Atoning for Her Sins

I had just checked out of the hotel when I met Rowan Elisse, Tanner's mother. She was one of the few people who genuinely cared about me.

"Kathy, did you and Tanner fight? I went to the company yesterday but didn't see you. They told me you were transferred to Westridge. Tell me—what did Tanner do wrong? I'll make him change."

I gently removed Rowan's hand from mine and responded solemnly, "Mrs. Clarkson, Tanner and I have broken up. I'm leaving the city, and I may never come back."

"What? You two broke up?" Rowan instantly sat up straight and looked at me with concern. "Did Tanner do something wrong?"

She continued after a pause, "Is it that new secretary of his?"

A dull expression appeared on my face.

"I've already cleared things up with him. Thank you for all your care before. I've booked a flight for this afternoon, and it's getting late. I won't take up any more of your time," I said.

I stood up, grabbed my suitcase, and moved to leave.

Rowan stopped me by holding onto my luggage tightly.

"Kathy, listen to me. No man is without faults. Tanner only made the mistake that all men make. If you marry Tanner, I'll back you up so that no other woman can shake your position! I only recognize you as my daughter-in-law!"

Just then, a sound came from the entrance. I turned to see Tanner.

Rowan eagerly went to greet him and continued, "Kathy, look. Tanner's here. He still cares about you. You two should clear up the misunderstanding and get married next month."

At the mention of marriage, Tanner's expression immediately fell. He stormed over to me with a menacing look and barked, "Katherine! You have the guts to bother my mom and make her trick me into marrying you?

"You're relying on my mom's affection for you and trying to pressure me, aren't you? Didn't you say you didn't want to get married when I brought it up before?"

Then, a smug look appeared on his face, and his brows raised in excitement as he stared at me.

"Are you regretting it now? I knew you couldn't let go of me and would refuse to go to Westridge. If you beg me and apologize to Willow, I'll let you stay in the company. What do you say? As for marriage, you missed your chance. I'll see how you perform next time."

Rowan frowned in disapproval. She patted Tanner's arm and said, "What are you talking about? Kathy didn't bother me. I was the one who looked for her. You'd better promise her that you'll fire that sly woman and never contact her again!"

Tanner snorted coldly.

"Who would've thought? You're quite popular among older people regardless of gender. You've got my mom so confused that she listens to everything you say."

Looking at the two of them, I felt all the last remnants of goodwill I had vanish. I played along and said, "Fine. As long as you fire Willow and apologize to me on your knees, I'll marry you right away."

Tanner was visibly taken aback. "You've got quite the imagination."

At that moment, his phone suddenly rang, and the familiar ringtone echoed in the lobby.

I remembered the countless times Tanner avoided me to take the call whenever this ringtone went off.

"Willow, what's wrong?"

The pain in my already broken heart flared up again.

So, they had long gotten together.

"Okay. Wait for me. I'll be there soon," said Tanner.

Rowan grabbed his sleeve. "No! You're not going anywhere today! Apologize to Kathy properly! I want her to be my daughter-in-law, and I want grandchildren!"

Tanner shot me an impatient glare. "Mom, stop it."

He pushed Rowan aside and left without looking back.

Rowan clutched her bruised waist as she stared in shock at the empty doorway. She pounded her thighs, crying out, "This family is cursed! My son is leaving a good woman to marry a cunning one!"

She then turned to me, looking pitiful. "Kathy, take me to the hospital. I'll make Tanner come to his senses."

I furrowed my brow and glanced at my watch. It was getting late now. I refused, saying, "I'll call you an ambulance. Goodbye now."

As I left, I could hear her loud cries behind me.

By the time I boarded the plane, the news of the engagement between Slade Group's heir and Leigh Group's heiress was all over the news.

The accompanying photo was of me and Davin from the side at a banquet.

Meanwhile, my contract fiancé was already waiting for me at the airport.