Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

When Daisy led Lauren into the media room, Rosita was already sitting on the couch, script in hand, eyes scanning the pages.

She looked up at the sound of footsteps, her gaze briefly flickering to Lauren before settling on Daisy. "You can leave us," she said curtly.

"Of course." Daisy nodded, turned, and quietly closed the door behind her.

Rosita set the script aside and stood, walking over to Lauren.

"Mom, I'm sorry-I just signed with a new agency and things have been insane lately, I—"

Smack!

A sharp slap rang out, echoing off the walls.

Rosita's head jerked to the side. A handprint blossomed red across her cheek.

For a moment, she was frozen, stunned. Only when the sting bloomed across her skin did she snap back to reality.

Clutching her face, she stared at Lauren, eyes flashing with hurt and anger, but still forced herself to plead in a meek, trembling voice, "Mom, why did you hit me?"

"You think just because you switched agencies and changed your number, I can't track you down?"

Lauren glared, voice cold as steel. "Let me make something clear, Rosita. I gave you life, I raised you, and I expect you to pay me back now that you've made something of yourself! Got some fame and money and you think you can just cut me out? Dream on!"

Rosita stared at her.

dropping the act,

down to the bone. But she knew she had to

angry, okay? I really didn't mean to change my number. The new company insisted-my old agency might try to poach

me the details." Lauren shoved her aside and marched over to the couch, dropping

jaw clenched. "How much do

"Five million."

widened. "Five

Prescott is

she can push me around just because she's got three

mocked

is all thanks to her dowry

have to pay back everything

that

living expenses and my medical bills. You're always so busy, it's impossible to reach you. Why not just give me what I need in one go, so I don't have to keep

laughed

lump sum, just like

she had that kind of money, did Lauren really think she'd live

that

crap." Lauren sneered. "Don't think I don't know-you've landed a bunch of big endorsements and TV gigs this month. Don't tell me you