Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 17

"They didn't get divorced?"

"Divorce?" Marcus scoffed. "Families like that? It's all high-society alliances and corporate mergers. Their marriages are tied up in massive fortunes and shareholder interests. That's just how it works in those circles. They stay together for the optics and play around on the side."

"But... what about their children?"

"Their children?" Marcus smiled wryly. "Kids born into that kind of wealth are probably used to their parents treating each other like business partners."

An image flashed through Sheila's mind—the girl throwing her arms around Edmond and dragging him into the private room. Were Edmond and Jewel doing the exact same thing? Just playing around on the side?

Noticing her mood had visibly soured, Marcus quickly pivoted. "None of that has anything to do with us. Sheila, I am genuinely into you. Just give me one chance, please?"

Her mind was still a chaotic mess, and she shook her head firmly. "Mr. Wagner, I'm sorry, but I really don't see you that way. Let's keep this professional moving forward. Goodbye."

"Sheila!"

Marcus rushed after her.

But Sheila had already stepped out of the restaurant, and Simon was pulling the car up to the curb.

Marcus was forced to stand there and watch her drive away.

"What did he want?" Simon asked.

Sheila shook her head. "Nothing."

She stared out the window, her delicate features clouded with a heavy, unshakeable melancholy.

When she first met Edmond, she had no idea he came from money. She had asked about his family before, but he had always kept his lips tightly sealed. Every time she brought it up, he seamlessly changed the subject.

Looking back, he had never intended to spend his life with her. That was why he hadn't wanted her to know anything about his real life.

"What difference does it make if it's a boy or a girl?" Edmond fired back. "You're a woman yourself. Why do you constantly look down on daughters?"

"It is not the same thing!" Vivienne yelled. "The family estate and the business have to be handed down to a male heir! If you don't secure your position now, when your father finally pops out a bastard son of his own, you're going to regret it!"

Edmond stared at his mother, watching her completely lose her aristocratic composure. He took a slow, steadying breath. "At the end of the day, this is still just about spiting him. You've been fighting for decades. You've spent your entire life making each other miserable. Isn't that enough?"

"No, it's not!" Whenever this topic came up, Vivienne completely lost control. "The Halley empire belongs to you, and it will belong to your children! I will die before I let him or his whores see a single dime!"

Edmond just felt an overwhelming exhaustion. "That's not going to happen."

Vivienne suddenly narrowed her eyes, studying him closely. "You've refused to settle down for years. Don't tell me you're still hung up on Sheila Jensen?"

Edmond fell silent for a few excruciating seconds before speaking.

"Don't be ridiculous. I forgot she existed years ago. If you hadn't mentioned her, I wouldn't have even remembered her name."