Page 147 of Scandalous Contract

It wasn’t until I was getting dressed that I realized I always went into a cleaning haze when his mother was coming over. It was an automatic response that started from years of her coming to my house when Archie was alive and being judgmental of the way I kept up my home.

So even now, I subconsciously went into that cleaning mode when she was coming. That realization angered the hell out of me and made me even more ready to end this toxic relationship I had with his family. When the knock came at around 11:15, I was ready.

I checked the cameras to make sure it was really them before deactivating the alarm. I opened the door to find them standing on the porch, Archie's mother, his sister, and his brother, Arnold, all looking tense, suspicious, like they knew something was coming but weren’t sure what. I smiled and stepped aside to let them in.

“Thank you for coming,” I said evenly.

Archie’s mother clutched her purse tighter to her chest as she stepped inside.Bitch, my pedicure and manicure cost more than your purse.His sister rolled her eyes like she already thought this was a waste of time.

I glared at her, knowing that she hated me even though she’d pretended to be my friend for years. The better I did in life, the more she hated me. And that hatred had been passed down to India.

When she looked at my daughter, I always saw that same jealousy in her eyes that I saw when she looked at me. How could you be jealous of a child, your own niece? Arnold just looked bored, his jaw tight with impatience.

When his gaze roamed over me, I felt creeped out. I’d never let this man get close to India, and I never let her be alone with him. I couldn’t believe that years ago, I’d treated him as a younger brother.

I can’t believe how blind I was back when I was dating Archie. Then again, they’d all acted differently at first, including Archie. As soon as those vows were said, their masks slipped off, and I got to see the real Adams family.

I closed the door behind them and locked it with a soft click. Arnold glanced at the lock, frowning, but didn’t say anything. I gestured to the chairs I’d placed around the center table in the living room because I didn’t want them sitting on the same couches Julian and I fucked on.

“Please, sit,” I told them.

Archie’s mother, Susan, stared over at the couch.

“Why aren’t we allowed to sit on your living room furniture?” she asked, nose turned up.

“Because I have these chairs here ready for you. I even have one for me.”

“But...” she started.

“Let’s be seated,” I spoke over her.

“What’s with that bear over there?” Archie’s sister, Abby, asked. “Is that Indi’s? Isn’t she too old for bears?”

I’d forgotten to move the bear back to the bedroom.Damn. Good thing the light wasn’t on. I lied and told them the bear belonged to India. They sat stiffly, fidgeting, casting glances at each other. I stayed standing for a moment, looking at them, calm, unmoved, unapologetic.

“I thought this was important,” Arnold said, shifting in his seat. “Let’s get it over with.”

“I asked you here today because it’s time for a few things to change," I said, my voice calm. "Starting today, there will be new boundaries between us.”

Arnold snorted under his breath. His sister gave a sarcastic laugh. Their mother just looked hurt, her lip trembling like she might cry. I didn’t flinch. Their mother always cried when she wanted someone to feel sorry for her.

I hadn’t even said what the changes would be, and she was already preparing to release her tears. I was so fucking done with these people.

“No more asking me for money,” I continued. “No more guilt trips. No more showing up unannounced at my house when I don’t answer your calls.”

My eyes locked with Arnold’s because he was the one guilty of that. He looked down at his hands, unable to meet my gaze.

“From now on, you will have no contact with India without my permission.”

“That’s not new,” Abby scoffed. “You already don’t let us see her without you present.”

“I meannocontact! No phone calls, no texts, nothing.”

Cue the tears from Susan. She sniffled, reaching into her purse to get a handkerchief, and placed it against her nose.

“So now,” Susan started, voice trembling. “Not only can I not see my grandchild without you being there, but I can’t call her either. If my son were here, he’d be so shocked to see what you’re doing to us.”

“If your son were here, he’d be somewhere with his mistress, raising India, and you all wouldn’t be a part of my life at all,” I clarified, gaze moving to the bear to make sure the light still wasn’t on. It wasn’t.