Chapter 3

When Tony was born, he needed phototherapy for mild jaundice. Victor was so anxious that he cleared his entire schedule and stayed by his side around the clock.

The cold feeling in my heart grew heavier. I sat back down and continued going through the evidence of Victor's affair.

Right then, Samantha posted another video.

In the footage, she was wearing the same outfit from our meeting earlier. Tears stained the corners of her eyes as she looked pitiful and helpless.

"Mr. Gardner's ex-wife came to cause trouble again. She even said I'm not worthy of being the mother of Mr. Gardner's child. I'm so scared."

She sniffled, then casually revealed her chat interface with Victor.

"But thankfully, Mr. Gardner dotes on me. He promised to attend tomorrow's parent-teacher conference with me. I'm finally going to be a mother. I'm so nervous."

She had not told Victor I was back?

I stared at Victor's blue profile picture on the screen, the same one he had used since our son was born, and let out a soft laugh.

Perfect. If it was a parent-teacher conference, then it would not be strange for me, the real mother, to attend as well.

…

The next day, at the school's parent-teacher conference, I dressed down and blended into the crowd. I took a seat in the farthest corner of my son's classroom.

The moment I sat down, Victor sent me a message.

[Elle, how's work going? When are you coming home?]

He was testing me.

[Just got to the venue. Gotta go, the meeting's about to start.]

I kept it brief.

The chat box showed he was typing. Then, a small cat emoji appeared, indicating he had received my message. It was identical to Samantha's profile picture.

Disgust churned in my stomach, and I put my phone away without replying.

Samantha, the new homeroom teacher for this semester, stepped to the front of the class. She had dressed up for the occasion. She wore a simple beige dress with her hair braided to one side and her face carefully made up.

Unlike yesterday's timid cowardice, she now carried an air of forced maternal warmth. The sight made me sick.

"Good evening, parents. The theme for today's conference is 'A Harmonious Family.' Family has always been the most important safe haven for children. As parents, we must pay attention to our children's mental health and create a happy, harmonious environment at home."

She spoke confidently to the parents, even sharing several anecdotes to emphasize the importance of being responsible for one's family. Yet, she was the very person destroying mine.

What made it even more absurd was that after her speech, she suddenly tapped the blackboard and looked at the parents below with a shy expression.

"Actually, I have one more announcement to make today. My son, Tony, is also in this class."

Samantha turned toward the door and waved. "Vic, Tony, come in."

The classroom erupted in shocked murmurs. Victor walked into the room, holding our son's hand. He had styled himself carefully. He wore a sleek black suit with his hair slicked back, and on his wrist was the expensive watch I had given him.

Meanwhile, Tony's clothes were wrinkled. His hair was damp and plastered to his forehead. He looked like he had a fever.

My heart seized. I nearly lost control and rushed forward to take Tony back. However, reason held me in place. Now was not the time.

I needed to wait for Samantha to publicly acknowledge her relationship with Victor and let her destroy herself.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Samantha's husband, Victor."

He tugged at our dazed son's arm, his lips curving into the gentle smile I knew so well. However, the words that came out of his mouth made my blood run cold.