Chapter 318 Mission AccomplishedÂ
Embarking on a relationship with Ethan meant more than just stepping into the role of a stepmom. The looming question over her career cast a shadow of doubt.Â
Amid Nancy’s silent contemplation, Ethan softly called her name, “Nancy?”Â
Nancy snapped out of her reverie and asked, her voice laced with uncertainty, “Do you truly think I’m up for it?”Â
Ethan responded with a warm smile reflected in the mirror, “Absolutely.”Â
At his words, Nancy, her gaze dropping, simply murmured, “Alright.”Â
Thoughts swirled in her mind, yet not a hint of elation could be found.Â
If she chose Ethan, what would become of her far–flung dream?Â
she once penned in a wish balloon her desire to be adoredÂ
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Just as these musings danced in her head, Ethan broke the silence. “There’s a condition, though.”Â
Nancy jolted slightly and shot back, “What’s that?”Â
Ethan locked eyes with her in the mirror and declared, “We’ll only have Sophie as our child.”Â
The statement hung in the air, and Nancy fell mute.Â
Ethan, sensing her hesitation, didn’t press. “Take your time to mull it over,” he said gently.Â
With that, he stepped out of the fitting room, leaving Nancy alone with her inner turmoil. Staring at her reflection, Nancy was caught in a crossfire.Â
Marrying Ethan promised a life of comfort and luxury, but the allure of being the object of many men’s affection was hard to resist.Â
Truth be told, the idea of being a stepmom didn’t sit well with her.Â
Her kindness towards Sophia was more of a pretense.Â
2/8Â
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But if she refused Ethan’s condition would he retract hisÂ
< Chapter 318 Mission Accomplish…Â
*****Â
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Meanwhile, after a disheartening exit from the Wilson Group, Emma sought solace in a shopping spree at the mall.Â
Burdened with armfuls of shopping bags, she squeezed into the elevator. At the fourth–floor stop, a middle–aged woman wearing a facial mask joined her.Â
From her build and complexion, Emma pegged the woman to be in her fifties.Â
Inside the elevator, Emma’s mind was consumed by the betrayal of Emily and Alexander.Â
Before she knew it, she started muttering under her breath, “Disgusting! What a sleazy couple!Â
“Alexander, you’ll pay for this. Just you wait!”Â
When the elevator dinged at its destination, Emma was still lost in her tirade. The woman behind her, needing to get out, gently tapped her on the shoulder. “Mind moving aside? I’m getting off.”Â
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Irritated by the touch Emma whirled around “Do youÂ
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The woman rolled her eyes and peeled off the mask.Â
When her face was revealed, Emma scowled, “Of all people, it’s you!”Â
It was Ashley Brown, Alexander’s mother.Â
The long–standing feud between their families madeÂ
every encounter tense.Â
Ashley sized Emma up and hissed, “Well? Are you going to block the way all day?”Â
Reluctantly, Emma made way, muttering, “What rotten luck.”Â
Ashley heard it and stopped in her tracks. “A bitter heart sees the world through a dirty lens,” she retorted coldly.Â
Emma stood her ground, a sneer on her lips as she lashed out. “Ashley, you’d better rein in your boy. He’s setting his sights on my son’s wife. Even if Ethan’s over her, she’s still off–limits to your son. What’s he think he’s doing, trying to steal her?”Â
At her words, Ashley let out a brash laugh. “Well he’s gotÂ
the guts and the charm. That’s what gives him the right.”Â
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The retort sent a wave of fury through Emma. Her face paled, and she pointed a shaking finger at Ashley. “You’re just shameless!”Â
Ashley shot her a cold, hard look. “Can’t even talkÂ
properly and still trying to pick a fight. Do you seriously think you’re a big deal here? I’ve been ignoring your nonsense, but you’re pushing too far.”Â
Emma’s chest heaved with rage. She felt like her heart was about to burst.Â
Seeing her in such a state, Ashley smirked. “Can’t even stand still, and you’re telling me to discipline my son? My boy’s a good one. So what if he wants to be someone’s lover? He’s in love. It’s got nothing to do with you. Look at you getting all worked up. Drop dead from anger and don’t blame me.”Â
As she spoke, she took a step back, as if Emma carried some kind of disease.Â
After a few deep, ragged breaths, Emma managed to calm down a little. “Your son likes leftovers.”Â
Ashley scoffed, saying, “Oh, that’s rich. When you can’5:13Â
win you start name–calling. What’s wrong with my sonÂ
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he wants.”Â
Emma’s anger flared up again. She was so mad that she wanted to throw a punch.Â
But as her hand shot up, Ashley’s eyes narrowed into slits. “Go ahead, Emma. Swing at me. But if you do, we’ll see who rules the roost in Los Angeles tomorrow–the Wilsons or the Lessings.”Â
Under that steely gaze, Emma’s hand dropped like aÂ
stone.Â
It was a clear defeat for Emma.Â
Ashley couldn’t resist one last dig. “Your son’s soÂ
amazing. Why don’t you get him to be a lover? Let’s see if he has the balls.”Â
Fuming and humiliated, Emma turned on her heel and scurried away.Â
*****Â
At the hospital, Alexander had just finished helping Emily with her meal. Now, he sat quietly by her side as the 3:13 drip fed medicine into her body.Â
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phone buzzed with a new WhatsApp message.Â
It was from Ashley: [Mission accomplished. Time for a reward.]Â
Alexander said: [Well done!]Â
Ashley asked: [How’s Emily?]Â
After glancing over at Emily’s serene face, he typed back: [She’s on the mend.]Â
Ashley asked: [And the relationship? Just lovers? No more action?]Â
A soft chuckle escaped Alexander’s lips as he replied: [Eventually, but forcing a lady isn’t cool.]Â
Ashley replied: [Tough road ahead, son. Winning her heart won’t be easy.]Â
[No worries. She’s shy. I’ll take it slow.]Â
Ashley encouraged: [Hope you succeed soon.]Â
She put a little emphasis on the word “succeed” making 3Â
it clear what she meant.Â
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That made Alexander laugh even more.Â
The light sound of his laughter was enough to rouse Emily from her slumber.Â
When she opened her eyes, she saw him smiling so widely.Â
She couldn’t help but wonder if it was a message from Nancy that was making him so happy.Â