Chapter 16
Jessica had a miscarriage–and get this–the baby wasn’t even Daniel’s.
That’s what Kevin told me.
After the miscarriage, Jessica went back to Daniel’s place to recover.
Then one day, this couple from some rural town showed up out of nowhere, saying Jessica had run off to the city
with their grandkid.
Daniel’s family was completely blindsided.
It wasn’t until they saw the couple’s so–called marriage certificate that Daniel realized he’d been played.
Turns out Jessica never left the country.
Three years ago, after losing her job abroad with no legal income, she got deported back home.
Once back, she spiraled, took up work at some sketchy nightclub, then ended up marrying some honest farm guy.
She’d already had two kids with him, and was pregnant with her third.
Because her husband was abusive, Jessica ran to the city hoping to latch onto Daniel, who seemed to be doing okay.
Later, I asked Kevin how Daniel was holding up.
Word was Daniel had landed a woman named Madeline–a real high roller.
He’d started his own travel agency, acting like he was the big shot boss.
One night, Liam and I went to a fancy fundraiser hosted by one of my dad’s old friends.
And guess who I ran into?
Daniel–arm in arm with Madeline.
“Do people like you really belong at events like this?” he sneered.
Hadn’t seen him in a while, but wow, he’d gotten cocky–hooked up with some rich lady and now thought he was
untouchable.
I rolled my eyes.
“If someone like you can get in, what’s stopping us?”
Daniel didn’t even flinch, flashing a diamond ring set with emeralds.
“Lauren, if you’re regretting things now, I can still take you back.”
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Chapter 16
He added with a smug smile, “Gotta admit, your parents did a lot for me. I’m not ungrateful.”
I chuckled softly.
Funny–I’d told him we were on the same page once, but now I was basically slapping myself for believing that.
Then he looked at Liam, smirking.
“Hey, pretty boy, enjoying riding the Carter coattails?”
He glanced around the room.
“You know whose hotel this is?”
“Top dog Donovan owns this place–and his wife is my girlfriend’s best friend!”
When he mentioned his girlfriend, I glanced at Madeline.
Damn, that woman had a waist like three pillars wrapped around her.
I couldn’t believe he had the nerve.
“Of course you don’t get it. You’re just a lying little user.”
He draped a hand over Liam’s shoulder, lowering his voice.
“Pretty boy, you having fun with my woman?”
That was the ugliest, most primal side of him showing through.
My brain short–circuited.
I instinctively raised my hand to slap him, but Liam stopped me.
“Thinking of throwing punches now?” Daniel said, suddenly all innocent.
“I can’t beat you, young guy.”
“But if you throw a punch and this ends up at the cops, don’t expect me to settle.”
Liam just smiled faintly.
“Madeline.”
His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried.
Seconds later, Madeline’s older sister sashayed over.
“My baby! You’re here! Where’s your mom?”
Daniel froze.
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“Wait–sis, you two know each other?”
Madeline smiled.
“This is Donovan’s son–the top dog in Harbor City.”
She winked at Liam.
“Going forward, Liam, I’m counting on you.”
“I’m thinking about making you honorary godfather on your mom’s side.”
Liam was cool as a cucumber.
“Doubt my mom could handle that Buddha–sized presence.”
Madeline wasn’t your average woman–she caught the weird vibes immediately.
Seeing Liam ignore Daniel completely–even skipping the usual polite nods–she whisked Daniel away.
From across the room, I saw Madeline slap Daniel hard.
Later, at Liam and my engagement party, we saw her again.
This time, she’d ditched Daniel.
When someone mentioned him, she sneered.
“Worthless man. Boring in bed and out of it.”
I heard she shut down Daniel’s travel agency and got him working as a bartender at some club just to teach him a
lesson.
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