Chapter 3
Pushing open the door, I found Mason and Ivy in a passionate embrace on the couch.
I quickly covered my daughter’s eyes and ears.
Embarrassed and angry, Mason grabbed a water glass from the table and threw it at me.
“Get out! Who let you in here? This isn’t a place for beggars like you!”
The glass hit my temple, causing a large bump. I saw stars from the pain.
Before I could react, several project managers rushed in, apologizing profusely to Mason.
“We’re so sorry, Mr. Wilde. This was our oversight. We’ll remove her immediately.”
I angrily shook off the hands pulling at me. “This rest area was prepared for me! Who gave you the right to throw me out?”
The room fell silent.
A moment later, everyone erupted in mocking laughter.
Seeing they didn’t believe me, I reached for my phone to prove it.
Yet Mason quickly snatched my phone and smashed it on the floor, breaking it into pieces.
Before I could speak, he sneered, “You must be living in a fantasy. This rest area belongs exclusively to Jackson Reed, the richest man in the state. Even I’m only allowed in here briefly to discuss business with him. Who the hell do you think you are to make such claims?”
“You’d go this far to seduce me? You truly have no shame.”
The pot-bellied men looked me up and down appraisingly.
“Mr. Wilde, who is this woman?”
Mason curved his lips in contempt, answering casually, “No idea. But judging by how desperate she looks, probably just a prostitute.”
Ivy giggled at his words, her delicate fingers tracing circles on his chest. “Mason, that’s so mean to say about her. You’re terrible!”
After hearing Mason’s shameless insult, the managers’ expressions turned to disgust, and vile accusations flew from all directions.
“This slut came here to seduce Mr. Wilde, bringing a little brat with her. She’ll probably give you a disease.”
“With your shabby appearance, you’re better off begging than hooking. Go back to the streets where you belong!”
“I’ve seen plenty of women like you—willing to do anything for money. Mr. Wilde, if you don’t want her, how about passing her to me? It’s been a while since I’ve had some fun.”
I pressed my hands tightly over my daughter’s ears, trying to shield her from these vulgar comments.
“That’s enough! There’s a child present!”
But my daughter was already frightened by the hostile atmosphere and began crying loudly.
Mason seemed to realize things had gone too far. His expression darkened as he growled, “Who told you to say those things? Do you have a death wish?”
The men exchanged nervous glances and fell silent.
I didn’t bother correcting Mason’s words, focusing entirely on comforting my daughter.
After I finally calmed her down, I noticed Mason staring at me with a complicated expression, his eyes showing a hint of reluctance.
Just as he was about to say something, Ivy quickly interjected, pretending to be kind and generous: “Natalie, I know raising a child alone hasn’t been easy. How about this—I’m still recovering and could use a housekeeper. Come work for me, and I’ll pay you $2,500 a month. That’s much better than collecting recyclables.”
Hearing this, Mason immediately pulled her close and kissed her lips firmly.
“Ivy, you’re so thoughtful and kind. It melts my heart.”
Ivy shyly nestled against his chest.
I felt nauseated by their display, my skin crawling with disgust. Fighting the urge to vomit, I declined, “No thanks. I actually enjoy my current job.”
With that, I ignored Mason’s darkening expression and turned to leave with my daughter.
These two were deranged—if I couldn’t fight them, I’d avoid them.
Behind me came the sound of objects being thrown, accompanied by Mason’s furious roar: “Natalie, you’re really content living in the gutter? You’re hopeless! Don’t even dream of getting back with me!”
Ignoring him, I slammed the door shut behind me.
