Chapter 8 

I bought a new urn. With infinite care, the cemetery staff helped me transfer Noah’s ashes, each movement gentle as if handling the most precious thing in the world. 

Then I cradled him close as we left. 

That pathetic funeral? My baby deserved better than their cruel mockery. 

And that cold–hearted father? My Noah didn’t need him anymore. 

Back home, I gave the housekeeper paid leave. Hudson called: 

“Hey baby, you make it home okay? Look, Val’s ankle’s fine. I was a total dick earlier – shouldn’t have 

gone off on you while you’re grieving. My bad.” 

“But those steps were sketchy as hell. If something happened to Val, what about Leon? We’ve already lost one kid – can’t let him lose his mom too.” 

“I’m just looking out for the kid. I’m his godfather, and Valeria’s an old friend. Don’t read too much into it.” 

“Whatever. Take care of them,” I said flatly. 

“That’s my girl. Hey, remember how Noah was always begging to see the ocean? Got us flights for the day after tomorrow. Get your mind off things.” 

“Even though he’s gone, we should do this for him. I pick you up later, o’kay?” 

All night, Valeria spammed my phone with messages. 

To make it up to her and keep Leon happy, Hudson had dropped millions on a private jet, whisking them off to Vegas for a shopping spree. 

My Noah couldn’t get thirty minutes of his father’s time to see the beach in three years. 

“Give it up, Reese. You’re not in my league.” 

Fine. Game over. 

Next day, still no Hudson. Valeria’s messages got nastier, including sex videos of her and Hudson together. 

I didn’t respond. Instead, I packed up everything belonging to Noah and me, donating it all. 

By the third afternoon, Hudson finally remembered I existed: “My bad, babe. Work stuff. Getting my 

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A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire ari 

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Chapter 8 

assistant to grab you for the airport. Be there ASAP.” 

What he didn’t know was that Valeria had just sent another video. 

It was Leon’s birthday celebration at the city’s most exclusive hotel. 

In the footage, Hudson was fastening a massive pink diamond necklace around Valeria’s neck, kissing her forehead. 

“Thank you for giving me such a perfect son. You’re the heart of this family.” 

I blocked them both, then packed the divorce papers and a USB drive into an envelope, had it couriered to the hotel. 

Left Noah’s wish note on the table, held his urn close, took one last look at fifteen years of memories. 

Adios, Hudson. 

At the hotel, Hudson was about to sign papers making Leon his heir when his assistant burst in, looking like he’d seen a ghost. 

“Sir,” he whispered, shaking. “Mrs. Montclair just boarded a flight overseas. The plane… it’s gone down.” 

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