never wavered. But still-
Tears spilled from Blanche’s burning eyes.
She had no idea how much time had passed when she heard quiet rustling nearby.
The bedroom door clicked softly.
Dragging her weak body upright, Blanche reached out to the still–warm spot next to her, her expression clouding.
She kept telling herself that none of it mattered anymore.
But her feet moved of their own accord, following that shadowy figure all the way to the parking garage on the lower level.
Between rows of gleaming luxury cars, she found Eddy’s car–a black Porsche–parked neatly in its spot.
Through the windshield, Blanche saw Eddy’s back turned toward her. His silk pajama top had slipped down to his waist.
Jeannette, seated inside, met Blanche’s gaze through the glass and wrapped her arms around Eddy’s neck.
“I know you don’t want to be called a heartless bastard in public. That’s why you let Blanche
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Chapter 14
bully me.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“Be careful, sweetheart.”
They’d only been apart a few hours and he couldn’t even wait?
He just had to drag her back to the house, so eager to sneak around right under Blanche’s nose. Blanche remembered the surveillance footage of Jeannette moving into the villa, recalled their nightly trysts, and now, hearing their shameless moans, she pressed a hand over her shattered
heart.
Suddenly, Eddy spun around, glancing in Blanche’s direction. But there was no one there.
He assumed it was his imagination. His lips brushed Jeannette’s ear as he spoke, his voice cold and razor–sharp. “Careful? You come running back here in the middle of the night, injured? Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?”
“Jean can’t go a day without her big brother…”
Eddy’s tone was like a ghost’s whisper, his face frighteningly cold. “You shouldn’t have made her upset. If I ever see you in this house again, I’ll have you tossed out like garbage.”
Jeannette turned to him, terrified.
Her delicate face was full of panic.
years.
But then she remembered–he’d been obsessed with her every single day for five
He’d never be able to give her up. No way would he choose Blanche over her.
Jeannette comforted herself with these thoughts. Remembering the look of agony on Blanche’s face a moment ago, even the pain in her own body seemed to ease.
Blanche was always so proud–how could she possibly stand Eddy’s betrayal? She’d leave him
for sure.
Then Jeannette would finally get what she wanted: to become the lady of the house and trample Blanche underfoot.
Blanche couldn’t recall how she made it back to her room.
She sat on the bed all night, numb and motionless. Eddy never returned.
When they saw each other again, he was freshly shaved and impeccably dressed, the clean scent of his cologne filling the air.
“Last night, there was a sudden international conference. I didn’t want to wake you, so I just slept in the study.”
He took her hand. “Honey, why do you look so pale?”
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Blanche didn’t pull away or answer. Her pen didn’t pause as she drew a thick X through yesterday’s square on the calendar, then circled the date she planned to leave.
Twenty–nine days left.
She called to the housekeeper, “Smash everything in this villa. Especially the Porsche in the garage.”
Every inch of this place disgusted her; she couldn’t stand to look at it for another second.
The staff were shocked by her order, but obeyed without hesitation.
Everyone in the Simmons family household knew: Blanche was the one with the real authority.
Whatever she wanted, Eddy would never object. In fact, he’d always go along with her decisions. But suddenly, a harsh voice cut through the room. “Have you lost your mind?”
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