That evening, Brendan showed up with Cindy in tow, ready for a fight.
"Debbie, you promised me you wouldn't fire Cindy. How could you go back on your word?"
I tossed the photos of the two of them at the café onto the table.
"Brendan, who lied first? You really want to play this game?"
The color drained from his face. Before he could respond, Cindy stepped forward with a scornful laugh. "Debbie, when are you going to get it through your head? The only reason you can stand here with any authority is because of Mr. Sanchez."
"He's the one who gave you money to spend. He's the one who gave you a job. Everything you have was handed to you by Mr. Sanchez out of charity."
"Wanting it all and giving nothing back. Didn't your parents ever teach you manners?" She tapped her chin in mock thought, then flashed a saccharine smile. "Oh, right. How does the saying go? Born with a mother, raised without one. That's you, isn't it?"
I froze. My gaze snapped to Brendan.
My mother had passed away when I was young. It had always been a wound I carried deep inside. I never imagined Brendan would share it with Cindy like it was gossip.
My arm shot up. My palm was already swinging toward Cindy's face.
The next instant, Brendan's hand clamped around my wrist like a vise. Fury blazed in his eyes. "Debbie, lay one finger on her. I dare you."
My body was still weak from just being discharged. I had no time to brace myself before he flung me to the ground.
"You—" He faltered, then bent down to scoop me up. I thrust out a hand to stop him.
"Brendan, you hurt me for her?"
He pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose, a flash of weariness crossing his face. "Debbie, can you grow up? You're the one who tried to hit her first."
"Think about what you've done. You got jealous over nothing and cost an innocent girl her job. Now you're trying to assault her. When did you become so unreasonable?"
"Here's what's going to happen. You apologize to Cindy, then arrange a position for her at the company. We put this whole thing behind us."
A laugh tore out of me, sharp and bitter. "She barely finished middle school. You think she's qualified to work at my company?"
"It's fine, Mr. Sanchez." Cindy latched onto Brendan's arm, her voice soft and pitiful. "I don't want you getting in trouble because of me. It's just that I can't make rent anymore, and my landlord kicked me out..."
"Cindy, don't worry about a thing." Brendan pressed her firmly onto the couch. "This is your home now. Stay as long as you want."
"But..." Cindy trailed off, though her eyes kept drifting toward me, as if to say, What about her?
"She owns plenty of properties. She won't miss this one."
Brendan glanced at me, his tone hardening. "Debbie, this is settled. Don't make a scene."
"Sure."
I let out a cold laugh and pulled out the documents I'd prepared long ago. "Sign this, and I promise I won't bother the two of you ever again."
Brendan's lips curved into a smug grin. "Well, look at that. At least you know how to behave. Preparing an apology gift for Cindy. Though if it's anything cheap, I won't accept it on her behalf—" His eyes dropped to the papers. "Divorce papers?"
His pupils contracted. His head snapped up. "Debbie, you want to divorce me?"
