Chapter 3
615words
The next morning, I drove Andy to school as usual.
As we approached the gates, a garish pink Porsche caught my eye.
Vivian Woods stepped out, draped in this season's Chanel, makeup flawless, looking like she'd stepped off a magazine cover. No trace of yesterday's frazzled woman remained.
Beside her, Leo fidgeted impatiently, sporting a designer backpack that probably cost more than most parents' monthly car payments.
When she spotted us, Vivian's eyes gleamed with triumph as she deliberately strode our way.
"Mrs. Miller, good morning." Her smile dripped with satisfaction. "Fancy running into you again."
I ignored her, taking Andy's hand to guide him through the gates.
"Don't rush off," Vivian stepped directly into our path. She pinched Leo's cheek with theatrical affection. "Leo, say hello to the nice lady."
Now that everything was in the open, she'd grown bold.
Leo shot me a contemptuous look before sneering at Andy. "So you're Andy Miller? Dad says you're always sick—a walking germ factory. He told me to stay away so I don't catch whatever you've got."
The color drained from Andy's face.
His health had been fragile since birth—my constant worry and a forbidden topic in our home. No one had ever dared mention it to his face.
And now this child—this stranger—was throwing the cruelest words at him.
Rage exploded inside me like a supernova.
"You're lying!" Andy's eyes welled with angry tears. "My dad would never say that!"
"He did too!" Leo shouted back, puffing out his chest. "He also said he likes me better 'cause I'm stronger and smarter than you!"
Vivian stood by, making no move to intervene, her face a mask of barely concealed enjoyment.
"Kids say the darndest things, Mrs. Miller," she offered with mock sympathy. "Don't take it personally."
I trembled with fury, clutching Andy to me as I faced this smug mother-son duo, each word forced through clenched teeth:
"Vivian Woods, you've just declared war."
"War?" She laughed as if I'd told the funniest joke. "Mrs. Miller, haven't you figured it out yet?"
She leaned in, her lips nearly brushing my ear, her voice for me alone:
"Iris Harrington, you think having the title of Mrs. Miller means you've won? Nathan loves me, not you. Cosmos Technology succeeded because of his brilliance, not your family's pathetic investment. You were just a stepping stone. Now that he doesn't need you anymore, do yourself a favor and step aside."
Each word sliced into me like a scalpel, precise and devastating.
I stared at her, nails drawing blood from my palms.
So Nathan's pathetic groveling last night was just her ticket in.
"Mom, can we go home? I don't want to go to school anymore." Andy tugged at my sleeve, his voice breaking.
My son's pale face and tear-filled eyes tore my heart to shreds.
I took a steadying breath, buried my rage, and knelt to gently wipe the tears from his eyes.
"Don't be afraid, Andy. Mom's right here."
After comforting Andy, I handed him to the teacher who'd hurried over, then turned and walked deliberately toward Vivian.
She lifted her chin in triumph, still running her mouth: "Men can say all the pretty words they want, but their bodies don't lie. The fact he gave me his son tells you everything you need to know."
"Is that so?" My smile was all teeth, no warmth. "Word of advice: don't celebrate too soon. Some things, even if you steal them, you'll never be able to keep them warm."
With that, I turned away and strode into the school without a backward glance.
When facing a rabid dog, there's only one option: become the wolf.
