The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 36

As Margaret went on about Suzie’s brother and sister, a flicker of emotion crossed Suzie’s face.

Before, when she hadn’t known the truth about her parentage, she never held a grudge, even with Margaret’s blatant favoritism. She had been on the same page as Margaret when it came to loving her siblings, believing as the oldest, it was her job to take care of them and put them first.

If this were the past, Suzie couldn't guarantee she wouldn't have softened. She might have swallowed her pride for Margaret, for her siblings, for the entire Sterling family, and gone begging to Jamie not to divorce her. Even if he didn’t love her, even if he had another woman, she probably would have sacrificed her own happiness to maintain the Sterling family’s lifeline, continuing her life as the glamorous but lonely Mrs. Baylor.

But now, Margaret was oblivious to the fact that Suzie knew the truth. She was still putting on a tragic performance, trying to play on Suzie’s compassion.

“Suzie, please, just for your brother and sister. Go to Jamie and apologize. I’m begging you.” Margaret pleaded again, stopping just short of getting on her knees. After all, they were her biological kids. She would probably give her life for them, let alone just beg.

Suzie gently placed the card on the table. “Do you know why Jamie kicked me out?” she asked, her voice flat. “He said I was like a leech, constantly sucking his blood—blood that you were draining through me.”

Margaret was stunned for a moment before refuting, “That’s impossible, Suzie. This card alone has no limit. If he thought that, he never would have given it to you, right?”

Margaret snatched the card from the table, her eyes filled with regret. “But he’s cut it off now. Suzie…”

“Suzie!” Margaret heard the mockery in her tone. Furious, she scrambled up from the floor and rushed to stand before her, roaring, “You’re insane! Fine. Don’t care about anyone. I’d like to see how you survive on your own. Let’s see if that pride of yours can buy you a meal!”

With that, Margaret slammed the door and stormed out.

The tension finally drained from Suzie. She leaned against the doorframe, a bitter smile playing on her lips as she looked at her small suitcase. At last, there should be peace. She had no more value to be exploited, so Margaret would likely never bother her again.