Chapter 3
That afternoon, Stella texted me to go shopping with her.
She said she wanted to pick out some clothes for her kids.
When I got to the mall, I saw her in a loose dress and comfy flats. She was totally rocking that mom-to-be vibe.
"Penelope, over here," she called, waving me over.
Her face was lit up with that unmistakable mom-to-be glow.
If one ignored those scheming eyes of hers, she could totally pass for a blissful expectant mom.
"Mr. Guzman didn't come with you?" I asked, strolling over and pretending to be casual.
Stella rubbed her belly, her gaze flickering.
"He's busy, you know. Big bosses are always stuck in endless meetings.
"But he gave me his card and told me to swipe as much as I like," she replied.
She flashed the black card in her hand.
I recognized it instantly. It was Thomas's secondary card.
Just last month, he said he got it for me, so I could take care of household expenses more easily.
And now, it had ended up in Stella's hands.
"That's nice," I said, forcing a smile that never reached my eyes.
We walked into a baby store.
Stella went straight for the most expensive stuff, imported formula, and limited-edition strollers. She didn't even flinch at the price tags.
"Wrap this, this, and that." She was pointing at everything with such authority. It was like watching a nouveau riche show off her wealth.
The salesgirl was all smiles. She said, "Your husband is so good to you, miss."
Stella lifted her chin proudly. "Of course."
I stood there, watching her swipe the card and sign her name.
That card was tied to my phone.
Every time she made a purchase, my phone vibrated. She spent over 30 thousand at once.
Thomas was really something.
He used my money to raise Stella's child, and then he wanted me to be a witness.
"Penelope, what do you think of this little dress?" Stella asked, holding up a pink lace dress in front of me.
"I hope my daughter grows up to look just like you. She'd be a real beauty," she said.
I stared at the dress, and suddenly, it all felt so ironic.
"What's so great about being like me?" I said, my tone flat.
"I'm completely oblivious to what's happening around me."
Stella's hand paused for a second, but then she just grinned even wider.
She said, "Oh, come on, are you still hung up on that loser Thomas?
"I keep telling you to move on. Mr. Guzman has a younger son. Do you want me to hook you up?"
She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Word is, he's loaded too. Sure, he's a bit of a flirt, but he's super generous with his cash."
I stared at her face, way too close for comfort, and honestly, I wanted to splash my coffee all over her.
I reminded myself to calm down.
If I blew up now, I'd just be making things too easy for them.
"No thanks," I said, pushing her away. "I'm stubborn, you know. Once I pick someone, I stick with them.
"Even if he's trash, I'll make sure to use him up before I toss him out."
Stella paused, looking genuinely confused, like she didn't get what I was really saying.
Just then, her phone rang. Her screen lit up with [Hubby].
She gave me a panicked glance, then hurried off to a corner to take the call.
I couldn't hear what she was saying, but the way she was blushing and acting all coy, I knew exactly who was on the other end.
A few minutes later, she came back, her cheeks still flushed.
"Sorry, Penelope, but Mr. Guzman is here to pick me up.
"He wants to take me out for a candlelit dinner," she said.
I nodded. "Go on, don't keep Mr. Guzman waiting."
Stella strutted off with all her shopping bags, looking as proud as a peacock.
I stood there, watching her walk away, then pulled out my phone and dialed a number.
"I need you to look into every single asset transfer under Thomas's name.
"And get me the best private investigator you can find," I said.
After hanging up, I watched the crowd stream past me in the mall.
If Thomas wanted to play, then let's play for keeps.