“It’s okay. You guys don’t have to compensate for anything. I just want Lucas back,” Heather replied once she snapped back to her senses and was convinced that Chris was sincere.
Not daring to dismiss Heather’s request, Chris immediately asked his men to free Lucas.
It was a surreal moment for the family, for they did not believe that they could make it out of the casino safely.
“We can’t thank you enough, Mr. Wallace. We could not have saved Lucas if it were not for you,” Carmen thanked Walt profusely, thinking that he was the reason Chris had a total change of attitude back at the casino.
Walt was taken aback at first, but instead of clarifying the misunderstanding, he took the credit shamelessly, saying, “It’s no big deal, but just a reminder, though—Chris is not to be trifled with. You guys are lucky I managed to call my dad and got him to ask for a favor from the billionaire Jack Sawyer. Things might have turned out badly if I didn’t.”
Oh, so that’s what happened.
Even Heather bought Walt’s story when she heard that.
Carmen and Lucas then left, as they had to go to the hospital so Lucas could get treated for his bruised face.
Seeing an opportunity, Walt asked, “Heather, I’m meeting a few clients at Hyatt Hotel. We’ve booked a room for that. Why don’t you come and join us?”
His invitation disconcerted Heather. She knew not how to respond to him.
A beat later, she said, “I-I think I’ll give it a pass this time. I still have a lot to do, and I feel a little tired, too. I’ll head home to rest first.”
“Oh, really?” Walt was disappointed, but he hid his feelings under his gentlemanly facade. “It’s okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow at ten in the morning. I’ll make sure you have the most elaborate ceremony at The Clouds. Everyone will be so jealous of you, Heather. Don’t let me down.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there on time tomorrow,” Heather replied, nodding stiffly.
“All right.”
Perturbed by the meaningful smile on Walt’s face, Heather turned and left immediately, leaving the man behind as he watched her retreat frantically with ruthless glints in his eyes.
I’m glad she’s been a good girl today. She is not that hostile toward me now. I am sure revenge tomorrow will taste so sweet.
After Heather reunited with Carmen and Lucas, the three took a taxi home together.
When they arrived, Alex and Stanley were already eating.
“Who said you could eat without us?” Carmen chided, glancing at Alex. “What a piece of trash.”
Instead of entertaining her, Alex put some vegetables on Stanley’s plate and continued eating.
Carmen was all the more livid, having been ignored.
“Yeah, eat away. That’s the only thing you know how to do. You can’t even lift a finger to help when something happens in the family!”
Just then, Stanley looked up and interrupted, “Grandma, Mommy, Uncle, come over and eat.”
Heather flashed the boy a tired smile and went over to sit beside him. She got herself a bowl of pasta and started eating.
“I’m not eating. I’m too pissed to eat anything,” Carmen grumbled, waving her hands in disgruntlement before storming into her room.
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll cook for you later,” Lucas said.
“Okay,” Carmen answered, nodding.
After dinner, Alex cleaned the dishes while Heather read Stanley a book until he fell asleep.
When Heather returned to the room, Alex was already lying on the floor.
Since Heather had refused to sleep with him on the bed the night before, he had no choice but to sleep elsewhere.
“I’m going to accompany Walt tomorrow,” Heather reminded Alex after she came out of the shower.
“I know,” Alex replied calmly.
“I’m sorry I can’t be a good wife to you. I’m disappointed by your lack of ambition,” she said, looking at Alex from the bed, “but that is not an excuse for me to sleep with someone else. So the last thing I can do for you is to get a divorce. This will spare you from all the mockery of having a wife who cheated. Sign the divorce paper, and we’ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow morning.”
When Heather saw that Alex did not reply but shut his eyes, she continued, “There is a million in this card. It will be enough to last you for many years if you spend wisely. As for Stanley, you don’t have to worry about him. I’ll make sure he grows up into a fine man. I’ll change his last name to yours in two years. I know that’s important to you. After all, you’re his father. I don’t oppose the idea of him taking your last name.”
She then held out an ATM card to Alex. “The password is the six digits of your birthday.”
“Go to bed. We’ll talk about the divorce tomorrow. I don’t want your money. I just want Stanley.” Alex suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Heather with determination.
“How are you going to provide for the boy? Do you want him to become someone like you?” Heather asked, glaring at Alex.
“You have nothing to worry about. He’s my son. I’ll make sure he becomes the wealthiest and most influential man in the world,” Alex said firmly.
“Enough of your promises, Alex! I’m utterly disappointed in you! It’s your call to get a divorce or not. You’re the one who will be the laughingstock in the end, anyway!” Heather fumed.
She switched off the lights and flopped onto the bed.
Only God knew if she had slept a wink that night.
The next day, Heather still had not departed when Alex got home after sending Stanley to kindergarten.
“Let’s go. It’s almost time. I’ll send you over,” Alex said.
Heather sniggered at his offer, feeling heartbroken that her very husband was sending her to another man.
How ironic.
Alex’s action had killed the last shred of hope Heather had for him.
“I’m not getting into that broken car of yours!” she said and flounced out of the house.
Alex watched her quietly as she left, then he followed her out.
When he saw that Heather had left in a taxi, he took out his phone and called Jack.
“Is everything ready?” Alex asked.
“Yes. Everything is in order. We’re just waiting for your instructions, Mr. Jefferson.”
“Good. Make sure to check your phone and start acting the moment you receive my text.”
“Understood, Mr. Jefferson.”
A vicious glint shone in Alex’s eyes as he hung up.
You’ll kneel before me and beg for forgiveness in front of everyone today, Walt Wallace.
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