Chapter 22
Maybe because of the pain, Allen’s breathing grew tight and uneven.
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Matilda’s mind went blank for a second. She quickly pulled back, loosened her mouth, and pretended she’d only been chewing on the clementine.
When she swallowed, the juice caught in her throat, and she coughed twice.
Allen glanced down at his two fingers. Having Matilda’s lipstick on them felt like the luckiest thing that had ever happened to him. He decided he wouldn’t wash his hands tonight.
The rich kids shook their legs and laughed with bad intentions.
“Is the clementine sweeter, or are Dr. Saunders‘ fingers sweeter?” one of them teased.
“I say Dr. Saunders‘ fingers–he’s been serving all day,” another chimed in.
“Dr. Saunders, let me taste your fingers too,” someone else sneered.
Matilda flushed with embarrassment and tossed down her poker cards. “I’m done playing.”
Since she was the winner, the club bill for the night would normally be on her.
But Allen stepped in first. “I’ll cover it.”
When he handed over his card, Matilda spotted the lipstick stain still clinging to his thumb and index finger.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, pretending not to notice.
Anyway, she couldn’t hand him a wet wipe and tell him to clean off the lipstick she had accidentally left behind.
If she said nothing, he’d wipe it away when he saw it himself. If she mentioned it, the front desk clerk might overhear and let her imagination run wild.
But the clerk saw it anyway and politely handed Allen a heated towel.
Allen didn’t take it. Matilda’s thoughts spun out. She thought doctors were supposed to be germophobic. Maybe Allen thought the towel at the club was dirtier than the oils and chemicals in her lipstick.
When they finally left the club, the sky was already dark. Matilda noticed the real estate agent from that morning still hanging around.
The agent hurried up the moment he saw her, looking pitiful. “This apartment fits your temperament perfectly. Other clients wanted to reserve it today, but I couldn’t bring myself to give it to them. Please, can we sign the contract right now?”
Matilda stayed quiet for a moment, then asked, “Are there any listings in Maple Heights? I want to live there.”
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Chapter 22
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The agent froze, then quickly nodded and bowed. “Yes, yes, of course! I was just thinking this shabby place doesn’t suit your cool, noble temperament at all. Maple Heights is perfect for you.”
Matilda only shook her head and smiled.
Allen’s eyes lingered on Matilda like he could never get enough. She wasn’t fake or pretentious–she was confident, proud, and stood apart from the crowd. A quiet glow of pride lit up his eyes.
Back at the hotel, Matilda did a quick count and realized she had won over 6 million dollars.
First, she transferred 150 thousand dollars to Mr. S, then another 150 thousand dollars as thanks for helping her when she had needed it most.
Next, she wired a year’s rent to the agent.
Finally, she texted Tessa to tell her she had found a home now, in Maple Heights.
*****
The next morning, Matilda went out. She got her hair restyled, then headed to Grandhaven Mall to shop for clothes.
The sales associate stared for a long moment before recognizing her, then greeted her warmly. “Mrs. Grimes
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Matilda lifted her eyes slightly. “Divorced. Call me Ms. Warren from now on.”
The associate was caught off guard but quickly smiled again.
At first, she had worried Matilda’s divorce would cut down her spending, and she’d lose a big client.
But while the old Matilda wore T–shirts that cost a few hundred dollars, this Matilda was choosing outfits priced over 3,000 dollars. She looked sharper, more refined, more alive.
After leaving the clothing store, Matilda thought about buying a watch for Tessa.
But her eyes first landed on a man’s watch displayed in the center. The round face had a classic look—simple but elegant, understated yet luxurious, cool but with a touch of warmth.
Her first thought was how much it suited Allen. He had given her a bell–it only felt right to give something back.
She wanted to buy it. But the sales clerk explained it was a couple’s set, and the woman’s watch was displayed in another case.
Matilda ended up buying both. The woman’s watch could go to Tessa.
After leaving the store, she also thought about picking out a gift for Jolene.
Jolene and Lola were nothing alike. Lola had been spoiled by her grandparents and Brandon with money. Her two walk–in closets were stuffed with designer clothes and handbags.
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Chapter 22
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Kathy once told Lola, “Your mother grew up in a small place. She’s petty and will never fit in with high society. You can’t take after her. You’re a Grimes, a princess. You have to act like one.”
So when it came to gifts, Lola only cared about price tags and brands.
Jolene, on the other hand, carried herself like someone who had seen more of the world. She had emotional smarts and poise at a young age—a child with depth.
Matilda couldn’t guess what Jolene might like, so she picked a children’s instant camera that seemed pretty good.
After paying, she walked out carrying the gift bag–only to have a child crash into her arms.
Matilda was afraid the girl would fall and quickly caught her, but the sharp corner of the bag poked the child. The little girl let out a loud, pitiful wail.
That crying voice was all too familiar–it was Lola. Matilda hadn’t seen her in a week.
She quickly set the bag down, squatted, and cupped Lola’s face to check. “Where are you hurt? Let me see.”
Lola stopped crying right away. She stared for a long moment before finally realizing it was her mom, with a new haircut.
“You’re annoying. Nothing good ever happens when I run into you.” With that, Lola shoved Matilda hard without even wiping her tears.
Her words and actions cut Matilda to the bone. “Lola, you’re not calling me Mommy anymore, huh?”
“You stopped being my mom a long time ago!” Lola shouted.
Matilda felt her heart twist in pain.
Just then, Brandon and Shelby came running over, neither of them recognizing her at first.
It was only when Lola complained that Matilda was annoying that they finally looked her way.
Brandon’s eyes narrowed sharply. Matilda’s hairstyle was the same as when they had first met. Her soft features, the graceful curve of her brows–it all hit him at once.
On the ground lay a man’s watch–the very brand he liked.
Brandon’s lips curled slightly. ‘She cut her hair the way I like and bought a watch I like. She even spent all the money Tessa gave her on me. Is she starting to give in?‘ he thought.
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Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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