Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1858

"Don't you know my tastes have changed?" Tiana shot back. "Besides, eating too much sugar isn't good for the skin. Are you trying to sabotage me on purpose, Mr. Moran?"

Seth opened his mouth to explain, but the words died in his throat. Defeated, he sat back down, keeping his hands to himself.

Even then, Tiana wasn't ready to let him off the hook.

"What's wrong? You still can't think of anything to say to me? If you don't want to see me, just be honest about it. Do you really think I wanted to come here? If it weren't for Germaine, I wouldn't have even bothered with you."

"If I say anything, you'll just argue with me. What am I supposed to do?" Seth replied, clearly frustrated. "Could you at least show me some respect in front of Germaine?"

Even after all these years, Tiana remained as relentless as ever—her forceful attitude as intimidating as before.

"Respect is something you have to earn. Have you forgotten how you abandoned me and Germaine? What right do you have to talk about dignity?

"Enough with the nonsense. Aren't you here to divide Germaine's assets? Just get it over with. I don't want to see you for another minute," Tiana shot back, her anger mounting with every word.

"I have my own career and plenty of money. Don't drag me into your arguments," Germaine said, trying to avoid being caught in the middle.

Still, she could tell that Tiana still harbored lingering feelings for Seth. In all these years, she had never seen Tiana speak this much in one sitting.

"I'm going outside to take a call. You two go ahead and eat," she said, offering an excuse to give them some space.

Once Germaine left, the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably.

After a moment of hesitation, Seth finally gathered the courage to speak again. "Tia, how have you been all these years?"

"Thanks to you, I've had the privilege of facing judgment and rumors my whole life, all while raising our daughter under the weight of others' cold stares," Tiana replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Enough!" Tiana interrupted sharply, rising to her feet. "What do you expect me to do with all this nonsense? Forgive you? Never.

"Do you honestly think a few sweet words can erase the pain you caused me? You didn't just betray and abandon me—you shattered my trust in love and in people. If you want my forgiveness, then rot in hell!"

With that, she grabbed her handbag and stormed out.

Germaine stood by the door, watching helplessly as Tiana passed her by, unable to stop her from leaving.

Seth followed her out soon after, his expression torn. As he watched her disappearing figure, he couldn't help but sigh.

"I thought you said you'd let Mom have her way this time. Why did you two end up fighting again?" Germaine asked, the frustration evident in her voice.

Seth sighed deeply. "Unfortunately, I've hurt her too much. Those times must have been so hard on you."