Chapter 1009

Right after her conversation with Wesley, Josephine’s first move was to call the bank, instructing them to freeze the check she’d just given Hazel to prevent the funds from being withdrawn. But the bank’s reply was swift and disheartening. “Mrs. Bennett, the check has already been cashed. Would you like us to report suspected fraud or freeze the recipient’s account?” A flicker of fury crossed Josephine’s face, but she quickly reined it in. “No. I wasn’t scammed. There’s no need for police involvement. Thank you.” After ending the call, she exhaled slowly. Had the funds been frozen, Hazel would’ve been caught off guard—humiliated, even—unable to ask for the money again. But now that the transaction had gone through, Josephine couldn’t take it back. The five million was gone. She had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill. The only consolation? Since that day, her son had stopped seeking Hazel out. He’d returned to being the obedient child she knew. That alone made the financial loss