Chapter12 After sending that message, I blocked Claire immediately. But the next second, Edward called. On the other end, he was quick to defend Claire, his voice urgent and sharp. "Vanessa, do you really have to be so cruel?" "She was just sharing her joy with you-why curse her like this?" "Don't think that just because my mother likes you, you can go around bullying Claire without consequences.' "I'm telling you, Claire is already carrying my child." "I don't believe my mother would let her only grandchild suffer because of you!" "Once Claire gets my mother's approval, we'll get divorced!" Then he hung up. Listening to his frantic, self-righteous words, I couldn't help but feel amused. Perhaps I had been too meek for too long. It seemed he had forgotten that his current success was only possible because of me. I've lifted him up all these years, but I can just as easily bring him down. I contacted my lawyer. Had a divorce agreement drafted. And, based on my injury report, I filed a lawsuit against Claire. Whether Edward cared about my mother-in-law's death or not was his concern. But my injuries... And this marriage... I was going to settle them completely. Just after I finished making arrangements, the funeral home called. Margaret had already been cremated. I was to claim her ashes. Though Edward was worthless, Margaret had been innocent. I left the hospital with my wounds still fresh and went to the funeral home. Chanter12 A5 714 The sky was gray, a drizzle falling softly, as if even heaven mourned the passing of a kind soul. I held a funeral for Margaret. Edward and his relatives were notified. The extended family arrived quickly, except Edward, who coldly replied. "Don't bring your mother's death to spoil my day.' I said nothing. Looking at the smiling portrait of Margaret, my heart ached with injustice. She had raised her son single-handedly all these years, and yet, he couldn't even be bothered to see her one last time. Most attendees were Margaret's distant relatives and old neighbors from her hometown. Many asked me quietly, "Why didn't Edward come?" "Was he too grief-stricken to face it?" Before I could answer, chaos erupted outside the mourning hall. Claire stormed in, followed by a swarm of her restaurant staff. Some carried brooms, some paint cans, others heaps of leftover food and trash. The moment they entered, they went berserk, hurling everything they had at the funeral. The once peaceful, solemn ceremony instantly descended into ruin. "What are you doing here?" I shouted, stepping forward. Without hesitation, Claire poured a bucket of paint over Margaret's portrait, then stomped on it with a victorious smirk. "For what?" I demanded. "For giving your dead mother her final send-off, of course!" she sneered, "Vanessa, aren't you pathetic?" "Just because of your little injuries, you had to come after me?" In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. For those seeking a compelling tale that combines elements of romance, secrecy, and personal transformation, "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" is available to read at CrushReel, offering a captivating escape into a world where love conquers all.