Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 127

Chapter 114

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Chapter 114

(Sabrina’s POV)

Kate’s knife pauses. Just for a second. Then continues cutting.

“I see. And how long were you married?”

“Seven years.”

“That’s quite a long time to not notice your husband was unfaithful.”

The words land like a slap.

“I was working,” I say, keeping my voice level. “I trusted him. That was my mistake.”

“Trust is important in a marriage. But so is awareness.” Kate takes a small bite. Chews. Swallows. “One must always be aware of what’s happening in one’s own home.”

“With all due respect, Mrs. Hale, I was aware. I just chose to believe my husband when he said he was working late. That he had business trips. That he loved me.”

“And he didn’t.”

“No. He didn’t.”

“How devastating for you.”

There’s no sympathy in her voice. Just observation.

Jake, who’s been quietly eating his food, suddenly puts down his fork.

“Mean Lady Jessica was sneaky,” he says. “Mom was working every day. Not just her projects-Bad Dad’s projects too. Because he couldn’t do them without her help. She was busy making him look good. It’s not her fault he was bad.”

The table goes silent.

Kate turns her sharp eyes to Jake. “Young man, this is an adult conversation. Children should.

not interrupt.”

Jake’s face falls. He shrinks back in his chair, and something in me snaps at his crestfallen

face.

“He was defending me,” I say quietly. “Which he shouldn’t have to do. Jake, honey, it’s okay.”

But the damage is done. Jake has never been shut down like this before. And now he won’t

(Chapter 114

look up from his plate.

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Rosalie leans toward him with a gentle smile. “Jake, I heard you’re an artist. Would you show me some of your other drawings? I’d love to see them.”

Jake glances at me. I nod.

He gets up and follows Rosalie to the living room, leaving the adults at the table.

As soon as they’re out of earshot, Kate says, “He’s very protective of you.”

“He’s six. And he’s been through a lot this past year.”

“Clearly.” She dabs her mouth with her napkin. “Children of divorce often struggle with stability. Have you considered how remarriage might affect him?”

“Every day. It’s one of the reasons I’m marrying Ethan. Because Jake needs to see what a healthy relationship looks like.”

“Does he? Or does he need consistency? Structure? A mother who’s focused on his wellbeing rather than her romantic life?”

My jaw tightens. “I am focused on his wellbeing. Everything I do is for Jake.”

“Including marrying a billionaire less than a year after your divorce was finalized?”

The implication is clear.

Ethan sets down his wine glass harder than necessary. “Grandmother-”

“It’s a fair question,” Kate says calmly. “One I’m certain others will ask. Better she hears it from me first before hearing from others.”

I take a breath. Another. Then I look Kate Hale directly in the eye.

“I didn’t ask Ethan to propose. I didn’t seek him out. I didn’t plan any of this. But I’m not going to apologize for falling in love with someone who treats me with respect. Who loves my son. Who sees value in both of us.”

“Value.” Kate repeats the word like she’s testing its weight. “Then tell me, what value do you bring to my grandson’s life other than the obvious complications?”

“I make him happy.”

“Happiness is fleeting.”

“Then I challenge him. I push him to be better. I see him as a person, not just a CEO.”

Chapter 114

“Many women could claim and do the same.”

“But they’re not sitting at this table. I am.”

For the first time all evening, Kate’s expression shifts. Not a smile. But something close to approval.

“You have a spine,” she observes. “I wondered if you would”

Tve had to develop one.”

“Clearly.”

The tension doesn’t disappear, but it shifts. Changes shape.

Rosalie returns with Jake. He’s smiling again, showing her something on his tablet. They’re talking about art and technique and Jake is explaining his process with the kind of

enthusiasm he usually reserves for dinosaurs.

Rosalie is patient with him. Genuinely interested.

I should be grateful.

Instead, I’m suspicious.

We finish dinner. Dessert is served. Coffee. Small talk that feels like a minefield.

When it’s finally time to leave, Kate walks us to the elevator.

“Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Hale,” I say.

“It was enlightening.” She looks at Jake. “Your drawing will go in my study. A place of honor.”

Jake lights up. “Really?”

“Really. You’re very talented.”

“Thank you, Granny Kate!”

The elevator doors open. We step inside.

As the doors start to close, I hear Kate say to Ethan, “She’s adequate. Better than I expected. But you’re the heir to Hale Global, Ethan. You could have anyone. Why her?”

The doors close before I hear his answer.

Jake is chattering about Rosalie the whole ride down. How nice she was. How she knew about art. How she promised to show him museums in Europe someday

Chapter 114

I smile and nod and respond at the right times.

But all I can hear is Kate’s voice.

Why her?

And I don’t know if Ethan has an answer that will satisfy her.

I don’t know if any answer would.

(Ethan’s POV)

“I’ll be staying here,” Gran announces over breakfast the next morning.

I look up from my coffee. “What?”

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“At the penthouse. I need to get to know everyone properly. Can’t do that from a hotel.” She spreads jam on her toast with precise movements. “I’ve already had my things brought up from the car.”

Rosalie, sitting across from her, adds, “I offered to help Grandmother settle in. I hope you don’t mind me staying too.”

I do mind. I mind very much.

This penthouse is supposed to be mine. The place where Sabrina and Jake feel comfortable. Where we’re building our life together while we wait for the new house to close.

But the building belongs to the Hale portfolio. Which means it technically belongs to Gran.

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