Jobless? Nope, Just Ruthless

Logan's scowl deepened. "What the hell are you saying? We agreed to sell the current house and use the money to upgrade! You've seen the contract!

"Besides, my mom's a housewife with no income. Where's she supposed to get the money?

"Fine, I get it. You're still holding a grudge over what happened earlier.

"But seriously, think about it. My mom's been taking care of you day and night. And just because she said a few things, you're making this a big deal?

"Okay, fine! I'll apologize on her behalf. Happy now?"

Noticing the growing whispers around us, Pauline launched into full drama mode. "I knew this would happen!" she wailed. "Getting old means being despised! It's all my fault—my big, stupid mouth! I just keep causing trouble for my poor son and his wife!"

She raised her hand like she was about to slap herself. "I should just slap myself—"

"Aunt Pauline! No!" Yana stopped her. "If anyone's to blame, it's me! I'm young and foolish. I said the wrong things and upset Julie."

She glanced at me. "Julie, I'll get down on my knees and apologize! Please, for my aunt's sake—she's getting older—don't keep bullying her!"

Yana dropped to her knees, but Logan grabbed her arm. "Yana! You're pregnant! Don't get emotional—it's bad for the baby."

Then he shot me a glare. "Julie! Is this what you wanted? To make everyone upset? We're here to buy a bigger house for our family. It was supposed to be a happy day, and you're ruining it."

Like he'd forgotten I was pregnant, too. Like my feelings didn't matter.

His arm stayed around Yana, soft and protective, while his tone toward me stayed cold. "Enough. Stop making a scene. Everyone's watching. Let's sign the contract and be done."

The sales manager shoved the papers at him. Logan took the pen without hesitation, ready to sign.

I snatched the contract from his hand. "Why's the contract only in your name?"

Pauline, who'd been all pitiful a minute ago, suddenly looked outraged. "What kind of question is that? Logan's the head of the household! Whose name should it be under if not his?"

Logan reached for the contract. "Once we're married, it's all marital property. What difference does it make whose name is on it?"

I pulled it out of his reach. "If it doesn't matter, then why not put MY name on it?"

He got irritated. "Julie! What's wrong with you today? Stop being unreasonable! Just because you lost your job doesn't mean you can take it out on everyone!"

I met his glare with a smirk. "'Everyone'? You mean you, your mom, your mistress and the illegitimate child she's carrying?"

My words echoed, sending shockwaves through the crowd.

Yana's face twisted in shock. She shrieked, "You're slandering me! You're ruining my reputation! If you don't clear this up, I'll end it—right here. Two lives gone. That'll prove my innocence!"

Pauline hit the floor, wailing. "Julie! If you're angry, take it out on me! I'm old—I can handle it. But don't destroy this family! These accusations are enough to push someone to their death!"

I stared at her. My voice cut through her sobs. " Oh, you mean like selling my house to buy a mansion for your son's mistress and her kid? Tell me—who's really pushing someone to their death?"

Logan went ghost-white, jaw tight, veins popping. "What the hell are you even talking about? Lost your job, so now you're blowing up on us? Fine. You win. No house. Happy? Let's go home and talk."

He grabbed my arm hard, yanking me toward the door.

I knew right then—if I got in that car, I wasn't coming back.

I yanked, but he was too strong. I screamed. "Help! Somebody—"

But Pauline shouted at the crowd. "It's a family matter! Stay out of it, unless you want trouble!"

We were steps from the exit when the doors flew open.

A figure burst in, breathing hard.

With one hard shove, the person knocked Logan back and stepped between us.

"Don't you DARE touch Julie!"