Chapter 3

But I was no longer that foolish girl who once revolved my world around Logan. I'd found someone who truly loves me.

Not wanting to see them another second, I dialed my favorite contact.

"Hi, honey. I'm tired of shopping. Please have the driver pick us up."

Logan frowned, his gaze sweeping over me from head to toe.

"You have a driver? These days, anyone who calls a ride thinks they can call it a driver?"

I glanced toward the familiar luxury car parked outside.

"My ride's here."

I pressed the remote and the headlights blinked on.

His eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Didn't think you'd still be so vain. Back then, you clung to me like your life depended on it. Now you're nothing but a used woman, still dreaming of marrying into money. I'm not getting back together with a gold-digger like you. But Lily is my child, so I'm taking her."

He reached for my son again. My son's face stayed cool as he stepped behind me.

"Mom, I don't want to go with this strange guy."

Logan's expression darkened.

"Don't you want to claim your heritage, Lily? Keep acting this rude and you'll be stuck with your poor mother, laboring away for life. Now get over here!"

"My mom and dad are great. I'm not going with you. You're a bad man! Go away!"

My son, just like his biological father, wasn't the type to be cowed by a few harsh words. If anything, he stood even firmer by me.

Logan gave a short, cold laugh. "Fine. Keep mouthing off. When you're on your knees at my door, begging to be taken in, it'll be too late."

Then, looking at my son, he sneered.

"Sharp tongue, poor looks. Didn't inherit a bit of my good genes."

The moment he left, a driver in the same model car pulled up. My husband's messages came through.

[Honey, I'll have the driver take you and Caleb to the restaurant. I'll be late. Have a work meeting. You must be tired after shopping today. Next time, I'm skipping any business dinners that don't involve you. I miss you.]

When I reached the entrance of Moonview Restaurant, Logan happened to pull up at the same time. He had his arm around Joann's waist and gave me a sidelong glance.

"Trying to land yourself a rich husband here? Moonview is the most exclusive restaurant in the city. Not every random person off the street gets in."

The host blocked me with a look of open contempt.

"You there. Do you have no shame at all, coming here with your kid to seduce our clients? And dressed like that? If it weren't for the Rice Group's staff having manners, someone like you would've been thrown out already. What an eyesore."

His words made my face tighten.

"I have a reservation. Private room 888."

"888 is reserved for Mr. Shenton, liar. Do everyone a favor and take a look in the mirror. What a pathetic woman."

The host humiliated me in front of everyone. But when Joann walked over, his face transformed into a flattering smile. "Miss Walter, please come in. Your private room is ready. Please enjoy your meal."

She waved a hand and didn't go in. Instead, she rested it lightly on my shoulder.

"Bella, you may not be qualified to eat here, but this establishment falls under the Rice Group. If you ask nicely, I could arrange for you to work as a waitress.

"Our servers earn at least sixty dollars a day, excluding tips. Isn't that better than putting on airs here and making a fool of yourself? So? Have you decided how you're going to beg me?"

"Don't bully my mom!" My son stepped in front of me, his face serious and unyielding.

Logan hesitated as he looked at Caleb. "For Lily's sake, I'll let you in this time. But you're not to see Lily again. You're a bad influence."