Chapter 15 Maxine's hand dropped from the air , a bitter smirk curling her lips . ' When will I learn ? ' she thought . ' Sebastian and Brian are done with me . Why am I still hanging around , looking like some sad , lost dog ? * She turned to slip out of the hospital , quiet as a shadow , But then the door clicked behind her . Maxine froze . She glanced back . Kathleen stepped out , eyes gleaming with disgust and smugness . Her voice was low , sharp as a knife . " Well , look who showed up ! Not gonna swing by and check on your precious son ? " Maxine kept her cool , face blank . " Why bother ? You've got it all handled , right ? " Kathleen let out a nasty chuckle . " Smart girl . Good call bringing up divorce with Sebastian before he got fed up . ' Cause , honey , if you'd kept pushing , he'd have dumped you so fast , you'd be crying in the gutter . " Maxine didn't flinch , but her eyes sparked with sarcasm . " Dumped or not , isn't that your dream come true ? " Don't worry , Kathleen . You'll have Sebastian and Brian att to yourself in no time . " Her smirk grew sharper . " Didn't know you were into picking up scraps . Next time , just say the word - I'll hand them over with a bow . " Kathleen's face tightened , and she stepped closer , hissing . " Watch your mouth ! You brought this on yourself , Maxine . Brian told me he's ashamed to have a mom like you . Says you're a total embarrassment . " The words cut deep , a silent stab that left Maxine reeling . For a moment , her mind blurred , that bitter smirk echoing in her heart . She'd sworn she was done letting those two hurt her . But here she was , still aching over family ties she couldn't cut . ' Am I too damn stubborn to let go ? ' Maxine thought , a bitter edge to her inner voice . ' Or just too soft to cut them loose ? ' Kathleen smirked , catching the flicker in Maxine's expression , her ego practically glowing . A cunning glint lit up her eyes as she stepped closer , voice dropping to a taunt . " Relax , Maxine . Once I'm Mrs. Mason , I'll straighten out that brat of yours . You'll owe me big time . " Maxine's eyes narrowed , and she grabbed Kathleen's wrist in a flash . " What's that mean ? You plotting something against Brian ? " Kathleen didn't pull away , just grinned wickedly . " Why so jumpy ? You still care about that little punk , even when he's always giving you lip ? " Maxine's throat tightened , but she pushed through . " He's my boy . The only ones who get a say in raising him are me and Sebastian . " She paused , her glare ice - cold . " Kathleen , I don't care what you and Sebastian have going . If Brian likes you , fine . But hurt him , and I'll make your life hell . " No matter how much Brian's distance hurt , Maxine wouldn't let anyone touch him . His attitude just meant their bond was shaky - not that he deserved to suffer . Kathleen's eyes flashed with something sinister , her lips curling into a creepy smirk . Then , suddenly , her face twisted in fake panić . She yanked her wrist free , stumbling back with a dramatic squeal . " Maxine , what the hell ? Stop ! " D 10:45 Tue , 17 Jun □ GO Chapter 15 In a split second , Kathleen tripped , like someone shoved her , and went crashing backward . Maxine stood frozen , totally thrown , her face all shock and confusion . Before she could say a word , Sebastian and Brian bolted out of the hospital room . " Kathleen ! " they yelled at the same time .