Chapter 284

Ruth had only seen Natalie in photos, but she recognized her instantly, especially when the woman called Jameson “Jamie.” Jameson was her husband, yet his betrayal fourteen years ago had long killed any love or anger in Ruth. But she could never forgive him for losing Shermaine. The thought of her daughter, so young and helpless, suffering alone, made Ruth want to tear him apart.

Natalie sneered, “I thought you had pride. Now you crawl back to Jean residence, clinging to a man who doesn’t want you.” Her voice sharpened when Ruth stayed silent. “Jamie loves me. Be smart and file for divorce, or don’t blame me for getting rough.”

In the next instant, Ruth slapped her hard.

Natalie staggered, stunned.

“A homewrecker lecturing me about divorce?” Ruth’s elegance was innate, unlike Madeline’s cheap imitation. Anyone who looked at her could sense the quiet authority she carried. “I’d love to see how you plan to ‘get rough’ with me.”

Natalie had faced "Ruth" before. Sure, she had lost a few rounds in the past, but she had always managed to regain the upper hand. But now, the pressure radiating from Ruth was suffocating. “You dare hit me?”

“Try hitting back,” Ruth challenged.

Confident that Jameson had her back and believing Ruth had already lost all influence, Natalie couldn’t swallow the humiliation. She swung, only for Ruth to catch her wrist and shove hard. Natalie stumbled, twisting her ankle with a gasp.

Ruth washed her hands again, feeling disgusted. “If you’ve got a problem with me, tell Jameson to come find me himself. I’ll be waiting at Jean residence.”

Natalie never imagined the “Ruth” she had known, the one who’d only ever thrown tantrums, was a fraud. The woman before her now was the real deal, and she was being utterly outclassed.

Chin jutting defiantly, Natalie spat, “What’s there to gloat about? You slept around and got your shares scammed.”

“Which ended up with my son,” Ruth countered. She knew Natalie had orchestrated Madeline’s swindle, but not that it was all part of Shermaine’s counterplay. “I lost nothing.”

And truthfully, Madeline hadn’t suffered either. That conman was good-looking and well-built. He had been exceptionally skilled in more ways than one. Why else would she have been so eager to abandon everything for him?

“Jameson can sleep around all he wants,” Ruth said coldly. “And I can do whatever I please. He forfeited any right to judge me.” Unlike Madeline, who had let Jameson hospitalize her, Ruth wouldn’t let him lay a finger on her.

Natalie’s face twisted in a rage. Ten billion was gone, the shares lost, and now Ruth was looking down on her. Natalie barked, “So what if you got lucky? Do you think Ross will respect you? Don’t pretend you’re some happy family.”

“Save your concern for your bastard,” Ruth shot back. “I said it already. Tell Jameson to come find me. I’ll be waiting.”