Reborn, She's Back for Revenge novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

she had an early study session, but first she needed to keep Dawn was just breaking. Edith was up an hour before Joseph- her promise. She headed down to the kitchen to make pasta for Joseph.

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Tying back her long hair and slipping on an apron, she stepped in–only to have Dallas hurry over and say, “Ms. Lovett, just name it. We’ve got chefs here who can make anything. No need for you to bother.”

Edith smiled, “I promised Joseph I’d make pasta for him. Dallas, wanna try a bite?”

Dallas looked like he might ache. “Ms. Lovett, you’re home now. No need to do this stuff. Let the chefs take care of it.”

Hallie never lifted a finger–total spoiled princess. But here was Edith, making pasta like it was nothing. Dallas couldn’t imagine all the hard times she must’ve had out in the country those six years.

Edith rolled up her sleeves and got to work–washing greens, slicing tomatoes, cracking eggs into a bowl.

Before long, she heard Vincent coming down the stairs, and she quickly whipped up an extra plate.

After a while, three plates of pasta landed on the table, and she told Dallas to go wake Joseph.

“Dad, come have some pasta,” Edith called with a sweet smile. “I made them myself. Want to try them?”

The pasta looked and smelled amazing, and yet Vincent’s chest felt tight. After sending Edith off to a poor town, he’d visit once a year. But every time, she was away at school, and they never managed to cross paths.

He’d given Selena more than enough money to take good care of Edith. But clearly, she hadn’t done her job. Of course, the biggest failure was his own–he hadn’t been the father he should have been.

Thinking about everything. Vincent looked at Edith, his voice heavy. “You’ve been through hell these past years.”

it wasn’t that bad,” Edith said, sitting down at the table. “Those six years in the town were pretty nice. No worries–time

way stronger than six years ago,” Karen said, strolling into the dining room with a smile. “Maybe Hallie should spend months out there to toughen her up, too.”

Her light tone made it sound like Edith had just spent a summer at fat camp, easy and breezy,

Just then, Karen’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the caller ID, her brow furrowing. Without hesitation, she moved to reject the call.

But Edith caught the name: Zachary’s homeroom teacher. She smiled, “Karen, why not answer? It looks like Zachary’s

teacher‘

No way around it now–Karen had to pick up.

“Put it on speaker, Vincent said. He usually couldn’t care less about the kids‘ stutt and never talked to their teachers. But suddenly, he wanted to hear how they were doing.

Karen shifted uncomfortably. Before the call even connected, she knew it was going to be another complaint about Zachary’s behavior or classroom disruption.

Honestly, she’d been perfectly happy letting him go off the rails and had never bothered to intervene. But with Vincent watching, she had to put on her “caring mom” performance.

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DD

8:18 pm SD

Chapter 20

The teacher’s voice was sharp. “Hello, Karen? You have to come to the school this time. I understand parents are busy, and missing parent–teacher conferences happens. And when your child misbehaves, you never show up to decuse what’s going

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“But I’ll let those past issues slide. This time, the situation is serious. No matter what, I need at least one of you to come to the school

Karen’s face drained of color with every word. She couldn’t even bring herself to meet Vincent’s eyes. “What did Zachary do?” she rushed to ask.

“He’s messing with dating,” the teacher snapped. “And it’s not just that–he bullied the girl. Her parents are here at the school. furious. This is a big deal. You need to handle this now. Hurry!”

The line went dead with a sharp click. Karen clutched her phone and turned to Vincent, only to meet his blazing eyes.

Tve been swamped with the salon opening. Hardly had a second for the kids. It’s my fault,” she said, her voice thin. “I’ll head to the school right away and see what’s going on.”

Vincent’s anger was simmering, but he held back. After all, Zachary wasn’t Karen’s son–maybe he couldn’t expect her to care that much. He stood up and said coldly, “I’m coming with you.”

Karen pressed a hand to his shoulder. “Your big client’s at the office today, remember? That project’s huge, and you can’t miss it. Trust me, I’ll fix Zachary’s mess. You know I will.”

Edith lowered her gaze. Every year when Vincent visited her in the poor town, Karen always found a way to call him away— some excuse, some “urgent” thing that made him drop everything, including his kids.

After a moment of silence, Edith spoke up, her lips pressed tight. “Dad, maybe we should have Zachary move back home.”

Karen’s eyes darkened. She’d finally gotten Melinda’s brats out of the Lovett Manor–no way was she letting them slither back in.

Karen was about to argue, but Edith cut her off. “Zachary’s in ninth grade, and that’s a critical year. If he moves back home, we can keep him in check.”

lle just out of bed, caught the conversation. A barely perceptible smirk crossed her lips. “Zachary’s in full rebellion

No one here can control him. If Mom tries, people’ll start yapping about her abusing a stepson.”

en braved a sigh: “When I married into this family, Zachary already couldn’t stand me. I tried to be good to him, but he

wasnt having it

30 not that I don’t want him back, but Vincent and I are out all day and get home late. Who’s gonna watch him study?”

“I will” Edith’s voice stayed cool “My high school schedule lines up with his junior high one. I’ll be home at night to check his homework”

Vincent shook his head Edith, you’re already swamped with your studies. You don’t need to play parent. I’ll hire a tutor to keep an eye on him”

Karen’s hands clenched into fists, anger burning inside her as she silently fumed. Ever since this little troublemaker showed up, everything’s gone to hell.

First Zachary, and who’s next? Cedric? If all five of Melinda’s kids moved back in. Vincent and I would be pushed right out of this family

Edith’s expression hardened. In her previous life, Karen had coddled Zachary–letting his grades tank, letting him fall into bad crowds with girls. She was determined to set him straight this time around.

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