Chapter 25
Kylie’s face was a mask of cold resolve, her insides a whirlwind of emotion. “Craig, it’s over between us. Don’t refer to me ast your wife. Just looking at your makes my stomach churn, and the term ‘wife‘ has become something I can’t stand
Craig’s expression was one of disbelief. “Kylie, are you serious? You’ve never been like this before. This isn’t just a simple disagreement.”
“Leave,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper but firm as steel.
“Kylie, I’ve never been one to give up easily. If you keep this up, are you ready for us to go our se frustration was palpable, his voice rising
aaye Craig’s
Td prefer if you stayed out of my sight from now on,” Kylie replied, her tone leaving no room for argument,
The boy she once knew had become a stranger, his actions a far cry from the warmth she once cherished. Her youth felt like a distant memory, wasted on someone who didn’t deserve it.
But she’d wait, patiently, for the day when his mother would need medical care again, and a large sum of money would be required. She’d see his true colors then.
Craig inhaled sharply, his finger pointing at Kylie. “Don’t come crying to me later!” He turned sharply and strode away, his anger evident in every step.
As Craig’s figure receded into the distance, Kylie felt a weight lift from her chest. The tightness in her heart began to ease, and she could breathe again.
Trevor, from the Opulence Hotel’s lobby, watched Kylie and Craig’s heated moment through the expansive windows, his expression hardening
He shot Kylie a text: [Don’t wait for me.]
Melanie, stepping off the elevator, was instantly drawn to Trevor’s commanding presence. Seizing what she saw as a golden opportunity, she hurried over on her high heels.
She smiled, “You’re Mr. Walters, right? That was just a misunderstanding. I’ve already moved past it with the clumsy girl.”
Julie, spotting Melanie’s approach to Trevor, chose not to stop her. Her daughter’s interest in someone was a rare occurrence, and Trevor was someone the Lampard family was eager to connect with. If things progressed, he could be a perfect match.
As Trevor turned, his gaze was as chilling as a winter breeze, his features etched with a stern severity.
Melanie hesitated, “Mr. Walters?”
With a cold shoulder, Trevor walked past Melanie without a second glance..
Melanie’s face paled. She was the queen bee in college, always surrounded by admirers. Being ignored was a unpleasant experience.
vel and
Julie quickly approached, her tone soft and comforting. “Mel.”
“Mom, does Mr. Walters hate me? He completely blew me off when I tried to talk,” Melanie’s eyes welled up. She was used to being pursued, not pursuing. This rejection felt like a slap in the face.
“He’s probably got a lot on his plate, Julie reassured her. “Don’t take it personally. Your dad has a meeting with the Walters Group soon. We’ll get you in on that.”
1/3
12:01 Thu, Oct 17 u BG.
Chapter 25
Julie’s reassurances helped Melanie regain her composure and confidence.
Melanie managed to get Craig on the phone an hour later. “Hey, have you talked to Kylie? Did you give her a piece of your mind? My face is still smarting from where she hit me. She’s been on a rampage. today.”
Craig was driving, his voice tight. “She’s breaking up
With me.
“Breaking up? Wasn’t she crazy about you?” Melanie’s voice rose. Something was off; Kylie had to have discovered something they weren’t aware of.
Craig replied, “I can’t figure it out. Could it be… she found out about us? If she has, I’ll take the let’s make it official.
to end things. Mel,
“Craig, we’re not dating, just friends from school. Even if she finds out we’ve been talking, it’s just her overthinking,” Melanie clarified quickly
Craig slammed on the brakes. “We… we were at the hotel last week. That’s not just friends, is it?”
“A hotel thing is just a fling. We don’t have a future. My parents would never let me marry you. I’m not like Kylie, Melanie was straightforward. She was just enjoying the thrill of outshining Kylie, not looking to settle down.
Craig gripped the steering wheel, feeling a pang in his chest. “So, you’re too good for me?”
“You know Trevor, right? The boss of Walters Group. If you had his status, I’d be all in. But let’s not get carried away. You should figure out how to smooth things over with Kylie, and get her to keep donating blood for me, Melanie said.
She was never one to sugarcoat. If Craig wasn’t Kylie’s guy, she wouldn’t give him a second glance.
After the call ended, Craig clenched his teeth. Melanie’s words had stung. He couldn’t afford to lose Kylie. No way were they through.
He dialed Kylie’s number, but as usual, it went to voicemail
Feeling a surge of anxiety, he texted: [Babe, we’re not breaking up. I refuse. Let’s talk this out when you’re not so mad.]
Then, he made another call–to his mom.
Stuck in traffic, Kylie’s phone buzzed non–stop. Craig was trying to reach her, but it was Jasmine’s call after 10 minutes that caught her attention. With a sigh, she picked up.
“Kylie, we’ve heard about the disagreement. Is Craig being difficult? I’ve already given him a talking–to, and he understands he’s in the wrong. Could you please, for my sake, consider making peace?” Jasmine’s voice was smooth, trying to sound conciliatory.
But Kylie wasn’t buying it. “Your sake? That’s worth about as much as a counterfeit dollar to me. You know why I answered!
Jasmine was angry. “What’s up, girl? You’ve never been this rude
Tm telling you that your son is a carbon copy of you. He’s taken your game to the next level, and let’s just say, you’ve both played me for a fool, Kylie sneered.
The call ended with a sharp click, leaving Jasmine fuming on the other end.
As Kylie lay in bed, the reality hit her. Craig was a secret Jasmine had kept from everyone, including her. She’d never met his father, and now she knew why.
Jasmine’s anger was palpable. “If you weren’t so important, I wouldn’t have let Craig anywhere near you. Once you’re out of
Chapter 25
the picture, we’ll see who has the last laugh”
lie cruised back to the Starlit Villa, phone buzzing just as she reached the door.
was Kevin, dropping knowledge about a primo antique restoration team in Jardora that was hiring. Sounded like a sweet gig.
“Think it’s the one with the legend, Steve Roth, at the helm? Kylle asked, intrigued.
“Bingo,” Kevin confirmed.
“Once I’m through with Liam’s task, I’ll check it out. Thanks for the scoop, Kevin,” Kylie smiled.
As she slid her phone back into her pocket, Kylie let herself in
The villa was lit up, and there was Trevor, all casual cool at the foot of the stairs, his gaze meeting hers with a chill that could frost glass.
色
