Chapter 365
“Yann actually hands over his earnings to you?” Lucia asked.
“Aren’t Logan’s finances shared with you?” Audrey’s counterquestion only fueled the bitterness Lucia had been suppressing.
If Logan gave her access to his money, would she be in this predicament?
Every dollar she’d given Kyle came from secretly selling the designer bags and jewelry Logan had gifted her.
‘We both married into the Winifred family. How could we have such vastly different lives?‘ Lucia thought.
Lucia’s stare at Audrey turned pointed, but she knew the irritation wasn’t truly directed at Audrey. The one keeping her in the dark about money wx Logan. This was nothing but raw jealousy.
She took several deep breaths to compose herself.
She said, “Audrey, I’m genuinely glad Yann treats you well. But let’s be honest. Someone who’s achieved his level of success isn’t exactly a pushover. He’s seven years older, and he’s got more ulterior motives than a den of foxes. You need to protect your own interests.”
“I’ve heard stories…” Lucia launched into a mix of real–life and internet tales about how affluent couples manipulate each other, detailing examples of fake love and calculated deceit.
At first, Audrey looked half–asleep, but soon she perked up. “Wow, you can’t make this stuff up! Seriously, people do this? Keep going, I need more details.”
By the time Lucia’s throat felt parched, she remembered she’d dismissed all the servants. She dragged herself to the living room for a glass of water, then returned to the oxygen room.
She went on, “These aren’t just urban legends. They’re real. If you trust too blindly, you’ll end up with nothing left.”
Audrey nodded solemnly.
Seizing the moment, Lucia pressed on. “Don’t be foolish. Don’t spend every dime Yann gives you. Start stashing it away. That money is your livelihood, and even if you split up one day, it’s still yours.”
Before she could continue, Audrey’s oxygen time ran out. Lucia helped her remove the mask and sit up. “Honestly, the wisest thing would be…”
Audrey cut her off, eyes curious. “After all these years with Logan, you must have a massive secret savings account, right? Like a million dollars?”
“I don’t have that kind of cash. I’m not…” Lucia nearly spilled the beans.
She shot Audrey a chiding look and sighed, “Our situations aren’t the same.
“Logan and I are both in our second marriages, and he needs to support Yann in every way–manpower, resources, and money. I mean… he’s not cheap with me, but I don’t have the same financial freedom as you do.
“I used to manage all the household bills. I’d save by tightening my belt here and there, but now…” Lucia glanced at Audrey and shifted gears.
“I’m your mom. Even if everyone else might screw you over, I never would. You’re too trusting. Letting you handle so much money makes me anxious.” –
‘Here we go,‘ Audrey thought. ‘Two hours of circling the drain, and now the main event.’
Seeing no immediate pushback, Lucia gritted her teeth and blurted out the real ask. “Why don’t you let me hold onto your money? I’ll manage it for you.”
‘Manage it into Kyle’s wallet or let Clayton blow it on nonsense?‘ Audrey scoffed internally but played the hesitant daughter. “I’m not sure that’s wise.”
“Am I not your mother? Would I ever do you dirty?”
1/3
Chapter 365
“But if my money’s with you, what happens if Logan divorces you? How do we explain where it came from? If we say it’s mine, won’t that make it look like I don’t trust Yann? That could wreck our relationship.”
“Logan and I aren’t getting divorced. We’re too old for that drama.”
“Are you sure? If his foot hadn’t gotten messed up, he’d have followed Amelia to the South already”
That was a sore spot. Lucia’s fists clenched on instinct.
Audrey patted her arm. “If you ask me, since you know Logan’s not all in, you should look out for number one.
“Take as much from him as you can while you still can. Worried he’ll check your spending? Just say it’s for me or the babies. He can’t argue with that.
“And I don’t need your cash. I’ll stash it for you until you divorce.”
Lucia was at a loss for words. She’d come to manipulate Audrey, hoping to gain control of her money for her own ends.
But now, Audrey had flipped the script. She was now the one trying to take control of Lucia’s money.
The irony gave Lucia a throbbing headache, but she couldn’t let her irritation show. Since the plan to manage Audrey’s money had tanked, she set her sights on something else.
“Stop worrying about me. Just take care of yourself,” she snapped.
“Audrey, once the babies are here, your old clothes won’t fit. They’ll just clutter up your closet. Let me help you clean it out so you can buy new seasonal stuff.” With that, Lucia marched upstairs.
Sylvie stepped out of the corner and glanced at Audrey, who tilted her head slightly. Sylvie fell into step behind her.
The moment Lucia entered Audrey’s walk–in closet, her eyes lit up. Several Hermès bags lined the cabinets, each retailing for around 20 thousand dollars. But with the required add–on purchases, the real cost was higher.
On the resale market, they’d go for even more.
And the cabinet full of jewelry and accessories? Every piece was a luxury she’d only ever envied.
Lucia could hardly contain her glee. After eyeing everything covetously, she decided on a necklace and a handbag.
Just as she reached out, Sylvie’s voice cut through the air. “Didn’t you say you were just grabbing some clothes?”
Lucia jumped, her voice rising to hide her guilt. “This is between Audrey and me. None of your business.
“Besides, wearing necklaces during pregnancy can cause umbilical cord entanglement. I’m taking this necklace for her own good. She’d agree with me.”
Sylvie clasped her hands in front of her, calm but unyielding. “What decade is this? That’s an old wives‘ tale. Even if it weren’t, Mrs. Audrey Winifred can wear necklaces after the babies are born.
“And just so you know, Mr. Yann Winifred has insured all of Mrs. Audrey Winifred’s necklaces and limited–edition bags. I can’t stop you from taking them, but I’d think twice if I were in your shoes.”
‘The jewelry is insured?‘ Lucia thought, her hand freezing in mid–air.
‘So Yann isn’t as straightforward with Audrey as he appears. He lets her wear the expensive jewelry, but she no right to dispose of it.‘
Even if Audrey didn’t object to her taking it, Yann certainly would. Most importantly, she couldn’t sell insured jewelry. What was the use?
“Then, what’s not insured?” Lucia asked.
“Clothes are last season’s cast–offs. Definitely not insured,” Sylvie said.
2/3
07.10
Chapter 365
Lucía turned to the clothing rack, torn.
Most of Audrey’s clothes still had dust covers and tags, mostly summer styles. Selling them now would be hard. The few late autumn pieces could be taken, but they wouldn’t fit her, and she’d have no valid reason,
Just as Lucia hesitated, Yann returned home. Audrey followed him upstairs.
“Lucia’s here. She said she’d help me clean out my old clothes and use the money to buy gifts for the babies,” Audrey said.
“Is that so?” Yann asked.
“Of course. She wouldn’t trick me, would she?” Audrey looked toward the closet, where Lucia was now awkwardly scanning the shelves.
Stunned, Lucia thought, ‘I’ve never mentioned buying gifts!
