A Quiet Exit for a Loud Love

Julia Thalman sits across from Tessa Colbert, who eyes her with cold, ageless disdain."Here's 500 thousand dollars. You have one week to leave the country—and stay away from my son forever," Tessa ordered.Once, Julia might have cried, insisting she wasn't with Dylan Schneider for his money. But now, she simply nods."Sure."The answer throws Tessa off. A beat passes before she smirks."I'm glad you know your place," she says, each word dripping with superiority.Julia lowers her gaze, takes the check, and walks away.