Chapter 5 Change My Mind

Misfortunes happened in my life and ruined my reputation, but I had never felt that humiliated. I had money. The savings account was mine, in my name. How could the bank let someone else control it without my permission?

My best friend smiled as we parted, but I knew she was laughing at me and my stupidity. My face heated up, unable to hide my humiliation. I was getting into my car when friend after friend called me to cancel our appointment.

I chuckled. It wasn't a coincidence. Did Frida tell them I asked to meet to discuss work? My laughter grew uncontrollably loud. Then, the laughter turned into sobs, choking my chest. Gosh. Betrayal was excruciatingly painful.

I headed for the bank and strolled inside, where the priority customer service was. A woman greeted me, but I passed her by. I knocked and entered the room.

"I want to withdraw all my money from this bank," I ordered the woman inside.

"Mrs. Cullen Channing, good afternoon. Please have a seat." She stood up and gestured toward the chair across from her. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Are you deaf? I need you to withdraw all my money now!" I snapped.

She smiled kindly. "I'm sorry, ma'am. All your money has been confiscated," the woman said politely.

"What did you say??" I squealed in disbelief.

"Bridget Channing brought a warrant from the court to seize your savings. Your company has a large debt to Channing Incorporation," she answered.

"That money is mine! It's not the company's fund! Why did you empty my account without telling me first?! I'm a priority customer, but you treated me like an ordinary one. I've never seen such bad service!

"You're afraid of her because she's rich, not because of the warrant. I hope this bank goes bankrupt, and you live on the streets because of what you did to me! Again, that money is mine! My hard-earned money! Not from begging or selling my body!" I exclaimed angrily.

My blood boiled, knowing Bridget had taken away my last hope just like that. Brand New Corporation had its source of funds. I didn't connect it to my account. The company wasn't broke because I took good care of its finances. How could the court issue a seizure warrant? I only owed Channing Enterprise money, not embezzled funds.

I drove my car to Channing's house. The security guards refused to open the gate. So I climbed it, ignoring their shouts and threats. I effortlessly crossed the big, tall fence, entering the courtyard.

I screamed for Bridget and Sean as the security guard restrained me. I struggled with all my might to escape them. I only stopped when the heartless woman came out of her mansion and glared at me.

"What are you doing? Why can't you handle a woman? Do you want me to fire you?!" she scolded the security guards.

"What do you want, Bridget!? Why are you taking everything I have!? You've taken my family hotel. Why did you steal my savings!? Are you so broke that you're taking money that doesn't belong to you!!?" I screamed.

"That money wasn't enough to pay for your loan. Did you think I had no idea Cullen was giving you a low interest rate? No way. You should get the same interest rate as other debtors," she smirked.

"You should be thankful I let you stay in my son's house. What you did made me change my mind." Bridget approached and snatched my bag.

"What are you doing!? Give my bag back!" I couldn't move because two men were holding my hands. "What else are you going to steal from me?"

Bridget waved the car keys and threw my bag at me. "I'm sick of seeing you appear before me. Don't ever come again, or you'll regret it. I'm taking Cullen's house and car back. You ungrateful woman."

She turned to the security. "Throw her out. Don't let her enter the yard again. Or I'll fire all of you!" the evil woman threatened.

"I'll expose your family, Bridget." My words made her halt. "I know why you're doing this. If you think getting rid of me will smooth your way, think again. The media would pay good money to know the mayor candidate's secrets."

"I knew you'd say that. Keane is my guarantee that you'll keep your mouth shut forever. Go ahead and expose us. It will tarnish your son's image, too." Bridget smiled sarcastically. She turned around and burst out laughing.

Bridget was serious about her threat. I returned home and saw two large suitcases near the gate. The security guard refused to open the fence for me. I put the luggage in the taxi trunk and headed for the jewelry store.

I sold my engagement ring, wedding band, bracelet, necklace, and earrings. I chose a bank to deposit the money I earned. The clerk gave me two passbooks. I put them in my bag.

I went to a second-hand shop and sold most of the clothes I rarely wore. The shop owner was thrilled, and I didn't mind the price. She gave me a small suitcase in exchange for my two large ones.

I felt more relieved with that luggage. I went to a budget hotel and rented a room for one night. Seeing the television, I turned it on. I enjoyed dinner while watching the news.

"We move on to the other news. Mayor candidate Sean Douglas Channing expressed his gratitude for the condolences from his family, relatives, friends, and everyone who cared about him. He and his wife were able to get through their time of grief thanks to everyone's support.

"The presence of their grandson brings joy amid grief, even though Darcy Bailey decided to relinquish custody of her son. Channing is ready to divide his time between work, mayoral duties, and family." The host's statement surprised me.

"He will honor the political promises he made during the campaign by executing projects on a scale of priority. Channing claims to have prepared the best candidates to help him establish the city according to his vision and mission," the host concluded.

I chuckled. Of course, Sean and Bridget would slander me. They knew I couldn't defend myself. Who would believe a word I said? Last year was hell for me as the media massively exposed me.

I wiped away the tears that fell on my cheeks. I had no right to cry. It all happened because of my mistakes. I deserved it. But what Bridget did was unfair. She took more from me than I did from her.

Keane was my life, heart, and breath. I was an evil woman who had ruined many people's lives, even those closest to me, but my son pushed me to be a better person. I wanted to be a good human that he would be proud of.

I wanted him to be proud of me in front of his friends and teachers when he entered school. It would be wonderful if the parents of the students were pleased to be my friends. I had planned a great future for him, picked the best school, and found the perfect neighborhood.

I wouldn't raise Keane to be like me. I didn't want him to be bitter and angry like me. My son would be the sweetest, kindest, and most loving child, like my sister. Yes. I wanted to raise Keane to have a noble heart like Heather's.

"Oh, God. It's too much for me," I sobbed.

My chest felt so tight. I turned off the television and walked out of the room. I needed some fresh air. I entered the elevator and glanced at the row of numbers on the right. Looking at the numbers in the top row, I chose the roof. The door opened on the destination floor.

I walked toward the exit, and a strong wind greeted me. Damn. I forgot to wear a coat. It was mid-October, so the night wind was cold. I closed the door and approached the railing. The night view of New York City was beautiful.

However, that beauty meant nothing without my husband and son. I couldn't believe Cullen was gone. Not seeing Keane for three days felt like torture. I couldn't bear to wake up in the morning without hugging and kissing him.

"I know I shouldn't do this, but I can't take it anymore," I sobbed. Tears flooded my face, yet I didn't wipe them away.

My chest was burning. Oh, God. I could no longer take the pain. I beat my chest, but it couldn't ease the pain. Before my courage vanished, I made up my mind. I slid a wooden box over to the fence and climbed up. But something pulled my hand.