Chapter 9 From what I knew about Jared , work consumed most of his attention , Yvonne took up half of what was left , and Tracy got the rest . To him , I was basically invisible . It was time to kick my divorce plans into overdrive . When I got home , the servants were still up . They saw me and quickly rushed over to greet me . The two servants , Wendy and Joyce , Wendy and Joyce , both in their early forties , were incredibly hardworking . With them around , the house stayed spotless . " Mrs. Holcomb , I made oatmeal . Have a bowl before bed ? " Wendy offered , stepping forward . " Sure , thanks , " I said with a smile . Staying healthy was also my focus right now . I was determined to boost my energy , get in shape , and feel great from the inside out . Wendy was an amazing cook . Her oatmeal tasted just as good as any store - bought stuff . I had some , but couldn't finish it all . suggested she share the rest with Joyce . I I doubted Jared or Yvonne would be home tonight . Tracy was really something . Not only had she stolen my husband , but she'd also had Yvonne under her control . Last time around , I'd fixated on her like she was the root of all evil . We'd barely spoken , but she still drained me . I died in my fifties , totally exhausted . I knew all too well how destructive overthinking and emotional burnout could be . Those toxic people and drama were like a dark cloud hovering over me , blocking out every ray of joy and hope . I was done letting anyone's negativity trap me like a prisoner . From now on , I was going to do what made me happy . Late that night , I was fast asleep when I barely heard Jared and Yvonne return . For a moment , it seemed like someone's footsteps had stopped right by my bed , then moved away . The next morning , a warm little body wormed under the covers with me . " Mom , still sleeping ? You have to take me to school , " Yvonne said , yanking my arm . I realized I'd turned off my alarm - no wonder I was running late . " Ask your dad to give you a ride . I'm swamped today ," I said . Yvonne was my flesh and blood , so I still spoke to her kindly . But I'd withdraw my love gradually . Once she was old enough to understand , I'd stop taking care of her . " Mom , what could you possibly be busy with ? " Yvonne frowned . " You don't even have a job , and with two servants here , you're so free . " I sat up , and she waved a long box in front of my face . " Dad got this for you last night . Wanna open it ? " I lifted the lid . Inside was a diamond necklace , with a purple gem pendant . " Who helped him pick it out ? " I asked quietly . " Of cour- " Yvonne paused . " Tracy helped pick it out . She's super gorgeous and has great taste . " Jared had probably prepped her to keep things casual , for she was holding back from gushing . " You like her a lot ? " I asked , locking eyes with her . Yvonne , sharp but still a kid , nodded . " Don't get mad , okay ? Tracy's Dad's work partner . She's nice to me because I'm his 1/2 Chapter y precious daughter . " I almost laughed . Even at her age , she knew more than she was letting on . Tracy was not just a work partner - she was Jared's sweetheart , plain and simple . " Let go . I'll get ready and take you , " I said . She was still my kid , and I wouldn't shirk the basics . " Mom , can you carry me to the bathroom and fix my hair ? " Yvonne asked , sounding lazy . I frowned but lifted her up , carrying her to the bathroom . She clung to my neck , her voice sweet . " Mommy , I don't hate you for slapping me last time . So why are you still frowning ? " I started braiding her hair . " I'm glad you don't hate me . And I'm not angry ." Yvonne nodded , grabbed a little bath toy , and started playing with it . Once her hair was done , I got ready myself . I opened the closet , picked out a white skirt suit , and braided my hair into a side ponytail . The whole look gave off a cool , stunning vibe .