Chapter 148
Maya's POV:
Having money and no job was honestly delightful. I used to envy girls like Jenna Hartwell, and now, I was living that life.
Jenna and I strolled down Newbury Street, our arms weighed down by shopping bags. For the first time, I bought things without looking at the price tags. Retail therapy was real, and it was effective.
But a phone call interrupted my joy.
I stared at the screen. Patricia.
It was funny. My mother never called me in the past. Now she was calling incessantly. Out of curiosity, I answered.
"What is it?"
Patricia sounded annoyed immediately. "I need to see you. Come out. We need to talk."
"Talk over the phone."
"I can't say it over the phone."
"Then don't say it. I have nothing to say to you anyway."
"Just come out when I tell you to! Why do you have so much nonsense to say?"
I rolled my eyes. "Is this your attitude? Then let's not meet."
"Maya! Are you trying to kill me?"
"Don't worry, Mother. They say only the good die young. You're safe for a long time."
"You! You ungrateful child!" Her voice shook with rage.
Suddenly, a male voice took over. Ryan. "Maya, if you don't want Mom to have a stroke, come to the address. She fainted earlier."
I let out a cold laugh. "She has you, doesn't she? The Golden Boy. If she fainted, carry her to the ER. If she needs a transfusion, bleed for her yourself. Don't call me. It's not my problem."
I hung up before he could reply.
Jenna shifted her bags and looked at me. "Your mother?"
I smirked, though it didn't reach my eyes. "She wants to meet."
Jenna’s eyes lit up with mischief. "Maya, let’s go. Are we afraid of them?"
Ryan had texted an address. It was a private room at the Harvard Club.
"Strange," Jenna muttered. "Your mother and brother have money for a place like this?"
I was puzzled too. I didn't know what game Patricia was playing.
"Regardless of the trap, we aren't scared," Jenna declared. "We have backup." She typed a quick reply to Ryan: On our way.
"Wait," I said. "We are really going? I don't want to see them."
"Maya, don't be afraid. I’ll protect you. Let’s go destroy them."
I sighed. "Fine."
"You drive," Jenna tossed me her keys.
As I drove, Jenna tapped furiously on her phone, looking very pleased with herself.
We arrived at the club. A staff member led us to a private suite.
When the doors opened, I froze. Jenna froze.
Patricia and Ryan were there. But so were Diane Hayes and Tiffany Hayes.
I let out a short, sharp laugh. "Wow. What is this gathering? The First Wife and the Mistress shaking hands? Is this a peace summit?"
"Damn," Jenna silently gave me a thumbs-up.
I pulled out a chair and sat down. Jenna stood behind me like a bodyguard, her face saying Try me.
"Why am I here?" I asked, looking around the table. "To witness this historic reunion? or are you guys planning to fight, and I’m the referee?"
Patricia leaned back against the sofa, clutching her head.
Ryan slammed his hand on the table. "Maya, are you crazy? Watch your mouth!"
I spread my hands. "How else do you explain this weird combination?"
"Are you proud of yourself?" Ryan snapped.
" I didn't do anything wrong," I replied calmly. "Why should I be ashamed?"
Ryan was furious. "Shut up. You’ve become so cocky since you got back with Adam Sterling."
I raised an eyebrow. " Is that so?" I actually liked the sound of that.
Tiffany jumped up. "Maya, you have thick skin. He wasn't complimenting you! Aren't you ashamed to call your mother a mistress? You are a bastard child. A wild seed my father planted."
"Tiffany, I will break your face," Jenna growled.
My expression didn't change. I had been Julian’s assistant for years. I had heard worse insults daily. Tiffany was an amateur.
"Tiffany," I said coolly. "You really like Adam Sterling, don't you?"
She glared at me. "None of your business!"
I leaned forward slightly. "Do you know how many abs Adam has? You don't. But I do. Do you know where the mole is on his body? You don't. But I do."
Tiffany’s face turned bright red.
Behind me, Jenna’s shoulders were shaking with laughter.
Tiffany pointed a trembling finger at me. "Your mother is a mistress! You can't change that! You will always be a bastard. I will always be above you!"
"Above me?" I scoffed. "Is that why you were on your knees for three different guys?
Tiffany turned pale. She quickly changed the subject. "We are talking about Maya’s mother! Don't bring me into this! Maya, you are shameless. Just like your mom."
"So what if I’m illegitimate?" I shrugged. "I didn't do anything. I didn't hold a gun to their heads and force them to sleep together. I’m innocent."
Diane finally moved. She pulled Tiffany down. "Sit. Quiet down."
"Mom!" Tiffany whined.
"We aren't here to argue," Diane said coldly. She looked at Patricia and nodded.
Patricia took a deep breath. "Maya. Listen to me. Adam Sterling is stealing projects from the Hayes family. You need to call him. Tell him to return them to the Hayes company."
I stared at her. So that was it.
"You are helping the Hayes family?" I laughed, shaking my head. "Why? Is Arthur Hayes finally planning to make an honest woman out of you?"
Patricia looked ready to slap me.
Ryan shouted, "Maya! Are you insane? How can you talk to Mom like that?"
"Am I wrong?" I asked. "Why else would she help them?"
Ryan turned red but couldn't answer.
Patricia screamed, "Arthur is your father! How can you encourage an outsider to destroy his business? Do you have no heart?"
"Adam isn't an outsider," I said firmly. "He is my man. He is the father of my child. Why should I care about Arthur Hayes? Arthur’s money never came to my pocket. But Adam? When Adam makes money, he spends it on me. So, good job, Adam. Steal it all."
"Bravo!" Jenna clapped loudly. "Well said, Maya!"
I smiled faintly.
Patricia clutched her chest. "Look at what you’ve become."
"Happy? Rich? Free?" I smiled. "Yeah, it’s terrible."
"Call Adam. Now."
"No."
"I am ordering you!"
"Or what?"
"Or you are no daughter of mine!" Patricia screamed. "We are done! Don't you dare step foot in my house again!"
I stared at her. Then, a laugh bubbled up.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Because that’s not a threat, Patricia. That’s a gift. Deal."
"Maya!"
"You heard me. Deal."
Ryan shot up. "Apologize to her! Right now!"
I gave him a flat look. "Kiss my ass, Ryan."
He turned purple. "You insane bitch."
"Hit her!" Patricia shrieked. "Teach her a lesson!"
Ryan lunged, his hand raised high.
BANG.
The double doors didn't just open—they exploded inward.
"I DARE YOU TO LAY A HAND ON MAYA!"
Grandmother Sterling marched in like a general. Flanking her were Justin and Aunt Margaret, glaring at Ryan with murderous intent.