Chapter 7

Cynthia put the remote control down, appearing indifferent. "Fine, I don't want it."

Joshua was confused.

"When you're desperate to give Jayleen a legitimate status, you'll offer me a higher price to leave," Cynthia said in a dead serious manner.

Joshua's demeanor turned icy. No one had ever threatened him like this before; Cynthia was the first. "Do you really think I can't do anything to you?"

"Of course not," Cynthia replied, switching to another reality show. She continued earnestly, "You can freeze the cards you gave me, limit my spending and freedom, lock me away in a remote place, and even..."

As her suggestions grew increasingly outrageous, Joshua's anger strangely dissipated. He suddenly found himself wanting to know.

How was it possible for someone, who could now infuriate him with just a casual remark, to have been gentle for two whole years?

"But this way, Jayleen can only remain a hidden lover. You probably don't want her to be the subject of gossip," Cynthia