Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124 No Need for the Charade

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Finished

“That pain was like nothing I’ve ever felt before,” Wendy said, putting on a pitiful act. “It was like someone was breaking my bones apart. I can’t even put it into words.”

The rehab sessions had been pure agony, no pretense required. She really couldn’t stand it.

“I know you’ve been through hell these past few days,” Iris said gently. “But if you keep pushing through, you’ll walk again-like everyone else. To be honest, I’ve carried this guilt for years. You ended up like this because of Peyton.

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“If it weren’t for you, he’d be the one in that wheelchair today. Our family owes you a debt we can never fully repay. But you must tell me if you need anything. Whatever it is, I’ll make it happen.”

At her age, Iris still felt the need to smooth things over for her grandson, to grovel a little.

Peyton’s heart ached hearing her words. He could handle this mess on his own. He hated seeing his grandmother humble herself like this.

“Mrs. Iris Reed, please don’t say that,” Wendy replied softly. “I did it willingly back then. I never blamed Peyton for any of this. We’ve never kept score. I’ve always looked up to him like an older brother.

“I run to him whenever something happens because he makes me feel safe. It has nothing to do with what happened before. You don’t have to carry this burden anymore.”

If that accident hadn’t happened, she’d never have the nerve to say these things to his family. But she played her part well.

“Wendy, come with me,” Eleanor said sharply, unable to take any more of her act.

Since she walked in, she’s monopolized Iris’ attention, leaving no room for anyone else to speak.

What’s the point of all these empty words?

It made Eleanor’s blood boil.

“Mom,” Peyton said, warning in his voice. He knew exactly what she planned to say and didn’t want them to talk alone.

But Eleanor shot him a look that said “don’t interfere”. Once she made up her mind, no one could stop her.

Quinn didn’t want this confrontation either. She knew Eleanor was looking out for her, but this seemed

unnecessary.

Wendy didn’t look the least bit afraid. She followed Eleanor willingly into a spare room.

“I know you saved my son’s life,” Eleanor started, cutting straight to the chase. “And I know he’s never spared any expense on you over the years-given you everything you could ask for. But he and Quinn are getting engaged soon. As a woman, you should know better than to cling to a man who’s about to marry someone else.

“You two even made tabloid headlines at one point. But clearly, those rumors didn’t drive them apart. Their relationship is stronger than ever.”

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Chapter 124 No Need for the Charade

Finished

“Name your price,” Eleanor said flatly. “Whatever it is, I’ll pay it. Our family owes you. But I won’t let my son spend the rest of his life chained to this guilt. Don’t tell me you don’t care about him. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t keep hanging around like this.”

Eleanor was never one to beat around the bush. This needed to end—and fast. It was why she’d rushed over today.

Once Peyton and Quinn were engaged, their lives would be intertwined forever. If he kept running off to tend to Wendy, conflicts were inevitable. No matter how reasonable Quinn was, love was possessive by

nature.

As a woman, Eleanor understood that all too well.

“Mrs. Reed, I’m not sure I follow,” Wendy said, feigning innocence. “Is this about his fiancée misunderstanding our rehab sessions? There’s nothing going on between us. I only call him when I’m truly at my breaking point.

“I know where to draw the line. I’ve never taken any of this for granted, and I would never dream of ruining their relationship. I know he’s getting engaged soon.”

She played dumb, acting like she had no clue what Eleanor was talking about.

But Eleanor saw right through her act. “Cut the crap, Wendy,” she snapped. “We’re alone here. There’s no need for the charade.”

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