Boss, Your Ex-Wife is Unreachable Now! novel Chapter 23

Willow let out a quiet sigh of relief.

It looked like she wouldn't need the recording of Attorney Worthington she'd brought with her after all. That was a small mercy.

"But Willa, can you promise me something?" Dorothy's voice was soft, almost pleading as she clasped Willow's hand. "Even if you and Beasley get divorced, please don't cut me out of your life. Don't treat me like a stranger, all right?"

Dorothy's gaze was earnest, tinged with desperation.

She had always wanted a daughter, but her heart condition made pregnancy a deadly risk. When she'd insisted on having Beasley all those years ago, the doctors warned her that giving birth would irreparably damage her heart. She wouldn't live to see her child grow up.

Thirteen years ago, it was Willow's mother who donated her heart and gave Dorothy a second chance at life.

Since then, Dorothy had loved Willow like her own daughter.

"I'm sorry, Dorothy. I can't promise you that."

Willow steeled herself and gently pulled her hand free.

Beasley's cold eyes flickered. He'd expected her to take his mother's hand and agree. He hadn't thought she'd actually—

Dorothy's hope faded, a lump rising in her throat. "Willa…"

Willow didn't allow herself even a moment of hesitation. Her voice was firm. "Now that everything's out in the open, I'll leave you and Beasley to your dinner. Goodbye."

She knew that if she let herself waver, if she kept seeing Dorothy, it would only cause more pain when she inevitably had to confront Beasley. Better to rip the bandage off now.

She believed she was making the right choice.

Without a backward glance, Willow turned and walked away.

"Willa…" Dorothy stared after her, feeling as if something inside her had been torn out, leaving nothing but emptiness.

"Mom." Beasley watched the dazed look on his mother's face. His own expression was unreadable, a storm gathering behind his eyes.

"The reason I never told you," Dorothy said quietly, her eyes glistening with tears as she gazed at the spot where Willow had disappeared, "was because I was afraid you'd misunderstand. I was afraid you'd think Willa was just using her mother's sacrifice to get close to us, or to get something from you."

Wasn't she? Beasley wanted to say. But he held his tongue.

She needed some time alone.

Without waiting for Beasley to respond, Dorothy snatched up her purse and walked out, leaving him alone in the quiet dining room.

Beasley let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head.

That woman—first she'd waltzed into his study, trying to seduce him, and when that failed, she'd played the victim and asked for a divorce.

She changed faces so quickly—it was a shame his mother couldn't see it. She still believed Willow was sweet and innocent.

But was a woman of good character really the type to drug a man and throw herself at him in such a desperate way?

Beasley's mind drifted back to that night, four years ago, when he'd lost control. He remembered the girl's innocent face as she edged closer to him, remembered every detail. His eyes grew cold.

If it weren't for the debt his family owed her mother, he'd never have let Willow off so easily, let alone given her a house as part of the divorce settlement.

But if she dared try anything else, Beasley swore to himself, he wouldn't show her any more mercy.