The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 50

"Mom is working really hard right now, getting back out into the world. I'm going to get better," she explained softly.

Connor just blinked at her, repeating the exact same sentence: "So... can you just not come anymore?"

Jillian slowly stood up, swaying slightly as if all the strength had been drained from her legs. "I understand."

As those two words left her lips, her heart shattered into a million irreversible pieces.

All these years of sacrifice, believing she was giving up her dreams entirely for her son's sake... and this was her reward?

When they finally arrived back at The Yale Residences, Mrs. Zeller quickly ushered Connor inside, shooting Jillian a look of utter disgust.

"Mom, once I take my bath, will you build Legos with me?"

Staring into his hopeful eyes, Jillian slowly shook her head. "No."

"Why not?"

"Because I have a lot of work to catch up on tonight. I'll come visit you another time," she said coldly, turning on her heel and walking away.

Connor instinctively tried to run after her, but Mrs. Zeller quickly grabbed him, coaxing him back into the mansion.

Back at her own apartment, Jillian collapsed onto her bed, completely physically and emotionally drained.

The outfit she was wearing today was the most expensive thing she had bought in years. It cost over a thousand dollars.

Yet, she had easily recognized the label on Sylvia's dress. It was exclusive haute couture, worth at least ten times what Jillian was wearing.

Connor had been born into a world of incomprehensible wealth. He might not understand designer labels yet, but he could instantly spot the glaring difference in how the two women presented themselves.

She desperately wanted her son to love her unconditionally, to fiercely defend her no matter what. It was a mother's most basic instinct.

But he was undeniably a product of his hyper-elitist environment.

Letting out a ragged sigh, Jillian buried her hands in her hair, gripping the roots tightly as if the physical pain could somehow dull the agony in her chest.

Instantly forgetting about the heartbreak with her son, Jillian slipped into problem-solving mode. "If the landlord actively supported the charity and offered a discount before, it proves he's a decent guy with a conscience."

"Exactly," Daniel agreed. "Mallory even said she always had a great relationship with him. They've never had a single argument."

"Then..." Jillian hesitated. "Do you think Killian is behind this?"

Raising the rent tenfold defied all basic market logic. The landlord was undoubtedly buckling under catastrophic external pressure.

"It's hard to say. But we all know Killian would burn the world down to keep Sylvia happy," Daniel admitted.

Realizing how cruel that sounded to Killian's actual wife, he quickly backpedaled. "Jillian, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

"I know what you meant," Jillian replied with a bitter smile.

His passing comment was nothing compared to the absolute devastation Killian inflicted on her every single day.

"Let's all meet up. Bring Mallory. We'll figure this out together," Jillian said determinedly.