Chapter 2

When Everett arrived at the postpartum center with the legal team, it was already late at night.

Learning that the baby and I were staying in the most expensive top-floor suite, jealousy flashed in her eyes and her delicate features twisted for a moment.

Seeing me, she let out a contemptuous laugh and said coldly:

"How does a useless freeloader have the nerve to enjoy such luxury with a clear conscience?"

"Russell, surely you're aware that I never approved the expense for this postpartum center stay?"

The incision from my C-section hadn't fully healed yet. The fine, persistent pain left my face pale and my forehead covered in cold sweat.

Our eyes met. Everett stared at me arrogantly, her gaze full of smug confidence.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself through the pain to respond hoarsely:

"I'm spending Santiago's money—my husband's money. I don't need approval from some company CFO."

"Now, you're disturbing my rest. Please leave!"

Everett's face darkened. She snatched the contract from the lawyer's hand and threw it heavily at me:

"Is that so? Too bad the money Santiago spends on you goes through the company accounts. And guess what? I have the authority to recover that money."

I jerked my head up to look at the lawyer standing nearby.

Meeting my questioning gaze, the lawyer pressed his lips together and said with some reluctance:

"Russell, Mr. Santiago did give Ms. Everett this authority."

"I'm sorry. I can only follow company regulations."

I froze, suddenly gripped by a terrible premonition. My heart pounded so hard it hurt.

Sure enough, the next second, Everett turned and presented a stack of legal contracts signed by Santiago to Clinton, the postpartum center's owner.