Flora’s face was stone–cold. “Wasn’t she married to have kids? It’s been two years–nothing. Wait much longer, and the other woman might beat her to it.”
Yolanda dropped her gaze, thinking, ‘Fine. Let the other woman have his kid. Sophie’d jump at the chance. But when she looked up, her face was all worry. “Honey, I can handle it. Let’s try tonight. Honestly, I want a baby too.”
Charles’s expression clouded over.
Flora let out a relieved breath, pleased Yolanda was being “sensible.” She smiled, “I have some special wine. Take a bottle home tonight. It’ll help you get pregnant in two weeks, guaranteed.”
Charles said nothing, slowly letting go of Yolanda’s hand. She could tell that he was repulsed.
After dinner, as Charles and Yolanda prepared to leave, Flora had someone fetch a bottle of her special wine, which was packed with god–knows–what “fertility supplements.”
Yolanda’s eyelashes fluttered, and she looked up with a smile. “Grandma, one bottle might not be enough. Could you get a few more? Charles…” She paused, seeming to hold back the rest.
Flora’s face shifted. She quickly ordered someone to fetch five more bottles. These were packed with heavy–duty stuff, the kind that’d
make even a sterile man to a brothel.
Simone hid a smirk from the side. ‘Yolanda’s got some nerve, she thought.
1/2
2:15 AM P P
Chapter 25
Charles stood by the car, jaw tight. He didn’t say yes or no–just stayed quiet.
E35 vouchers
Yolanda hurried to the guys carrying the wine. “Stick those in the trunk, please. Thanks,” she said. Then she glanced at Simone.
Simone made a phone gesture, signaling they’d connect later.
Yolanda nodded, then climbed into the car with Charles.
They didn’t head to Moonbay Estate. Instead, they drove to Muse Club. It was the spot for rich kids, a fancy bar that burned cash. Members only, no randoms allowed.
Charles unbuttoned the top of his collar, clearly ticked about those five bottles of special wine.
“Why here?” Yolanda’s lips curved a little. He actually brought her out tonight–how “generous.”
Charles hauled her into his lap. “You think I can’t perform because I’ve been ignoring you?”
Yolanda’s face flickered, but quickly she collected herself. “Honey, I want a baby. But you keep shutting me down–what else was I supposed to do?” she murmured, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Charles dropped the act, gripping her chin. “Yolanda, you remember the rule? No baby for you.”
Yolanda looked down, silent.
Charles softened his voice. “It’s just a kid. I’ll make it up to you another way.”
Yolanda looked at him. “Really? Then I want an agent, Tessa Gilbert.”
Charles frowned. That name rang a bell.
Yolanda continued, “I want to sign her to my studio. Since I can’t be in the spotlight, she’ll front for me. I checked her out–she’s good. She can get resources from Starlight Entertainment for me.”
To Charles, this was small potatoes. At least it was better than her going on about a baby. He looked toward the front and called, “Jack.”
Jack answered right away, respectful. “I’ll let the execs at Starlight Entertainment know ASAP.”
Charles nodded, patted Yolanda’s cheek, and said, “Don’t pull this kind of stunt again. Grandma’s getting old and might actually believe
you.”
Yolanda dropped her gaze, acting docile. “Got it. My bad tonight.”
Jack almost spoke up–Tessa had ticked off Sophie. But with Yolanda asking and Charles agreeing, he kept his mouth shut. He was just an outsider, and he knew better than to get involved.
Finally, Yolanda landed a legitimate chance to use “Tessa Gilbert” in public. This was just the first step, and by the time Charles figured it out, it’d be way too late.
