Chapter 12

Noticing that the situation was escalating, Thomas called Leon. "We had you name a price out of respect for the fact that you gave birth to Edwin. Since you don't appreciate the offer, there's no need for further discussion." Samuel's gaze that was directed at Victoria was sharp and exuded immense pressure. Victoria calmly responded by saying, "You're right. There's no need for a discussion because this isn't something you have the authority to decide." "What did you just say!" Samuel's expression turned cold at her words. She continued, "We've submitted the divorce application. Once the certificate is issued, I'll have full custody of Edwin. And I'll call the police if you try to take him by force." Victoria's body was tense as she made that statement. There was no turning back now; she had to face them head-on. Samuel and Eleanor's expressions turn grim instantly. They'd considered this probability and rushed over after hearing the news. It'd be tough to change anything once the divorce was finalized. "How could you be so selfish to have him suffer with you? Have you ever considered that he's still a child?" Eleanor lashed out. "Having custody doesn't mean his father is dead. I never said Leon can't support him financially." Victoria saw through their selfishness and attempts to guilt-trip her. "At the end of the day, you're just using Edwin to get money out of Leon. You're scheming, manipulative, and completely unfit to be Edwin's mother," Eleanor spat venomously. "No matter how unfit I am, I'm better than a cheater like Leon." Victoria shot back without hesitation and didn't bother to explain further. "So what if he cheated? That's common in our circle," Samuel retorted. "And that's exactly why I need to take Edwin away from you people. Even if he grows up with the best values, being around you all will eventually corrupt him," Victoria said. She resolved that taking Edwin away was the right decision. "Say that again!" Samuel roared. He couldn't tolerate such defiance from someone he once had so much control over. Victoria held her ground. "I'll say it ten more times if I have to." The tension in the room escalated. Just then, Samuel's phone rang. Seeing Leon's number, he answered with barely contained fury. The moment the call connected, he immediately started ranting. "Look at what your wife has done! How dare she talk back to me?" "You said it yourself; she's my wife," Leon coolly replied and showed no trace of respect a son would have for his father. Samuel fumed, but there was nothing he could do about it. He shot Victoria a glare before switching the call to speaker mode. "You called just in time. Your mother and I have a question for you." "Are you referring to Edwin's custody arrangement?" Leon asked before they could even bring it up. Samuel glanced at Victoria and replied, "Yes." "I agreed to it." The tension in the room soared. The air felt chilly as if the temperature seemed to have plummeted, and Samuel gave off a cold, almost icy air. "If she wants to raise him, let her," Leon said, unfazed by his anger. "Are you an idiot?" Eleanor panicked. She couldn't stand by and watch Edwin get taken away. "If Edwin stays with her, he'll grow apart from you. What if he starts seeing someone else as his father?" "That's possible for a child that young. But when he grows up and understands what benefits are, that might change." Leon sounded casual. "What does that mean?" Eleanor wasn't as manipulative as he was.