Chapter 31
Hearing her quick and firm response, Nathan let out a short, frustrated laugh.
She was the one needing a favor, but somehow he felt she wrapped him around the finger.
Anyway, she agreed. That was what mattered for now.
Nathan told her the time and hung up.
Eliana breathed out. The deal was still alive. A heavy weight lifted from her chest.
Just then, her phone buzzed again instantly.
Thinking it might be Nathan, she snatched it up and answered right away.
But it was Samuel’s voice. “Mom, since Dad stopped giving you money, are you really broke?”
Surprised, Eliana glanced at her screen and saw Samuel was calling from his watch.
Yet, his words hit harder than the call itself.
He was only five. Even though Eliana’s heart was set, her voice softened. “What’s up, Samuel?”
55 vouchers
Samuel said with a seriousness beyond his years, “Here’s the thing. You’ve just been living off Dad all these years and never had a real job. So… I’ve got a job for you. Be my tutor.
“I do want Isabella as my new mom. But you’re good at school stuff. So, I want you to teach me.
“Dad pays really well. Say yes, and I’ll talk to him.”
Eliana knew he was just being blunt. But that bluntness cut deep.
His desire for a new mom jabbed at her, twisting her heart into a tight, painful knot.
Even if she started over again, Samuel’s words still had the power to cut her deep.
Eliana could hold her ground, but she couldn’t armor her heart.
Gripping the phone, she took a slow breath, pushing the hurt down. “Samuel, I don’t need that job. Please ask someone else.
“Being your tutor isn’t my priority right now. I have bigger things to handle.
“So…”
“Why?” Samuel cut in. “I’m giving you this chance! Why won’t you take it?”
His tone was pure entitlement, as if a little prince granting a boon.
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Chapter 31
It was just like the rest of the Eliots.
It made sense. He was an Eliot,
Fed up.
respect.
Eliana’s voice turned firm. “Samuel, like it or not, I am your mom. You need to speak to me with
“If you can’t correct your attitude, don’t call me again.
“You taught me about boundaries, remember? You need to learn them too,”
She was about to hang up, but Hannah’s sharp voice cut through the line.
Hannah shouted, “Eliana! Is this your idea of parenting? No wonder he acts this way!
“Correct his attitude? What would that be? Get over yourself!
“Playing the divorce victim, and then sneaking calls to poison his mind? How low can you get?
“I’m telling Logan about this. Forget about waltzing back into our family this time. It’s not happening.”
A cold stillness settled over Eliana.
“Mrs. Eliot, check your facts before you start shouting.
“I didn’t call Samuel. I’m not poisoning anyone.
“Truth is, if you were doing your job, he wouldn’t need to call me about a tutor.
“Can the mighty Eliot family really not find one decent tutor?
“And about coming back… I don’t want to. If you’re so against it, make sure Logan meets me at the courthouse when the cooling–off period ends.”
For six years, Eliana had been the peacemaker. She’d bite her tongue, explain things gently, and always back
down.
This was her first time firing back at Hannah.
Hannah was speechless. Then the yelling started. Eliana didn’t want to waste her breath and ended the call.
Fuming, with no other outlet, Hannah wheeled on Samuel. “Was this your idea? Did you call her?
“What? Am I not good enough for you now?
“After all the trouble I went through to find you tutors, this is the thanks I get?”
Samuel burst into loud, hiccupping sobs. “They’re all bad. I don’t get what they’re saying. You just can’t find a good one. It’s your fault.”
Samuel’s words pushed Hannah over the edge.
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Chapter 31
Already steaming from Eliana, this new provocation made her blood pressure spike.
With no one else to vent to, she dialed Isabella.
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55 vouchers
Isabella was thrilled to hear Eliana had caused trouble. But Samuel’s homework terrified her. She fumbled for an excuse. “Samuel is just in a bad mood after all the drama at school.
“Hannah, let him stay with me for a few days. We’ll find a tutor after he’s fine. He just needs a break.”
Out of ideas, Hannah agreed.
Isabella hurried over. She bribed Samuel with candy and snacks until he quieted down.
When Logan got home, she was pretending to be asleep in the chair next to Samuel’s bed, looking exhausted and devoted.
Sophie, watching from the doorway, rolled her eyes and turned away. But Logan bought it completely. He touched her shoulder gently. “Isabella?”
Isabella stirred, blinking sleepily. “Logan? Oh… I must have dozed off.
“It’s so late! You must be starving. Let me get you something to eat.”
She swept past him toward the kitchen, moving like she already owned the place.
