hen Lorraine heard the sum repeated aloud, she felt as if both she and Rowan had lost their minds. “Where am I supposed toe up with three billion dors in cash?”

    Forget ordinary people–even the wealthiest families in Vistapeak City would struggle to gather that kind of money.

    And to just hand it over for nothing? Impossible.

    Elissa’s calm expression didn’t waver, making Lorraine grow suspicious. “You’re not lying ito /ime, are you?”

    Elissa replied, “Why would I lie about this?”

    Lorraine took a deep breath, suddenly at a loss for words.

    It was the first time in her life that money had ever left her so helpless.

    Elissa broke the silence, “Still want that prescription?”

    After all, it was obvious Lorraine hadn’te here just for medical advice.

    “I do,” Lorraine answered with a nod.

    Her sleep had been awfultely, and she’d just overheard some patients outside raving about Elissa’s

    medical skills.

    Since she was already here, she figured she might as well do something about her health.

    Elissa tapped away at the keyboard, then handed Lorraine a freshly printed prescription. “You can pay and pick this up at the front desk downstairs.”

    Lorraine took the paper but didn’t leave right away, hesitating as if unsure whether to voice what was

    on her mind.

    Elissa nced at the clock, clearly eager to go. “So, have you decided to pay that three billion for

    me?”

    Lorraine let out a long breath. “I don’t have that kind of money. If it were three million, maybe I could scrape it together.”

    “Then don’t bother. I’m off for the day,” Elissa replied, not the least bit surprised.

    She’d never expected Lorraine toe up with that money. She’d only wanted toy things out clearly, to avoid endless trouble in the future.

    Since Lorraine still didn’t budge, Elissa didn’t wait around. She grabbed her bag and prepared to leave.

    Lorraine frowned and called after her, “Rowan loves to make a scene–are you really going to y along with his nonsense? Aren’t you worried you’ll ruin your reputation?”

    Marrying into the Atwater family only to have an affair while still married–if word got out, the Atwaters would never let her off the hook, let alone the rest of society.

    18:03

    Without turning around, Elissaughed and said, “Since when does a reputation put food on the

    table?”

    She never cared about something so intangible. All she wanted was for the people she loved to be

    safe and sound.

    Lorraine was struck dumb by Elissa’s casual indifference–the same attitude she’d seen in Rowan so many times before.

    She’d been by Rowan’s side for three years now, but at this moment, she had ito /iadmit it–Elissa and Rowan were two of a kind. It was in their bones; they were made of the same stuff.

    Elissa didn’t wait for a response. She slipped on her ts and walked out, quickly instructing the nurse at the desk before heading off. Not even this strange confrontation could shake her mood.

    Today felt different–momentous, somehow.

    As she was almost out the clinic’s door, she ran into Cliff Riley. “Heading to the research center?” he

    asked.

    Elissa smiled, her eyes bright. “Not today. I have to drop by Atwater Manor.”

    She was going to pick up her divorce papers.

    Today was the day Carm had promised to hand them over.

    After exchanging a few words with Cliff, Elissa made her way straight to Atwater Manor.

    Because it was Valentine’s Day, the manor was far livelier than usual. Lanterns hung everywhere in the yard, adding a festive glow to the ce.

    As soon as Elissa stepped inside, she heard the racket upstairs–Hickey Atwater was making his presence known as always.

    Carm saw her enter and bristled with irritation. “Couldn’t you wait even one more day? You have to collect the divorce papers on Valentine’s Day?”

    In her mind, her own son was as outstanding as they came–background, looks, talent, character, all first–rate.

    More than enough to match a hundred Elissas.

    Elissa’s voice was calm but resolute. “No, I can’t wait.”

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