Chapter 16 Financial Independence Empowers Women
Maxwell looked away. “No. I’m just surprised you care so much about Anton.”
Lailah smiled faintly. “Anyone offered 150 thousand dollars would care.”
Elyse chimed in, “Honestly, Mr. Davidson, even 15 thousand dollars and I’d treat Anton like royalty!”
Maxwell chuckled, his eyes crinkling.
“Fine. I’ll have Anton’s details sent to you, Ms. Griffith.”
He turned to Anton. “I have a few words for Anton before I leave.”
Lailah tactfully stepped out. “We’ll wait downstairs.”
With that, she led Elyse out of the hospital room and quietly closed the door behind them.
Alone, Maxwell raised a brow. “You’re sure it’s her?”
Anton perked up, no longer listless. “Yes! I want her as my mom.”
Maxwell rubbed his chin. “Most women could be bribed, even if married. But Lailah is Zayden’s wife. Stealing her won’t be easy.”
Anton crossed his arms. “I don’t care! Make it happen!”
“Perfect timing,” Maxwell said with a smile. “Six months ago, wanting her as your mother would’ve been impossible. But now, it’s possible.
“Everyone knows what Zayden has done for his unforgettable crush these past six months. Surprisingly, both father and son share the same taste.
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Even her child adores her.”
Maxwell glanced at Anton. “Now that Lailah lives alone… Seize this chance. I’ve set the stage. The rest is up to you.”
Anton’s face lacked any childlike innocence.
He nodded firmly. “I’ll win her over!”
“Good.” Maxwell patted his head and smiled. “Fight for what you want even if it takes tricks. But why her?”
Weeks ago, Anton transferred to an elite kindergarten.
Soon, he begged to make a woman his mother.
Maxwell first assumed it was some manipulative woman trying to get close to Anton.
But after checking, he discovered she was Zayden’s wife, a homemaker who rarely appeared in public.
No photos existed online.
Everyone knew Zayden had kept his marriage secret, but no one knew his wife’s identity.
Recently, rumors about him and another woman had been swirling nonstop.
Many speculated his secret wife must be Tamara.
Anton remarked, “I’ve watched her these past few days. The way she looks at that child is so gentle. Other mothers don’t have that kind of warmth in their eyes… That’s what being a real mother means.”
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Chapter 16 Financial Independence Empowers Women
Elyse wasn’t even married yet, but seeing Lailah’s life had her scared of weddings.
Lailah married into wealth!
If she’d married some average guy, she would have to work full–time, clean the house, and raise kids…
Worst of all, she would get blamed by both husband and kid.
Lailah’s voice broke her thoughts.
“Women need financial independence to stand tall. Otherwise, even your own child might disrespect you.”
It made sense.
Elyse nodded. “I happen to be between jobs right now. Need a hand? Call anytime.”
“Thanks, Elyse.”
“Don’t mention it!” Elyse waved her hand.
After parting ways, Lailah carried Anton home.
******
The next morning, Lailah drove Anton to school.
As they went downstairs, a sleek black car waited outside her apartment, drawing curious stares.
Seeing them, a driver approached quickly.
The driver greeted politely, “Ms. Griffith, I’m Ross, Anton’s chauffeur.”
Lailah wasn’t surprised at all to see a driver waiting.
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Lailah smiled. “Thank you, Ross.”
Ross opened the door for them. “You’re too kind, Ms. Griffith.”
Twenty minutes into the drive, the route felt familiar.
It led to Krish’s kindergarten.
Lailah couldn’t help asking. “Ross, which kindergarten does Anton go. to?”
Anton had just moved to Stomdale recently, and the documents Maxwell sent her yesterday didn’t specify his school.
Ross smiled. “Crown Kindergarten nearby.”
Lailah’s brow twitched.
Krish also attended that kindergarten.
Crown Kindergarten was the best in Stomdale.
Only children from wealthy or influential families could enroll there, those with deep connections, not just money or power.
Though Lailah knew Maxwell wasn’t ordinary, she hadn’t realized his influence ran this deep.
At the kindergarten gate, Lailah instinctively reminded Anton, “Call me if anything happens. Be nice to the other kids. I’ll pick you up after school.”
Anton nodded, glancing back repeatedly as he walked inside.
Lailah froze.
Krish had acted the same way when he first started school.
But over time, her son’s responses turned dismissive.
Chapter 16 Financial Independence Empowers Women
Suddenly, a surprised gasp came from behind.
“Ms. Griffith, are you here to see Krish?”
Lailah turned and saw Krish, Tamara, and… Zayden standing nearby.
