<b>apter </b><b>238 </b>


    57%


    Tracy came back from overseas after failing to have the baby, rocking a whole new vibe. She saw the kid as nothing but trouble and got rid of it, and now she and Jared were back to being the perfect pair.


    As I stepped out, Tracy smiled at me, looking smug. She said, “So, should I call you Mrs. Hob or Ms. Murphy now?”


    “Just call me Ms. Murphy,” I said tly.


    Tracy grinned and said, “Looks like Sally was right. You and Jared are really getting a divorce, huh? Or have you already split?”


    “Is that why you’re here? I don’t have time for this,” I shot back, my voice icy.


    Tracy said, “Let’s grab a coffee at the ce across the street. I can still help you get a better divorce settlement, like I said before. Want to hear what I’ve got in mind?”


    I happened to need a moment to breathe anyway, and I was curious about what Tracy would say. So I followed her to a Starbucks across the road.


    Tracy ordered me a coffee and sat across from me, giving me these little once–overs every so often.


    After a moment, she said, “With everything you’ve got going for you, Ms. Murphy, you’ll have no problem finding someone better. Honestly, splitting up with Jared is no loss for you.”


    I had to admit, Tracy had both brains and charm, and her way with words was impressive. No wonder Jared had beenpletely under her spell in the previous life.


    I replied, “I don’t need you ying savior for me. You came back just waiting for your big break, right? Well, the spot’s all yours now–but do you really think you can handle it?


    “What makes you think you’ve got what it takes? Looks? You’re cute, but hardly a showstopper. Skills? Jared’s already burned through most of your contacts, hasn’t he? I heard Amy, the one who reced you, is killing it.


    “Tracy, ever thought you’re just another cast–off, just like me? You want to fight for my share of the assets? How are


    you even going to pull that off?”


    I stopped ying nice anymore. If Tracy wanted to go head–to–head, I’d just drag her into a whole new battlefield and see how she handled it.


    Sure enough, Tracy’s expression turned sour. She said, “Amy’s married. If she messes around, her husband would flip out. It’d get ugly,”


    I took a couple of sips of my coffee. Honestly, after meeting Amy and her husbandst time, I always thought there was something weird about the way they acted together.


    Later, Clint messaged me a few times, asking if I had time toe in for a beauty treatment, saying he’d personally


    12.04 Thu, 21 Aug


    give me the VIP treatment and all that. The whole thing just gave me the creeps.


    I had a feeling that even though they were married, they were both doing their own thing on the side.


    I sneered, “Tracy, Jared and I were married too, but that didn’t stop you from chasing after him, did it? Does


    marriage really stop anyone?”


    57%


    Tracy’s expression soured, and she pressed her lips together. Then she shot back, “Thanks for agreeing to the


    divorce. Whether I end up with Jared or not, that’s my business.”


    “He’s old news to me, but you think he’s something special? That’s kind of adorable,” I drawled.


    Tracy stared at me with disbelief. She eximed, “Old news? Ms. Murphy, that’s a fresh take. Seriously, what kind


    of mindset do you have to say something like that? Besides appearances, you and Jared have nothing going for


    you together.”


    “Who says? If we’re such a bad match, then how’d we end up with a kid?” I fired back, deliberately twisting her


    words.


    Tracy’s expression soured even more.


    I continued, “Maybe. But I’m letting go now. No matter how amazing Jared is, I won’t look back. To me, he’s just a familiar stranger.”


    “Are you just pretending to be strong?” Tracy challenged, locking eyes with me.


    I shook my head and said, “No. I’ve just learned to see things clearly. If you can’t hold onto something, just let it


    slip away.”