Chapter 24
In the end, Theo just couldn’t be cold. He wanted to handle this before Patricia woke up, so he grabbed Nina’s arm and started dragging her toward the parking lot. “Let’s talk outside.“}
Nina jerked her arm free, glaring at him. “Why? Why can’t we talk right here? She doesn’t love you, you don’t love her. The only thing tying you two together is some twisted sense of gratitude. Yeah, she saved you and lost her legs, but does that really mean you owe her your whole life? Why not just give her some money and let her go?”
She took a step closer, lowering her voice. “Theo, look at her. She can’t give the Newton family an heir. That’s the only reason the housekeeper and your grandma even let me in the door. You and I–we’re perfect for each other.”
“Perfect for each other, huh?” The elevator dinged, doors sliding open. Marian rolled out, pushing a wheelchair.
Patricia had just woken up, still in a long white nightgown that swept the floor, hiding her legs. She paused in the living room, taking in the scene–Nina and Theo caught up in their messy argument. The whole thing made her stomach turn.
“Ms. Miller, maybe you forgot–this is my house.“}
Nina scoffed. “Your house? Please. The Newton family paid for it. Once Theo and I get married, you’ll be the one looking for a new place.”
Patricia’s lips curled into a cool, almost amused smile. “Bad news for you–it’s in my name.”>
She looked Nina up and down. “And by the way, coming on to someone else’s husband right in front of his wife? Seriously? Is that what the Miller family teaches–no morals, no shame? Or did your dad just never bother to raise you?“}
“Patricia!” Theo snapped, trying to rein her in. “That’s enough.”>
Patricia had always known Theo wasn’t a good man. But every time he proved it, it still hurt–deep, breath–stealing hurt. She couldn’t help feeling sorry for herself. Sorry for her ruined legs. If she’d known what kind of person he really was, she never would’ve tried to save him. Marian let out a sharp laugh. “Wow, so the mistress gets a free pass, but the wife opens her mouth and suddenly she’s the villain? In the old days, women like you would get thrown out on the street.”
“Shut up!” Nina’s face was red and furious. She lunged at Marian, hand raised.
Patricia’s eyes went icy, her whole presence dangerous. “Jackson.“}
The door opened and Jackson strode in, immediately grabbing Nina by the arm and hauling her to the doorway. He moved so fast, Theo barely had time to react.
“Patricia, don’t you think that’s a little much?” Theo called, rushing to help Nina up.”
Nina, still fuming, shot back, “What, am I wrong? You forced Theo to stay with you. You’re just going to make each other miserable.”
She spat the words out, voice shaking. “You deserve this, Patricia. You deserve to lose your legs. That’s what you get for sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Losing your parents in that car crash wasn’t enough of a lesson for you? And how do you know Theo would’ve even died if you hadn’t interfered?“)
“You’re a curse. That’s all you are.”
Everyone in the room knew the story. Patricia’s parents had died in a car accident, leaving her the only one alive. Years later, she ruined her own legs saving someone else. Bad luck for others, and even worse luck for herself.
Patricia’s fingers clenched tight on the armrest, knuckles white and trembling. But when she spoke, her voice was cold and steady.
Jackson, Bring her here.“\
