Chapter 28
Sarah’s message was answered almost immediately.
Her phone vibrated once in her pocket.
She slipped it out just enough to read the screen.
There were three words. Short, sharp and final. That was all.
Her lips curved, small and satisfied, before she locked the phone and tucked it away.
Ahead of her, Lara walked on, unaware.
Shay clung to Lara’s neck like a koala. “Mommy, can I buy something for you p>
Lara laughed softly. “How about something for yourself first p>
Shay shook her head so hard her ponytail bounced. “I still have lots of dresses. And shoes. Too many. I can’t even wear all of them p>
Lara believed her.
She’d seen the walk-in closet—rows of clothes with tags still hanging, toys unopened in boxes.
A childhood bought in excess. Perhaps, it was Ares’ way of making up for his lack of time with Shay.
“But Shay rubbed her stomach in circles. “I’m hungry p>
Lara checked the time and winced.
Past one pm.
Benny stepped forward at once. “Miss Lara, there’s a good restaurant on the third floor. It’s a favorite with children. Quiet too p>
Sarah rolled her eyes. Since when did the driver get a say?
But Lara gave him a small, warm smile. The kind she never gave Sarah.
“Lead the way, Benny p>
And just like that, he did.
Sarah hurried after them. “Wait—I know a better place. Shay likes p>
No one slowed down. No one answered.
Her jaw tightened.
She wasn’t used to being ignored.
The restaurant was calm and warm, tucked away from the noise of the mall. Soft lights. Padded chairs in pink and blue colors. The kind of place that children love.
A waiter led them to a private corner table, as if it were intentionally prepared for them.
They had just placed their orders when a man appeared beside them wearing a bright blazer, a wide smile, and a hairstyle that made him look like a crested partridge.
Lara studied him carefully.
Flamboyant. Polished. The type who lived off charm.
“Madam,” he said smoothly, bowing slightly. “I’m a talent scout. We’re casting a mother and daughter for a clothing commercial. And when I saw you two—perfect match. Would you be interested p>
“No p>
The word landed clean and cold.
He blinked, stunned by how fast it came.
Sarah tried to open her mouth, but Lara turned sharply at her. Her words remained stuck in her throat.
Shay tilted her head, studying him.
“If we do it… can I take pictures with Mommy?” she asked softly. “Like… ones everyone can see p>
She slid off her chair and hugged Lara’s arm. “I want everyone to know I have a mommy p>
The words hit harder than they should have.
For a second, Lara couldn’t breathe.
She crouched and brushed Shay’s hair back gently. “Sweetie, we can take as many pictures as you want. On my phone. On yours. Just us p>
She shot the man a look. “Not with strangers p>
“Yes, yes,” he cut in quickly, crouching beside Shay. “But imagine it, little miss—TV, billboards. Everyone will see your pretty mommy p>
He stopped and thought of something.
“By the way, my name is Gary Vice.” He extended his hand for hand shake but stopped midway and waved instead.
“So now, I am no longer a stranger p>
Lara’s glare sliced through him.
He faltered mid-sentence, nearly losing his balance.
“It isn’t for her,” Lara said quietly, “or for me to decide p>
“Madam, please,” he pressed, smile cracking. “You’ll both be famous. This is a big opportunity p>
” Famous!” Lara repeated.
As if it were a gift.
“Yes, Madam.” The man’s eyes brightened. So, she was just like the other women, easily lured by the promise of fame, glory, and wealth.
Lara straightened.
“And that,” she said evenly, “is exactly why the answer is no p>
The scout didn’t move.
Most people would have.
He simply straightened his blazer and smiled again, thinner this time, like a salesman who’d just hit resistance.
“Of course,” he said smoothly. “I understand a mother’s caution. Truly. But perhaps you’d like to hear the full offer first? It’s a national campaign. One day of shooting. Very generous compensation p>
Lara wanted to say that she was not the mother, but when she looked at Shay and remembered her promise, she relented.
“We’re not interested,” Lara repeated.
He chuckled softly, as if she were being modest.
“Madam, brands like ours don’t approach just anyone. Your look, your daughter’s charm—it’s rare. You could secure her future with one contract p>
Secure her future.
The words made Lara’s jaw tighten.
If he only knew who Shay and her father are, he would surely knock his head against the wall.
Shay clutched her sleeve, confused now, eyes darting between the adults.
The scout crouched again, lowering his voice. “Little miss, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could see you and your mommy together p>
Shay nodded.
“Hey,” Sarah cut in suddenly.
Lara’s head snapped up.
Sarah was smiling. Too brightly.
“Oh, don’t mind her,” she said lightly, waving a hand at Lara as if she were being overly dramatic. “Larissa is just very protective. It’s her job p>
The scout’s eyes flickered between them, sensing the crack.
Sarah stepped closer to him.
“What brand did you say this was p>
Lara’s voice turned sharp. “Sarah p>
But Sarah kept talking.
“A commercial isn’t such a bad idea. Especially for someone like Shay.” She smoothed the child’s hair. “The Zuvel family has a reputation to maintain. Public image matters p>
The scout perked up instantly. “Exactly, ma’am. Very tasteful campaign. Elegant. Classy. Nothing cheap p>
But the man probably hadn’t caught the name. Or if he did, he might have failed to associate it with the rich tycoon, Ares Zuvel.
“I can speak with her father,” Sarah added casually. “He makes the final decisions anyway. I’m sure he’d love for Shay to be exposed. She is our little princess. She deserves it p>
“Sarah, you idiot!” Lara cursed.
Silence fell over the table, cold and heavy.
Lara stared at her.
“If you are not afraid to lose your job, then do as you wish,” Lara said, her voice measured and calm, but the scout could sense the warning underneath.
Sarah only smiled wider.
“We all answer to someone, Larissa,” she said sweetly. “Some of us just forget about that. Besides, this will benefit Shay p>
Across the table, the scout’s grin returned.
He slipped a business card onto the tablecloth like he was placing a winning bet.
“I’ll wait for your call p>