Alex stepped in front of Adeline, chin raised, playing the righteous hero. "You owe a hundred million dollars. That's a fact!"
The gossip outside grew even louder. Every whisper was about me.
That was when my mother walked in. Her face was pure disbelief. "How is that possible? Ronald, didn't you just give me that jewelry from the auction the other day?"
I suddenly remembered. We'd planned to grab dinner together after work today.
Adeline let out a mocking laugh. "Auction? He bought those with loan shark money!"
"Enjoy it while it lasts. You'll be crying soon enough."
"And thank God the baby in my belly isn't yours. At least my child won't be dragged down with the rest of you."
"What?!" My mother's face went white with shock. She grabbed Adeline's arm before she could leave. "What did you just say?!"
Adeline wrenched free with a look of pure disgust. "Are you deaf? I said the baby isn't your family's!"
My mother already had high blood pressure. The shove sent her stumbling backward.
She clutched her chest and crumpled to the floor.
I rushed forward and caught her. "Mom! What's wrong?"