Chapter 2Ditching the Billionaire: Mom's Million-Dollar Glow-Up

My dad looked surprised that I was talking about standard logistics. He actually took a sip of his whiskey, looking almost amused.

“Okay. I’m listening. Let’s hear the details.”

Oh, I was not going to be shy.

I smiled and started rattling off the demands.

“First, the penthouse in Manhattan goes in Mom's name. Second, five percent of your company's original stock. That's not too much, is it? Finally, some liquid cash. Let's say... ten million. To round it out nicely.”

Behind me, my mother gasped.

Amelia’s face didn't look so gentle anymore, but she kept her sweet tone. “Chloe, you're just a kid, you don't understand these things. Those demands would seriously impact your father's company.”

I shot her a look. “Miss, my parents are discussing a divorce settlement. Why is a total stranger sticking her nose in?”

Her face went bright red.

Dad waved her off, signaling her to be quiet. He looked at me with genuine interest. “Five percent stock is too much. The house and the cash are fine.”

“No.” I didn't budge an inch.

“The stock is non-negotiable. Mom has been with you for seventeen years. She built this house while you were building your company. Now you're kicking her out for your ex, you have to give her security. If the word gets out that Richard Sterling is a scumbag who abandoned his wife, your stock price is going to crash harder than that five percent.”

He choked on his breath, furious.

I met his gaze fearlessly.

Was he planning on treating my mother like a used dish rag? No way.

After a moment, Richard actually laughed.

“Fine. I agree.”

He was surprisingly quick to give in.

“Stock, house, cash. Your mother gets it all. But I have one condition.”

“What?”

He pointed at me. “You have to stay.”