“I’m still your mother, even if I didn’t give birth to you, Hannah,” Francesca said.
It was a fact Hannah couldn’t deny, but conversations like this seemed endless. On one side, Francesca insisted on the statement, “I am still your mother.
On the other hand, Hannah felt that Francesca was only her late father’s partner. The stepmother never played the role of a real mother.
“So you want something in return, is that it? Hasn’t Alden already given you money? Money that wasn’t rightfully yours?” Hannah said bluntly.
Francesca just rolled her eyes, trying to avoid Hannah’s sharp gaze. And surely Francesca would change the subject after that or pretend to be clueless, anything to get out of trouble.
“Yes, I know the house is rightfully yours… but Mr. Alden offered the money, how could I refuse? Right?” Francesca showed her white teeth with narrowed eyes. “I think it’s fair, consider it my mourning money. He’d understand if I put it that way.”
“I have no money,” Hannah replied.
Of course, Francesca’s eyes immediately widened. To Francesca, it was ridiculous for Hannah to say that in front of her. Hannah was the owner of Texco, how could she not have money? Did Hannah think she could fool Francesca so easily?
“You are the owner of Texco,” Francesca hissed.
“No, I just manage it and get the mandate. Everything still belongs to Alden.”
“At least you wear expensive clothes, eat well, don’t you think about your family’s condition?”
Hannah was really tired of hearing Francesca’s words, always wanting sympathy.
“What family?” asked Hannah.
“Haven’t you moved on from Jeffrey?” Francesca suddenly changed the subject.
“What’s wrong with you?”
Francesca just shrugged, then licked her lips.
“Please, if you have nothing else to say, go. I have a lot of work to do,” Hannah dismissed.
“Wait, Hannah. Did it ever occur to you that if you had married Jeffrey, you wouldn’t have the luxury you have now?”
“Surely you regret that it was Aspen who married that man and not me?”
Francesca’s face instantly flushed, her lips tightening.
“Every marriage has its ups and downs. You should accept that Aspen has to deal with the shortcomings. At least she’s happy with Jeffrey,” Hannah said as she stood up. “Or isn’t she? Because in the end, needs undermine love?”
“I-I…”
“Thank you for your time. But I have a meeting and I can’t be late. Good morning, Francesca,” Hannah excused herself.
Hannah quickly left the visitors’ room, leaving Francesca stunned.
*
Francesca walked quickly across the parking lot near the row of trees. Aspen waited, annoyed, playing with her phone. As soon as she saw Francesca coming, Aspen’s face lit up.
“How’d it go, Mom?” asked Aspen.
But Francesca didn’t answer right away. She got into the car first and slumped her body-and perhaps her shredded dignity-into the passenger seat.
“She’s a bitch,” Francesca said suddenly.
“Hannah? Well, isn’t she always?”
“Yeah, but we don’t need her to be like that. You know what I mean, right?”
Aspen just shook her head. “No, tell me what really happened.”
“Yes, on the way out. I’ll tell you on the way.”
Then the car started and Aspen left the Texco parking lot to head back to Francesca’s rented house. During the ride, Francesca told Aspen every detail, even adding a few embellishments.
“Yes, she arrogantly told me that I had no right to ask for anything,” Francesca said.
“Just because she married a crippled man who owns a company, she can act like that. Crazy woman.”
Francesca looked at Aspen. “You should have married Alden in the first place, Aspen.”
“Well, yeah… I know. But what could I do? I couldn’t have this baby without a father, Mom.”
“You should have checked his bank balance before you seduced Jeffrey.”
Aspen shook her head at Francesca’s remark. When she said she regretted it, yes, there was some regret. Because it turned out that Jeffrey couldn’t fulfill Aspen’s desires. It felt sweet at first, but as time went on, Aspen became more cautious.
Deep down, Aspen was actually jealous when she saw Hannah become the owner of Texco. Surely Hannah could buy whatever she wanted without looking at the price, eat whatever she wanted.
Aspen forgot that she needed that more than love. But what could she do?
“Don’t look unhappy in front of Hannah because she’ll laugh at you,” Francesca said.
“What do you mean, Mom?”
“I feel that Hannah has already insulted you, which of course insults me. When she said, ‘Are you happy? Or do you realize that needs are destroying your love with Jeffrey?”
Aspen’s eyes widened and she was really angry when she heard Francesca’s words.
“That bitch! I’m going to make her pay for this!” Aspen swore.
Francesca looked at Aspen. “She really needs to be taught a lesson. Just because she hides behind Alden Harrison’s skirt. What can she do without Alden? I’m sure Hannah is still a weak woman who can only cry on her pillow.”
“Don’t worry, Mama. I’ll shame her in public. I have some contacts with the media, and they’ll definitely want to hear stories about Hannah.”
“You’re going to tell them about Hannah?”
Aspen shook her head. “Not like that. I want to focus on her relationship with Alden. You’ll see. We’ll get back at her in ways she won’t expect. I’m sure Hannah will be crying blood in shame.”
Francesca nodded, looking very excited.
“Yes, and we can ask Hannah for money,” Francesca said.
“Money from Hannah? If I give information to the media, I can get money.”
“But not as much as Alden gave. Right?”
“It’s enough for now. Later we’ll think about blackmailing Alden and Hannah.”