Chapter 2021


    Chapter 2021


    Keegan was taken aback.


    ''This does indeed sound like something I would say. Or rather, more like the kind of thing mom would


    throw my way back when I was younger.''


    No matter how ster Keegan''s achievements were during his childhood, Dahlia always had a way of


    cutting him down. "Don''t be too proud.


    Someone might surpass you next time."


    "Your dad and I spent a fortune on your education, it''s the least you can do, ’ she''d say.


    Keegan rarely received praise from Dahlia. Naturally, he struggled to share his achievements with his


    partner properly. What he intended as uplifting encouragement often sounded more like belittlement.


    Dahlia wasn''t the best role model for Keegan. Despite thinking he''d distanced himself from his mother,


    constant praise from those around him blinded him to how much he mirrored her in specific aspects.


    Looking at Ste with puppy eyes, Keegan asked softly, "So, do you prefer the old me or the current


    me?"


    Ste chuckled and whispered in his ear, "You''re the kind of guy who can learn from your mistakes. I’d


    like you no matter what."


    Keegan grinned and said, "Actually, I''ve seen the movie. I went to the director''s ce to check the raw


    footage before it hit the screens. The acting is actually good."


    "Was it still a C-rating performance?"


    Keeganughed. "It''s a B-rating performance this time."


    Olivia reached out before Ste had the chance to contact her first.


    The Warrens'' affairs have been under discussion in their circle recently.


    Erick''s charges were practically set in stone. He was now in the hands of the authorities, awaiting due


    process.


    Olivia was an intelligent businesswoman, but she wasn''t all about the money. She consistently warned


    Erick to steer clear of the gray areas in politics.


    She had assets in her name, enough to keep the family afloat. She didn''t need the blood money from


    Erick''s questionable dealings.


    If something went down, the entire family would be in disarray.


    Erick verbally agreed to Olivia''s wishes but needed money to fuel his extramarital affair and support his


    illegitimate child.


    Olivia controlled the family finances and with such huge expenses for his infidelity, Erick had to find


    other means to get the money.


    He turned to illegal activities.


    Erick couldn''t confess to Olivia about the funds, as they were all dedicated to sustaining his mistress


    and child.


    When the illegitimate child needed schooling, the mistress insisted on a million-dor home in an


    upscale area. Otherwise, she threatened to bring the child to his workce and expose everything to


    Olivia.


    Erick was at a loss, so he confessed his actions to Dahlia.


    Dahlia came up with the idea for him to steal a million dors from Olivia.


    With the money for the house secured, there were still bills for renovation and a car.


    Living in an upscale neighborhood meant everyone had a luxury car worth a small fortune. Once the


    floodgates of desire opened, it became an insatiable pit.


    Erick had to keep resorting to illegal means to meet the demands of the mother and child.


    Olivia was in Astra Height when she called Ste. She mentioned a topnotch bakery nearby and asked


    her to meet up there, saying she''d swing by after finishing her work.


    Intrigued, Ste asked, "What''s keeping you so busy, Olivia?"


    "I''m cleaning out the ce for the mistress to settle in. Want to swing by and take a peek?" Olivia


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    replied in disdain.


    "You bet!"