Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 131

Chapter 117

(Rosalies POV)

1couldn’t just hope this would fall like the others

I had to make this relationship fall

But carefully Subtly So Ethan would never know it was me

I watch Sabrina from across the coffee shop

She’s early Fifteen minutes early Sting at a comer table with her hands wrapped around a latte she hasn’t touched yet. She keeps checking her phone. Nervous energy radiating off her

in waves

Good

Nervous is easy to manipulate

I take a breath. Put on my warmest smile. The one that makes people trust me. The one I’ve perfected over years of being Kate’s granddaughter and Ethan’s sister and never quite being either

“Sabrinal” I wave as I approach. Tm so sorry I’m late. Traffic was a nightmare

I’m not late. I’m exactly on time. But apologizing first puts people at ease. Makes them feel like they have the upper hand

She stands to greet me. “No, you’re fine. I was just early”

“I ordered you a coffee already. I hope that’s okay. I remembered you said you liked lattes at dinner.”

This is a lie. She ordered tea at dinner. But she doesn’t correct me. Just says thank you and

sits back down.

Point one: she’s conflict–averse

1 settle into my chair and lean forward like we’re old friends sharing secrets.

Tm so glad you agreed to meet with me. I know things have been tense with Grandmother staying at the penthouse. I wanted to check in. Make sure you’re doing okay.”

Tm fine,” she says automatically

< Chapter 137-1

“Are you? Because if I were in your position, f’d be losing my mind. Kate can be a lot

Something in her shoulders relaxes. Just a fraction

“She’s definitely a presence, Sabrina admits

“That’s one way to put it.” I laugh. Shake my head like we’re bonding over a shared burden 1 grew up with her. Trust me. I know how overwhelming she can be. But I also know how to handle her.”

“You do?”

“Of course. I’ve been doing it for twenty–three years.” I take a sip of my coffee. That’s actually why I wanted to talk to you. I thought maybe I could help. Give you some insight into how to navigate her expectations.”

“T’d appreciate that.”

She means it. I can see the hope in her eyes. The desperate need for an ally

Perfect.

“First thing you need to know about Kate–she values strength above everything else. She built Hale Global from almost nothing. Turned her husband’s failing import business into an empire. She doesn’t respect weakness.”

“I’m not weak.”

“I know you’re not. But you come across as… uncertain sometimes. Like you’re not sure you

belong.”

Her hands tighten around her cup. “Maybe that’s because I’m not sure I do.”

And there it is.

The insecurity I need.

“Why would you think that?” I ask, all concern and sympathy.

She’s quiet for a moment. Then: “Your grandmother asked me why Ethan would choose me when he could have anyone. And I couldn’t give her a good answer”

“That’s because there isn’t a good answer to a bad question.” I reach across the table. Touch her hand. “Kate’s testing you. She does it to everyone. She did it to me for years before she finally accepted me as family.”

“Years?”

Claim

1 was eight when she adopted me. I didn’t feel like I was truly part of the family until I was in college. This is true. And the truth makes the best lies more believable. “She needs to know you’re committed. That you’re not going to run when things get hard.”

won’t run

1 believe you. But you need to make her believe it too.”

Sabrina nods. Absorbs this.

1 let the silence sit for a moment. Then I say, carefully: “Can I ask you something? And please know this comes from a place of genuine care.”

“Okay”

“Why Ethan?”

She blinks. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… you’re brilliant. You’re talented. You have a good career and a wonderful son. You could rebuild your life with anyone. Or alone. So why Ethan? Why take on the complications of his family and his world when you could choose someone simpler?”

Comments

Chapter 1172

Because love i

1 know you do. But love it always enough Especially in families like suns These are expectations Prestores Scotiny pause Yates going to push you eat you Make you prove yourself over and over again Are you really ready for t

“I don’t know she admits quietly form willing to y

Just

“That’s good. That’s exactly the right attitude” I smile at member–Kate responds to confidence Even if you don’t feel confident you need to project ever let her see you doubt yourself?

“That’s hard when she’s literally rearranging that’s apartment and throwing away my sons artwork”

“She did what?

Sabrina tells me about the drawings. About finding them in the trash About the fight with

Ethan

1 make sympathetic noises. Say all the right things. Inside, I’m cataloging every detail

“That must have been so hurtful I say “How’s Jake handing?

“He doesn’t know. And I plan to keep it that way. He worked so hard on those drawings Hell be hurt if he finds out Kate took them down

“Of course he did. He’s incredibly talented:” I mean this. The kid actually has skill. “You know what? I have an idea. What if I took Jake to the museum this weekend? Just the two of us There’s a new exhibit on contemporary art he’d probably love. And it would give you and Ethan some time alone to work through things.”

Her face brightens. “Really? You’d do that?”

“Of course! Jake’s going to be my nephew I want to get to know him, “I pull out my phone “Let me check my schedule. How’s Saturday afternoon?”

That would be perfect.”

We make plans. Exchange numbers. Talk about art and Jake and safe, surface things

But underneath, every story she tells me, every worry she shares, every moment of doubt–fm

* Chapter 117-2

collecting it all like ammunition.

By the time we say goodbye, she thinks she’s made a foend

She has no idea what she’s actually done

That evening, I sit with Kate in her temporary study at the penthouse

Ethan’s at work. Sabrina and Jake are at their place. It’s just us

“How was your lunch with Sabrina?” Kate asks without looking up from her paperwor

“Enlightening.”

Now she looks up. “Tell me.”

I settle into the chair across from her desk. Choose my words carefully

“She’s more fragile than she appears. Deeply insecure about her place in Ethan’s life. She actually admitted she doesn’t know why he’d choose her when he could have anyone.”

Kate sets down her pen. “She said that?”

“Not in those exact words. But the meaning was clear. She’s afraid she’s not good enough Afraid you’ll convince Ethan to leave her.”

“And how did you respond?”

“I told her you value strength and confidence. That she needs to project certainty even if she doesn’t feel it.”

“And? Did she believe you”

“I think so. She’s desperate for guidance. For someone to tell her how to navigate all of this.”

Kate leans back in her chair. Studies me with those sharp eyes that miss nothing

“You’re helping her?”

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