Chapter 13 

Allison settled into the armchair next to Cindy, maintaining a cool demeanor that showed no hint of nerves. Her gaze was steady as she faced Cindy, saying, “I have no intention of marrying into the Reynolds family.” 

Cindy wasn’t buying it for a second. She gave Allison a thorough once–over. This was the girl her son had been seeing for three years. Allison was undeniably striking, with a charisma that set her apart from most. Despite her modest background, she carried herself with a confidence that couldn’t be ignored. Earlier at the door, Cindy had tried to throw her off with a snide remark, but Allison had stood her ground, unruffled and self–assured. 

But so what? To Cindy, she was just another gold–digger with dreams of marrying into wealth. No matter how well she played her part, she was still out of her league. 

With a smug tone, Cindy said, “You don’t need to pretend with me. I’m a woman, too, and I know exactly what’s on your mind. I get why girls are drawn to Shawn. Finding someone as loaded as him isn’t easy. I bet he spends a fortune on you, doesn’t he?” 

Allison responded, “I’m not interested in his money.” 

Cindy snorted, her eyes icy, “Who are you fooling? I’ve seen plenty like you claiming you don’t care about the money. If that were true, would you really be with Shawn?” 

Allison chuckled. “Cindy, are you saying your son doesn’t have anything going for him besides his money?” 

“You!” Cindy was genuinely rattled. Her breathing quickened as she glared at Allison. “Such a sharp tongue! Shawn always said you were sweet and understanding, but clearly, he was wrong!” 

Allison calmly picked up her cup and took a sip to ease her throat. 

“How rude,” Cindy shot back, giving her a disdainful look. “You have a guest in the room and didn’t even offer a cup of tea.” 

Allison plastered on a fake smile. “Sorry, Cindy, there aren’t any extra cups, and I figured you wouldn’t want to use mine. So, I thought it was best to skip the politeness. Besides, you don’t strike me as someone desperate for a drink, right?” 

Cindy was fuming. Where on earth did Shawn find such an insolent girl? 

After taking a deep breath, Cindy continued, “I came here today to tell you that not just anyone can join the Reynolds family. Marrying Shawn is out of the question!” 

Allison nodded. “Uh–huh.” 

Cindy went on, “Kate is the daughter–in–law I’ve always envisioned. Her family and ours have a long history; she was Shawn’s first love. You should just give up, pack your things, leave, and make space for Kate.” 

00:45 

Chapter 13 

Allison smirked, recalling a conversation she’d overheard. Shawn had mentioned the Reynolds Group was in financial trouble, with many stalled projects and significant losses. Back then, she’d even thought about investing in the Reynolds Group. 

Though Shawn believed Allison came from a modest background and never considered marrying her, she had developed some affection for him during their relationship. Helping him out wasn’t totally off the table. 

That night, when she went to pick Shawn up from a party, she planned to discuss investing in the Reynolds Group. Her family had cut her off, and her father certainly wouldn’t invest. But her cousin Zack was now leading the Hartley family, and under his leadership, the Hartley Group had climbed into the top ten domestic companies last year. Her cousin had always looked out for her, and if she asked, he’d probably agree to invest in the Reynolds Group. 

Yet that same night, she overheard Shawn admitting that she was just a backup for Kate.