The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 132

I lean back in my leather chair, swirling the whiskey in my glass as I stare out at the city lights. twenty–seven years. That’s how long I’ve been waiting for this moment.

Twenty–seven years since James Stone destroyed my family.

The bastard thinks he got away with it. Thinks his money and connections could bury what he did to my brother’s construction company. Thinks no one would remember how he bribed the inspectors, how he falsified those safety reports that led to the collapse.

Twelve men died that day. Including my brother, David.

James walked away with a government contract worth millions while my family lost everything overnight. My father drank himself to death within two years. My mother followed soon after, her heart giving out from the stress and grief.

But I survived. I rebuilt. And I never forgot.

The Stones never even acknowledged what they’d done. Never apologized. They continued living their little life while mine was destroyed. Well, not anymore.

My phone buzzes on the desk. A text from Virginia: “He’s on his way to her.”

I smile and set down my glass. Right on schedule.

Another buzz. This time from John: “In position. Waiting for your signal.”

Oh my nephew. David’s boy. He was only five when his father died in that collapse, but he’s grown into a man who understands the value of justice.

Of revenge.

I dial his number. He answers on the first ring.

“Aunt Morgan?”

“It’s time. Make the call.”

John goes quiet for a moment. Then: “What do you want me to say?”

“Keep it simple. Birthday delivery that needs to be picked up in person. Make it sound legitimate. And John?”

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<Chapter 132

“Yeah?”

“Make sure she comes alone.”

425 Parts

I hang up and pour myself another drink. The whiskey burns going down, but it’s nothing compared to the fire that’s been burning in my chest for over two decades.

Virginia thinks this is about her pathetic love triangle. She thinks I’m her birth mother, helping her eliminate competition for some man’s affections.

How stupid.

This is so much greater than her petty jealousy.

James Stone has two daughters now. One biological, one adopted. Both precious to him in their own ways. But Scarlett? His connection with her is different. Not to mention, Scarlett was his first daughter. His favorite. The one he raised and loved and protected.

Taking her away will destroy him the same way he destroyed my family.

And Jasper? I have nothing against him.

His sin is being the son of Adrian Winston.

(John’s POV)

I hang up the phone and stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Dark circles under my eyes, stubble I haven’t bothered to shave. I look like what I am–a man who’s lost his way.

My aunt means well, I think. She loved my parents, grieved for them when they died. But this obsession with the Stone family has consumed her for twenty–seven years, and now it’s consuming me too.

I don’t want to hurt an innocent woman. But Morgan’s been my only family since I was twelve years old. She raised me, put me through college, gave me a job in her company. I owe her everything.

Even my life.

I get in my car and drive toward Scarlett’s bakery.

I sit in my rental car across the street from Sunrise Bakes, watching the warm light spilling from the windows. Through the glass, I can see the celebration winding down.

My phone buzzes with Morgan’s call, and I know it’s time. I dial the number I memorized earlier, watching through the window as Scarlett glances at her phone.

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< Chapter 132

“Hello? Sunrise Bakes?” Her voice is warm, professional.

“Hi, is this Scarlett Stone?”

“Yes, this is Scarlett speaking. How can I help you?”

I push the guilt down and focus on my script.

$25 Points

“I was at your birthday celebration earlier. Amazing soufflés, by the way. I wanted to leave you a special gift, but I didn’t want to interrupt the party. I left it with the delivery service down the street – Murphy’s Courier. They’re holding it for you.”

“Oh, how thoughtful! You didn’t have to-

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