Chapter 12 " Thanks , " Jared said . Without sparing me another glance , he strode away . I spun on my heel and left . Since I hadn't had a single drink at dinner , I got in the car and drove . In the afternoon , I met my violin coach and locked in the next batch of lessons . That night , when I got home , Jared still wasn't there . I fired up my computer and started working through the Englysian tutor's lessons . The next afternoon , Yvonne had a horseback riding lesson that required a parent to be there . Right after I canceled , Jared called and asked , " Why'd you cancel Yvonne's riding lesson ? " I kept my voice steady . " I have a class this afternoon too . No time to go . " " Victoria , this has gone way too far . What the hell is your problem ? " Jared finally snapped - Yvonne was his absolute bottom line . I knew he'd blow up , so I kept my cool . " I'll hire another servant tomorrow . She can take Yvonne to her lessons , drop her off at school , pick her up - won't interfere with her grades one bit ." Jared raised his voice . " You're Yvonne's mother . " " Blood doesn't always make the best family , " I said , speaking from hard experience . In my previous life , I had doted on Yvonne , pouring my entire heart into her , but she only had eyes for Tracy . When Tracy had that little surgery , Yvonne ran to sit by her bed , fawning over her . And when I was on my deathbed , she felt sorry for Tracy instead . What was the point of raising a kid like that ? To tear my heart to pieces ? " Are you doing this to get back at me ? " Jared's voice turned frigid . I stayed quiet . " So if I don't let you work , you'll keep giving Yvonne the cold shoulder ? Victoria , do you know how to be a mother ? You're ignoring your daughter to focus only on yourself , " Jared shouted . He'd guessed my game , and it made him seethe . I couldn't care less how angry he got . Right now , I was only focused on my happiness . " Fine ." He suddenly backed down . " Your college major was hotel management , right ? Take over the company's two hotels , and you'll get half the profits . But if they tank , you come home , take care of Yvonne , and drop this whole thing for good . " My little protest actually worked ? I perked up , suddenly willing to talk . " Then I'll head to Yvonne's riding lesson this afternoon ." " Victoria , being too clever isn't always a good thing . Using Yvonne as leverage against me isn't smart , " Jared said coldly before hanging up . I kept my tone calm . " Got it , honey . Thanks for the lesson . With a husband this generous , I'd better step up my game . I'll study hard " Victoria ! " Jared's voice rose with rage . " Gotta go , or I'll be late for the lesson . Bye . " I hung up , giving him no chance to respond . 1/2 Chapter 12 Then I drove to the riding school and found a red - eyed Yvonne . She sat with a pouty expression , while a teacher stayed by her side . Other kids were happily riding their horses . " Yvonne , I'm here ," I called , walking over . Yvonne shot me a look like I was the last person on earth she wanted to see . " I don't want you here . I want Daddy ! " I crouched down to meet her eyes . " Oh yeah ? Did he say he was coming? " The teacher jumped in quickly . " Mrs. Holcomb , Mr. Holcomb said he was tied up , but you'd be here . Yvonne's still pretty upset . Maybe you could comfort her ? " " Comfort her ? " I plopped down next to Yvonne . " She's too big for that . " Yvonne's glare got even sharper , like I was some evil stepmother . The teacher let out an awkward laugh . " Yvonne , talk to your mom first . I'll come back to get you for riding in a bit . " Yvonne's eyes blazed . Her little fists were clenched so tight that I thought if she were older , she might have swung . I lifted my hand slightly . Instantly , her fists unclenched . With a wail , she threw herself into my lap , sobbing . " Mommy , how could you ignore me ? Why were you late ? " With calculated precision , I patted her shoulder . " Quit crying . Let's go ride ." Yvonne wiped her tears and followed the teacher off to class . I took a seat near a group of wealthy wives . A few of them had fancier backgrounds than me , but most didn't . There were even some politicians ' wives , holding court . Those women - married to money - had a natural air of pride . A few were busy schmoozing and sucking up , but most kept to themselves , pretty reserved . " Mrs. Holcomb , we're doing a baking class tonight . Wanna bring your little one ? " a woman asked . I smiled , " I'm swamped ." " My husband knows Mr. Holcomb . You should bring him over , " she pushed . I shook my head . " Really , no time ." That night , I saw the " baking " photos that woman posted on her Twitter . In one , a group of guys sat on a couch drinking coffee , and Jared was among them . In another , Yvonne was focused on making a cake layer , with Tracy sitting right next to her .