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.

finally dropping the

to the bone. But she knew she had to play along.

fury. "Mom, please don't be angry, okay? I really didn't mean to change my number. The new company insisted-my old agency might try to poach me now that I'm getting bigger,

details." Lauren shoved her aside and marched over to the couch, dropping heavily into the cushions. Her breathing was harsh, impatient. "Just

"How much

"Five million."

widened. "Five

is suing

woman thinks she can push me around just because she's got three sons and her family's backing! Gavin me who

mocked

Prescott fortune is all thanks to her dowry

I have to pay back everything he bought me, down

that much

two million-need for living expenses and my medical bills. You're always so busy, it's impossible to reach you. Why not just give me what I

almost laughed

sum, just like

Lauren really think she'd live long enough

have that much on

think I don't know-you've landed a bunch of big endorsements and TV gigs this month. Don't tell me you can't pull together five