The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 260

But that reassurance didn't bring even a hint of a smile to Connor's face.

For as long as he could remember, he had been the absolute center of Jillian's universe. His mother had revolved her entire life around him, putting his needs above everything else. Now, he could clearly sense that she had become calm and detached, living her own life, no longer making him her top priority.

"Mom, are you unhappy because of Sylvia?"

Jillian was slightly stunned. She hadn't expected her son to actually pick up on that.

In the past, he had been too young and naive, but as he grew up, he was beginning to sense the messy entanglements between the adults.

Before she could even open her mouth to explain, Mallory cut in with her usual blunt speed. "You bet she is! That 'Sylvia' of yours is your dad's mistress. Do you know what a mistress is?"

Jillian immediately let out a light cough and secretly kicked Mallory under the table.

She didn't want the child exposed to these toxic adult grudges so early, terrified it would warp his mindset and development.

But Mallory completely ignored her attempt to intervene, speaking directly to Connor. "Are there any kids in your class whose parents are divorced? If so, it's usually because one of them fell for someone else. The person who wedged themselves into the marriage is the mistress. That's exactly what Sylvia is. And she doesn't just want to be a mistress—she wants to be your stepmom so she can live in your house, drive your cars, and beat you up every day!"

Jillian was beyond exasperated, wishing she could just slap a hand over Mallory's mouth.

The woman never had any filter and dared to say absolutely anything right in front of a child.

Connor stood frozen in place, his little face utterly bewildered as his brain struggled to process all that information at once.

He was nine years old now. He wasn't entirely clueless and vaguely understood some adult concepts.

Which was exactly why he had never been able to bring himself to get close to Sylvia lately.

"Don't listen to Mallory's nonsense. She's just joking. Go on back now," Jillian quickly soothed him with a gentle voice.

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