“It wasn’t like that,” she said weakly. “I was trying to help her.”
“Help her or help yourself?” Catherine’s eyes gleamed.
For the first time, Angela saw the truth. This woman wasn’t kind. She wasn’t generous. She was controlling, heartless, and proud of it.
“I want her back,” Angela said suddenly, her voice shaking but strong.
Catherine laughed coldly. “You want her back? You can’t just change your mind, Angela. You signed the papers. You took my money. Sonia is mine now.”
“I don’t care about the papers,” Angela snapped. “She’s unhappy. I can see it.”
“She’s adjusting,” Catherine said stiffly. “It’s been six weeks.”
Angela shouted, “If she was really happy, she wouldn’t look so sad!”
“Lower your voice,” Catherine hissed. “You’re making a scene.”
“I don’t care,” Angela cried. “I want my daughter back!”
Catherine’s face turned stone cold. “Let me explain something to you, Angela. You gave up all rights to that child. If you cause trouble, I’ll have you arrested for harassment and stalking.”
Angela froze. “You can’t stop me from seeing her.”
“Oh, I can,” Catherine said with a thin smile. “I have power, connections—things you’ll never understand. One phone call and you’ll be in jail. And who will take care of your precious Sonia then?”
Angela’s stomach twisted in fear.
She had made the worst mistake of her life.
She hadn’t just given Sonia to a wealthy woman—she had given her to a woman who would do anything to keep what she wanted.
“Stay away from my house,” Catherine said coldly. “Stay away from my daughter. If I see you here again, you’ll regret it.”
Then she turned and walked back toward her mansion, her heels clicking against the driveway.
