Chapter 2013

Phoebe fetched a checkbook and filled in the amount and her name.

Chelsea grew anxious. “Mom, you can’t give her that much. At most, give her a hundred thousand. That’s more than enough to cover the meals. In fact, they’d still be making money.”

“Quiet!” Phoebe snapped, her eyes icy. “Haven’t we lost enough face already?”

She could tell from Heather’s face that she was trouble. It was better to pay her off than let Chelsea’s reputation take real damage.

Chelsea didn’t even have a boyfriend yet. If this woman smeared her name, future prospects would be even harder to find.

Heather hadn’t expected to collect six million so easily. She reached out for the check, but Phoebe drew it back.

“Write us a receipt,” Phoebe said, “so there’s proof we’ve paid. I don’t want you showing up for more when the money’s gone.”