Chapter 81 Consequencer
**+25 BONUS
Chapter 81 Consequences
Mia’s POV
The gentle hum of hair dryers filled the air. I settled into the plush salon chair, letting myself relax for the first time in what felt
like weeks. The stylist’s fingers worked on my scalp, and I couldn’help lose my eyes.
“You look like you’re about to fall asleep,” Scarlett commented from the chair next to mine. “When’s the last time you actually treated yourself?”
“Too long,” I admitted, closing my eyes as the stylist worked the treatment through my hair. The warmth from the scalp
massage was making me drowsy. “When did you even find time to book this place? It usually takes weeks to get an appointment.
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“Please.” Scarlett snorted from the chair next to mine. “They always have space for me. Though I had to promise Clara I’d bring Morton to her cousin’s gallery opening next month.”
“Using your fiancé’s name already?” I teased, opening one eye to look at her.
“Using his family’s connections,” she corrected primly. “Besides, he owes me after what happened yesterday.”
That caught my attention. “What do you mean?“!
“Well…” Scarlett glanced around conspiratorially before lowering her voice. “I shown the photo to Morton.”
“Really?” I asked through I knew Scarlett would do that..
“Of course I did! He deserved to know what his precious baby brother was up to.” She waved off my concern. “Besides, you should have seen what happened next…”
I opened one eye.
“Complete chaos.” She gestured so enthusiastically that her stylist had to dodge. “Like, full–on Victorian drama novel levels of chaos. Morton’s mother actually clutched her pearls. I didn’t think people did that in real life!”
“You were there?”
“Well, no…” She had the grace to look slightly sheepish. “Morton told me. But he’s usually so controlled, you know? The fact that he was actually expressing emotions means it must have been epic.”
I shifted in my chair, trying to find a comfortable position that didn’t put pressure on my growing bump. “How did they find out about Taylor’s background?”
“They have people for that sort of thing.” Scarlett rolled her eyes. Like, actual people whose job is just digging up dirt–on. potential in–laws. Can you imagine?”
“Actually, yes.” I thought about Kyle’s thorough background check before our marriage. “Old money famílies are… particular. And I think somebody…“I couldn’t help smiling at her attempt at casual. “has been getting close to her fiancé.”
“Because we’re business partners!” But her cheeks flushed slightly “Besides, we’re not talking about me. We’re talking about how his parents cut off Alexander’s credit cards the moment they confirmed Taylor’s father’s business was basically bankrupt.”
That caught my attention. “Oh, my father’s business is failing?”
well, you know.” She gestured vaguely. “The Mortons‘ investigators “Apparently it’s been circling the drain since your mom… found out he’s been borrowing money from some sketchy people trying to keep it afloat.”
To be honest, this doesn’t surprise me. My father was not good at business. He was too cunning and greedy, and that would cost him many opportunities. “That explains a lot about Taylor, actually. She’s always been desperate to secure her position.”
“Through any means necessary,” Scarlett agreed. “Though I have to say, going after both Kyle and Alexander? That’s ambitious
even for her.”
Changer 91 Consequences.
“It’s what she does.” I closed my eyes again as the stylist began rinsing my hair.
Scarlett was quiet for a moment. Then: “Mia, I have something to k you‘
My eyes snapped open at her serious tone. “Should I be worried?”
“Be my maid of honor?”
Oh.
+25 BONUS
“Scar, no – I can’t…” I gestured vaguely at myself. “I’m divorced, for one thing. And in a few weeks, I’ll be very obviously pregnant. Not exactly the picture–perfect maid of honor.”
“Since when do I care about perfect?” She reached across the space between our chairs to grab my hand. “You’re my best friend. You’ve been there through everything. I don’t care if you’re divorced or pregnant or – I don’t know, grow a second head. I want you standing next to me.”
“But-”
“No buts.” Her grip tightened. “Please? I need you there. Besides, who else is going to help me survive all the wedding planning drama?”
Tears pricked at my eyes – damn pregnancy hormones. “You really don’t care what people will say?”
“Let them talk.” She grinned. “Actually, please let them talk. Maybe it’ll distract them from the fact that this whole marriage is basically a business merger.”
“Scar…”
“I mean it.” Her voice softened. “You’re the most important person in my life, Mia. I wouldn’t be who I am without you. So please?”
“Okay,” I whispered, squeezing her hand. “But I refuse to wear anything pink.”
1
“Deal!” She bounced in her chair, earning another look from her stylist. “Though we might need to adjust the dress design a bit to accommodate my future niece or nephew. I promise it will not reveal your pregnancy!”
“Nieces or nephews,” I corrected automatically. “And we are not telling anyone about that yet.”
The drive home felt longer than usual, my thoughts spinning with everything Scarlett had shared. Gas’s enthusiastic greeting when I opened the door helped ground me – his whole body wiggling with joy as he pressed against my legs.
“Someone missed you,” Mom observed from her spot on the couch. “He’s been pacing by the door for hours.”
“Have you been a good boy?” I scratched behind his ears, laughing as he immediately flopped onto his back for belly rubs. “The neediest guard dog ever.”
“Speaking of neediness…” Mom set aside her book. “Who’s going to look after him when you’re at work? Or when the babies come?”
“Mrs. Chen helps.” The words were out before I could think better of them.
“Mrs. Chen?”
“Kyle’s housekeeper.” I focused on Gas, avoiding Mom’s too–perceptive gaze. “She’s been really good to us.
“Áh.” Just one syllable, but I heard the question in it.
“What is it, Mom?” I asked, looking up.
“Nothing, I just think the surname is very special. Has she always been your housekeeper?”
Chen is a very common surname, but I didn’t say so. “She must have worked for the Kyle family a long time ago. I don’t really
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Chapter 81 Consequences
know. At least before I got married.”
Before she could press further, my phone buzzed with an unknown number.
“Hello?”
“You finally answered my call, huh? Mia!”
Taylor’s voice was more grumpy than usual. It seems that what Scarlett did really upset her.
