Watching the two of them nestled together like that, the pain I'd been fighting so hard to ignore surged back, sharp and relentless, like a thousand needles driving into my skin all at once.

I pulled out my phone. The color had drained from my face as I dialed a number. "Fire Cindy Pruitt. I want her blacklisted across the entire industry." My voice didn't waver. "And start consolidating my assets. I want a divorce."

That evening, Brendan showed up with Cindy in tow, ready for a fight.

"Debbie, you promised me you wouldn't fire Cindy. How could you go back on your word?"

I tossed the photos of the two of them at the café onto the table.

"Brendan, who lied first? You really want to play this game?"

The color drained from his face. Before he could respond, Cindy stepped forward with a scornful laugh. "Debbie, when are you going to get it through your head? The only reason you can stand here with any authority is because of Mr. Sanchez."

"He's the one who gave you money to spend. He's the one who gave you a job. Everything you have was handed to you by Mr. Sanchez out of charity."

"Wanting it all and giving nothing back. Didn't your parents ever teach you manners?" She tapped her chin in mock thought, then flashed a saccharine smile. "Oh, right. How does the saying go? Born with a mother, raised without one. That's you, isn't it?"

I froze. My gaze snapped to Brendan.

My mother had passed away when I was young. It had always been a wound I carried deep inside. I never imagined Brendan would share it with Cindy like it was gossip.

My arm shot up. My palm was already swinging toward Cindy's face.

The next instant, Brendan's hand clamped around my wrist like a vise. Fury blazed in his eyes. "Debbie, lay one finger on her. I dare you."

My body was still weak from just being discharged. I had no time to brace myself before he flung me to the ground.

"You—" He faltered, then bent down to scoop me up. I thrust out a hand to stop him.

"Brendan, you hurt me for her?"

He pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose, a flash of weariness crossing his face. "Debbie, can you grow up? You're the one who tried to hit her first."

"Think about what you've done. You got jealous over nothing and cost an innocent girl her job. Now you're trying to assault her. When did you become so unreasonable?"