Chapter 2 Disgust

"I'll find my son and then leave."

But the manager pinched his nose in disgust. The look in his eyes told me he did not buy that story at all. "A guest? You smell like manure, and you're picking up trash. Please leave this instance, or I'll have to call security."

I showed no disappointment, but I sighed in my mind. I was feeding the horses with my son at the racecourse, but the horse sprayed all over me. My clothes got drenched, and I had no choice but to borrow a set from the passing janitor.

The manager wasn't going to let me go any further, so I picked up my bag. I was going to resume the search for my son, but when I raised my head, I met Christopher's eyes. By chance, he turned around.

The sight of me stunned him, and a frown creased his forehead. "Queenie? You're scavenging now? How low did you go?"

The manager was surprised that Christopher knew me. Eager to patch up his mistake, he asked, "Is this your friend, Mr. Quinton?"

That got everyone's attention. They looked at us, and Christopher chortled with disdain dripping from his voice. "She's no friend of mine. This woman's a gold digger, and she tried to use me once."

And then I noticed the scorn that painted everyone's gaze. That was directed at me. The manager got the cue, and his attitude got worse. He shoved me away. "Leave, now. I've seen enough women like you. You think you can get yourself a high value man? Please, look into a mirror."

I dodged his hand, and the look on my face took on a frosty tinge. "I said I'd leave once I find my son. Don't try to touch me, or I'm calling security instead."

Then, I noticed a familiar silhouette passing behind Christopher. My son.

I did not have time to waste with these people, so I tried to squeeze my way past them. Panicked, the manager yanked my collar. I struggled and thrashed around to get away from him, but then I fell into Christopher's chest.

My collar opened up, revealing the suspenders within. Before I could do anything, he shoved me onto the ground unceremoniously. "This is how you ask for reconciliation, Queenie? You disgust me."

The fall scraped my palms. Great, I lost sight of my son. I glared daggers at Christopher and shot back up from the ground furiously.

He was full of himself! Since the moment I showed up, he kept coming to conclusions he made up. I didn't even say anything. I couldn't believe he thought I would have any feelings left for him.

Rachel held Christopher's arm. There was a frown on her forehead, and a sigh escaped her lips. "Queenie, I know you can't let go of the past. I know you care about the relationship you had with Christopher, but you know he's going to marry me soon."

Christopher said nothing. He held Rachel's hand and kissed the back of it.

The manager knew this was his chance to shine. He shouted at me, "See? He's loyal to her, and she to him! Stop clinging to people you shouldn't!" And then he tried to push me again.

"Enough." A deadpan Christopher pulled his phone out of his pocket. Coldly, he looked at me. "Rachel's the one I've always loved. I only dated you because you looked like her, and I wanted to give a poor girl a chance. But she was never a gold digger like you.

"I know you hate how you got nothing out of our relationship, so now I'm giving you a chance. Name your price. I'll give you any money you want." His fingers flew across his phone.

Then, he raised his head. "Don't take this the wrong way. I'm just trying to settle the debt I owe you, not because I have any feelings for you," he blurted out. "Once you get the money, marry someone in your league and start fresh."

Oh God, that was infuriating. Still, I took a deep breath and put on a smile. "I don't need your money."

I really couldn't care less about chump change. The projects I'd handled over the years made enough money to rival his company's revenue.

Also, if my husband found out I took my ex's money, his jealousy would probably make hell look like heaven.