Chapter 74: The Arrogant Devs

“Dad…” Cora turned to look at the man who’d raised her.

Yes—raised her. That’s all he was now.

“Don’t call me that,” Gary snapped, voice sharp with irritation. “It’s over. The divorce is done, and I’ve got nothing else to say. Your things are already out of the house—don’t bother coming back.”

The cruelty of it hit like a physical blow. Both Cora and her mother went quiet, grief flickering across their faces.

Gary turned away without another glance. At the door, he managed a polite nod toward Julian—his last scrap of pride—and walked off.

“Mom, don’t worry,” Cora said quickly. “Jule already bought you a house. We’ve got somewhere to go.”

Zoy looked up, stunned, gratitude softening the exhaustion in her eyes.

Julian stepped in smoothly. “Come on. Let’s see if the place is ready. Austin brought your luggage back already. Cora, make a list of anything you still need—don’t think about the cost.”

Whether he meant it or not, his timing couldn’t have been better. For both women, that one steady voice was a hand pulled from the storm.

Julian drove them to the new house—a fully furnished four-bedroom with a small courtyard, bright and clean, ready to move in.

⸻

Meanwhile, Laura finally made it back to the Dev house.

The news of her uncle and aunt’s divorce hit her like a thunderclap.

Her mother sat cracking melon seeds, gossip practically glowing in her eyes. “Oh, Laura, you missed a show! Your uncle—ha! Turns out that meek little man already had a side piece. Been meeting women left and right! If your aunt hadn’t caught him, who knows how long he’d have kept it quiet? And your grandma—sharp as ever! Not a penny for your aunt, sent her off empty-handed. Laura, listen—your grandma still has money tucked away. You should visit her more, maybe get her to buy—”

Laura cut her off, face pale. “What about Cora? What did she say?”

“What could she say? She followed her mother and cut ties with the Devs completely.” Her mother sighed, half admiring, half pitying. “A shame, really. She could’ve taken more. Oh—by the way, where’s your dad?”

Laura didn’t answer. She didn’t care.

All she could think was: It’s over.

If Cora had left the Dev family, she’d never come back here.

And if Cora never came back—Julian never would either.

⸻

But fate wasn’t done laughing yet.

The house Austin bought for Zoy turned out to be right next door to the one Ravi had just bought for Gary.

Building A and Building B—neighbors.

As Cora and her mother stepped out of the car, firecrackers went off in a deafening burst.

They turned instinctively—and froze.

The celebration wasn’t for some stranger.

It was Gary, moving in.

Julian’s brow furrowed. Austin immediately blanched. “Mr. Watson, my mistake. I can find another place—”

Zoy straightened before Julian could answer. “No need. We’re not the ones who did anything wrong. Why should we move? The guilty ones are the ones who ought to hide.”

Cora smiled faintly. “Mom’s right. Let’s stay. We’ll see soon enough who ends up laughing last.”

Julian’s frown eased. “As you wish.”

Austin exhaled quietly in relief. Thank God she said it first.

⸻

The new house was beautiful—tasteful, warm, even elegant.

Austin had picked well: close to markets, hospitals, and a shopping plaza.

Cora was genuinely pleased. Her mother, less so.

“It’s too nice,” Zoy murmured. “You shouldn’t have spent this much. I can live anywhere.”

“Mom,” Cora said gently, taking her hand. “I need to tell you something. To stop the Devs from claiming ownership, the house is under my name. Just in case.”

Zoy chuckled, touched. “Silly girl. You think I’d mind living in my daughter’s house? That’s exactly what makes me feel safe.”

Cora finally smiled.

Austin leaned toward Julian and murmured something; Julian nodded, eyes thoughtful.

After lunch, he found a quiet moment. “Cora,” he said, tone polite but distant again, “I have to leave for a few days. Business. I’ll send someone to stay with you and your mom. The chef and the housekeeper will handle everything else.”

Cora nodded.

Julian studied her for a beat longer. For once, he didn’t want to go.

He’d postponed his flight twice already just to steal these few extra hours. And she had no idea.

Cora felt his gaze and quickly looked down, pretending not to notice.

Her pulse jumped, though she told herself sternly, Don’t be stupid. Don’t fall for him. He’s not yours.

“Alright,” she said quietly. “Safe travels.”

Something in Julian’s chest sank. He’d expected—hoped—for a flicker of reluctance.

His tone hardened. “Don’t wander off while I’m gone. You’re pregnant—you can’t afford to get hurt.”

“Yes,” she said, head still bowed.

He lingered for half a second, then left abruptly, expression cold.

Austin watched him go, baffled. What just happened?

Ten minutes ago the man had looked ready to cancel his flight. Now he was furious.

He sighed. “If only Mrs. Watson knew,” he muttered.

⸻

Julian gone, Austin stayed behind as instructed.

Somehow, Gary learned that Cora and her mother had moved next door.

Three days later, he threw a lavish wedding—right in the same neighborhood.

It wasn’t with the mistress or the woman from his blind date, but a completely new bride.

He hired a motorcade and circled the block just to show off—honking loudly as the cars passed Cora’s window.

Cora turned in time to see her mother freeze.

“I’m fine,” Zoy said softly, though her face had gone white. “He’s been waiting for this day a long time. Let him have his little victory. It won’t last.”

Cora said nothing, but her mind flashed to one fact her father didn’t know yet—that he was infertile.

For the first time in days, she almost smiled. Let’s see how long that victory lasts.

Zoy patted her daughter’s head. “I’ve got you. I’m not losing.”

“The sun’s getting harsh—come inside.”

They turned to go, when a calm, pleasant voice called from behind them:

“Excuse me—sorry to bother you. Could you tell me where Building B, Unit 102 is?”