Karen’s POV
“Kiara, we need to talk.”
I sat across from my daughter in the hotel’s private dining room. The warmth of the chandeliers did little to ease the tension between us. I hadn’t invited her for dinner to catch up—I needed to confront her.
“Good evening to you too, Mother,” she replied, her smile dripping with sarcasm.
“What’s good about this evening when you’re actively trying to ruin Hailey’s life?”
She let out a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes. “So this is about Hailey again.”
“Of course it is. Kiara, what happened to you? You used to be so kind… so warm. Now all I see is anger.”
She leaned back, crossing her arms. “And I don’t understand how you don’t see how wrong Hailey is. She’s destroying Xavier’s name, moving on like he never existed.”
“I don’t see anything wrong,” I said plainly. “Because there’s nothing wrong. If you were in her shoes, would you have waited over five years before starting to live again?”
“Don’t do that,” she snapped. “Don’t try to guilt me.”
I studied her face. Her eyes used to be filled with light. Now, they were cold. Hardened.
“Why are you doing this, Kiara? Why take her to court?”
Her lips curled into a bitter smile. “Because she doesn't deserve a single cent of my brother’s legacy. And if you and Father won’t protect it, I will.”
I chuckled—sadly.
“You’re not protecting anyone. You’re lashing out.”
“I’m doing what needs to be done.”
“No. You’re acting out of pain. And if you don’t stop, there will be consequences.”
Her smile faltered. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying this stops now. Leave Hailey alone.”
“You’re threatening me?”
“I’m warning you. If you continue down this path… you’ll be disowned. You’ll lose everything—your inheritance, your privileges, the family name. All of it.”
Her eyes widened. “You wouldn’t…”
“You know me well enough to know I don’t bluff.”
I stood, pushing my chair back gently.
“You have until morning.”
“Mother!”
I paused at the door, heart aching. “I love you, Kiara. But I will not support cruelty.”
Hailey’s POV
The shrill ring of my phone pulled me out of sleep. Groggily, I reached for it, knocking over a book in the process.
“Hello?” I mumbled.
“Hailey. Sorry to wake you.” It was Larry.
“It’s okay. What’s going on?”
“I just got word—Kiara dropped the case. She’s not taking you to court anymore.”
I sat up straight. “Wait… what?”
“She called her lawyer early this morning and told him to end it. No explanation.”
“That’s… unexpected,” I whispered.
“I thought you should know.”
“Thanks, Larry.”
After the call ended, I sat in silence, the confusion slowly turning to curiosity.
Something had changed… and I had a feeling I knew who was behind it.
“Alright,” I muttered, getting up. “Let’s go visit Karen.”
Paige’s POV
“I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwood. Mrs. Anders isn’t here, but I’d be happy to proceed in her absence,” I said, trying to maintain my composure.
Blackwood stared at me, unimpressed. His assistant—a young woman in her early twenties—stood awkwardly by his side, barely meeting my gaze.
“I don’t deal with assistants,” he snapped.
“With all due respect, sir, I’m qualified to conduct this meeting. It’s part of my job.”
He leaned forward, his tone sharp. “Find out where she is.”
“I already tried. She’s not answering, and she didn’t inform me of any absences.”
His expression darkened. “You’re her slut, aren’t you? You should know where she is.”
The words hit me like a slap. I blinked, stunned.
“Excuse me?” I said, my voice low and tight.
“Tell your girlfriend I’m not impressed.”
I stepped forward, fury burning in my chest. “Listen, you arrogant, bitter excuse of a man—don’t ever speak to me like that again. That expensive suit won’t cover the trash you just spilled from your mouth.”
His assistant gasped. I didn’t care.
“You don’t scare me. You’re just a lonely man trying to bully your way through life. Pathetic.”
I gathered my files and stormed out, jaw clenched.
Let him stew in it.
Hailey’s POV
I followed one of the maids through the garden until I spotted Karen seated by a table, sipping tea in the shade. She looked calm, but her eyes seemed far away.
“Hailey!” she smiled, setting her cup down and opening her arms.
I embraced her warmly before taking a seat.
“How are you holding up?” she asked, gently touching my cheek.
“I’m alright. Still standing.”
“And the twins?”
“At school. But I’ll bring them over Friday night. They’d love to spend the weekend here.”
Her eyes lit up. “Thank you, dear. I miss them.”
There was a short silence, and then I spoke.
“Kiara dropped the case.”
“I know.”
“You don’t sound surprised.”
She smiled faintly. “Aren’t you relieved?”
“I am… but also confused. She was so determined. Why the sudden change?”
Karen placed her teacup down and looked at me with calm strength. “Because I told her to.”
I blinked. “You?”
“She didn’t stop on her own, Hailey. I had to step in—as a mother, and as someone who knows what’s right.”
I stared at her, emotion swelling in my chest.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
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YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire's Widow
Roman d'amourHailey Anders After the death of her husband, the only thing that can keep Hailey going are her two little kids. They remind her that he still lives in them. Together with the company he left for her. Paige Carson Fresh out of college with impressi...
