Chapter 10
In time, Mandy stopped pining for Tracie’s brother and began to see Tracie as her sister.
Mandy witnessed Tracie’s life before and after she turned sixteen-before, when she was the cherished daughter of a wealthy family, and after, when she was cast out and abandoned, left to fend for herself on the streets.
During those tough times, Mandy used her meager salary to help Tracie, just to make sure she didn’t starve.
When Tracie answered Mandy’s call, she asked, “Mandy, did you get yourself into trouble again?”
“You know, I’m in my thirties now. I’ve learned to keep things in check! I promise, I’ll try my best not to cause any more trouble.” Mandy’s voice was full of excitement and disbelief. “Your husband-your high-society husband-actual- ly called me first! Looks like your brother-in-law finally acknowledges me as the big sister-in-law!”
Tracie was speechless.
She had forgotten that Grover knew Mandy’s number.
If the Stanton family couldn’t find her, they would definitely reach out to Mandy.
Tracie felt guilty.
“Your brother-in-law used to forbid you from telling people he’s your husband. So what’s the sudden call about? Is he inviting me-the big sister-in-law-to visit the Stanton family…?”
“He needs blood for his nephew. And he wants me to donate 1,000 milliliters.”
“…Damn it! That bastard! I’ll-” Mandy was the type to speak her mind and act impulsively, fiercely loyal but quick to
anger.
As her former colleagues used to say, even in her thirties, Mandy lacked the subtlety of a preschooler-she acted be- fore thinking.
Tracie, who had been feeling so sad, couldn’t help but laugh at Mandy’s words.
“Are you really going to donate blood for his nephew?” Mandy asked.
“I’m divorcing Grover. I’ve already handed him the divorce papers,” Tracie said matter-of-factly.
Mandy’s tone shifted instantly, becoming serious and heavy. “Tracie, what about Wendi and Rico? What will happen
to them?”
“Wendi stays with him, and Rico stays with me.”
“Mandy…” Rico, who had been quietly listening beside Tracie, suddenly called out.
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Chapter 10
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“Oh, little handsome guy, your voice is so charming! Have you come back from the rehab center?” Mandy teased, her voice playful.
“Yeah, I’m back in the home where it’s just me and Mommy. Mommy will only love me from now on,” Rico said proudly.
Mandy was speechless.
From Rico’s few words, Mandy immediately understood that Tracie had left the Stanton family. She quickly said, “Rico, tell Mommy, I am treating you to a welcome dinner. Let’s go eat a big meal. Tell Mommy to take you out.”
Rico looked up at Tracie.
Tracie knew Mandy was trying to comfort her, so she smiled softly and said, “We’ll meet you in a little while.”
After hanging up, Tracie changed Rico into a stylish new outfit, and with his hand in hers, they headed out.
An hour later, mother and son arrived at a lively children’s amusement park, where Mandy was already waiting.
They ordered food and were just settling in when Mandy’s phone rang.
She picked it up, and as soon as she saw the caller, she saw it was another call from the Stanton family.
Mandy was about to answer, but Tracie stopped her.
She hung up Mandy’s call and dialed Grover’s number.
On the other end, Grover’s voice was cold and commanding. “You have two hours to come give Oliver a blood trans-
fusion.”
Tracie’s tone was calm and rational. “Mr. Stanton, if you’re truly concerned about your nephew’s life, you should find someone with the same blood type as him as soon as possible, instead of wasting your time on me. Also, please don’t disturb me or my family again, alright?”
There was no trace of deliberate defiance in her voice.
Instead, it was an expression of polite impatience, tempered by good manners.
Grover immediately sensed the cold distance in her tone, the unmistakable chill of emotional detachment.
His heart lurched.
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Chapter 11
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