Chapter 23
Chapter 23
E
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When Shelby noticed the spark of confidence and charm back in Matilda’s eyes, she clenched her teeth in
anger.
Her gaze fell on the children’s camera lying on the ground, and she jabbed a finger at it. “Is this supposed to be a gift for Lola? The other day, she was telling me her mom didn’t even get her a birthday present.
“But this isn’t right. Lola doesn’t like kiddie cameras, and this doesn’t even look like a Crossen Technology product.”
Brandon glanced down and saw the logo–it was from Lurith Tech.
Lurith Tech ran in the same fields as Crossen Technology, but they lagged behind in every area. The latest news said they were on the edge of bankruptcy and about to restructure.
Brandon figured Matilda buying a Lurith Tech product meant one of two things: she was strapped for cash, or she wanted to tick him off.
Either way, she’d be disappointed–he couldn’t care less.
Snapping out of the sting from Lola’s words, Matilda shot them a cold look and bent down to pick up the watch and the camera.
But Lola ran up and kicked the camera across the floor.
Matilda’s anger flared. “Lola, pick that up.”
“I won’t! I don’t want your stupid camera.” Lola stuck her tongue out, then grabbed Brandon’s hand with one hand and Shelby’s with the other as they walked off together.
After a few steps, Brandon turned back like it was casual.
Matilda stood there, brows tightly knit, lips pressed in a hard line. She looked like she wanted to lash out but couldn’t bring herself to do it.
Years ago, she’d been buried too long under the rubble. Then, giving birth and finding out her parents had died–it had been too much. The damage to her body could never be undone.
Lola was the only child she would ever have. Brandon believed that she would come back for Lola, no matter what.
His lips curved with confidence, like everything was already in his hands.
Matilda stooped to pick up the camera and brushed it off. Staring at Lola’s proud back, she shut her eyes against the ache in her chest.
She told herself to pretend she wasn’t good with kids in this lifetime–that she had never even had one.
*****
9:18 Mon, Oct 13
Chapter 23
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At Maxwell Villa, Tessa was busy. She had never been to Matilda’s new place, the first home that truly belonged to her.
Wanting to make it warm, she picked out two sets of bedding her grandfather had prepared for her wedding -high–end foreign brands–and had Samuel load them into the car.
Then, she bought some potted plants.
Since Matilda couldn’t cook, Tessa spent the afternoon making waffles and other dishes, packing them neatly in food containers so Matilda could store them in the freezer. With these, Matilda would have enough to eat for a week.
After that, Tessa planned to cook more and bring them over again.
Changing into fresh clothes, she stepped out full of anticipation–only to bump straight into Zack, who had just gotten back.
“Where are you going?” Zack asked, his tone as flat as ever.
Tessa’s heart jumped. She hid the food containers behind her back. “Just out to buy a few things.”
Zack closed the distance between them. “What things? You have to go yourself, huh?”
Tessa edged backward. “Grandpa’s birthday is next month. I’m going to pick out a gift.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Zack lowered his gaze, his tone unreadable.
Tessa wasn’t good at lying, and her face flushed all the way down her neck. She didn’t dare meet his eyes. She hated it when he got close.
She knew Zack was careless with women, and his body reeked of cheap perfume.
“Go then, but be back before dinner,” Zack said.
Tessa wanted to say she wouldn’t be back for dinner. But she knew Zack wouldn’t allow it.
Even if their marriage was in name only, Zack had a need to control everything. She had no choice but to obey.
Keeping the containers hidden behind her, Tessa turned sideways and shuffled out with little steps. The moment she was outside, she bolted.
Zack lit a cigarette, glanced at the driver, and tilted his chin toward Tessa’s retreating figure. “Follow her.”
He already knew she was sneaking off to see Matilda.
Earlier, he had spotted Samuel loading potted plants into the BMW, and now Tessa was carrying food
containers.
The only people she would go to such lengths for were her grandfather and Matilda.
9:18 Mon, Oct 13
Chapter 23
It only meant Matilda had probably found herself a new place to live.
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Matilda knew Tessa was coming and had already opened a bottle of red wine to breathe.
She couldn’t handle much alcohol–two glasses at most–so she only opened one bottle.
When the doorbell rang, she checked the intercom screen. It was the property manager and the butler.
She opened the door. They stood with practiced smiles, bowing politely. “Ms. Warren, welcome to Maple Heights. We’ll be at your service anytime.
“These are the barbecue ingredients you requested. We’ve delivered them free of charge, and the utensils are in the pink bag.
“Also, here are entertainment vouchers for Maple Heights–movies, bars, gym, recording studio, archery range, boxing gym, tennis court, dance classes, piano and violin lessons, AI room, buffet restaurant-”
The property manager rattled it all off in one breath, his face red from holding it in. He only stopped when he was out of air.
Matilda didn’t need the introduction—she already knew Maple Heights well enough.
The luxury apartments were all equipped with Crossen Technology’s smart home systems and robots.
Even if an elderly resident fell, it would automatically alert the smart center. In short, it was top–tier.
Since outsiders weren’t allowed in, Matilda had to go downstairs herself to meet Tessa.
As soon as Tessa arrived, she hurried to put the food in the freezer.
Then she arranged the plants neatly around the apartment and made the bed with the new bedding.
She didn’t even sit down before getting ready to leave.
Matilda hated seeing her go but understood her situation, so she didn’t push Tessa to stay.
Instead, she slipped the watch into Tessa’s bag.
After saying goodbye, she stood alone for a while, surrounded by the beautiful but unfamiliar environment, before slowly heading back to her building.
The children’s play area was lit up so brightly it almost hurt to look. A few kids were swinging on the swings.
Her eyes landed on a little girl with double buns in her hair.
Strangely enough, Matilda had only met Jolene three times, yet she recognized her instantly just from her
back.
She walked over and called softly, “Jolene.”
9:18 Mon, Oct 13
Chapter 23
:
Jolene turned, her bright eyes taking in Matilda’s new hairstyle.
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After studying her for two seconds, Jolene’s whole face lit up. “Matilda? Daddy, hurry! Matilda’s here!”
AD
