My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 151: Trouble Always Finds Her

"Mommy, do you think Julio will like it?" Maya’s sweet voice pulled Katherine out of her thoughts.

She blinked down at her daughter, who held up a bright red robot toy with hopeful eyes. "Yes, sweetheart," Katherine said softly, managing a smile. "If it’s from you, I’m sure Julio will love it."

They were in the middle of a well-lit toy store inside the mall, flanked by rows of colorful shelves lined with plushies, action figures, puzzles, and boxes that flashed with lights and music. Jazz stood nearby, watching over Nathan, who was crouched in front of the book section, his little fingers running along the spines like a miniature librarian.

Katherine had asked Jazz earlier to take the twins out while she finished her work, and as soon as she clocked out, she rushed to meet them at the mall. Still dressed in her work blouse and black pencil skirt, she hadn’t even changed or taken a breath, but her thoughts refused to cooperate.

Her mind kept circling back to what Felix had said earlier at the office.

"I’ve made that confession once already... but apparently the woman I said it to decided not to respond at all."

Katherine bit the inside of her cheek. God, I really am a terrible person, she thought. I didn’t even give him a proper answer.

But when could she have? Their dinner was cut short by Maya getting sick, and after that, everything became about fevers and medicine and wiping little foreheads in the middle of the night. Felix had been understanding, as always, but that didn’t change the fact that she left him hanging.

I owe him a real answer soon. She glanced down at her phone inside her handbag. Maybe later...

"Mom!" Nathan’s voice broke through her thoughts this time. He held up a children’s book with dinosaurs on the cover. "I found something for Julio!"

Katherine crouched beside him. "That’s a great choice."

"He needs more books," Nathan declared proudly. "This one has facts, and funny parts, too."

Maya held her robot up higher. "Julio likes robots. He has a shelf for them!"

Jazz laughed gently. "Then that’s perfect. You guys are gonna be the best gift givers."

After paying, they exited the toy store, their bags in hand, and started looking for somewhere to eat. The food court buzzed with evening crowds, the scent of fried chicken and buttered popcorn thick in the air. Katherine paused near a perfume stall with neatly arranged glass bottles in different pastel colors, some shaped like flowers or gems.

The twins had wandered a few steps ahead with Jazz. Katherine ran her fingers over one of the sample bottles and gave it a spray on the test paper. The scent was sweet—vanilla, maybe, with a hint of jasmine. But she couldn’t focus on the smell.

I need to stop thinking about Felix. But of course, that was easier said than done.

Then—

"Hey! Watch where you’re going!"

The loud voice cut through the mall’s low hum like a crack of thunder. Katherine’s head jerked up.

A woman stood near the fountain, sharply gesturing toward Jazz, who looked flustered and confused. The twins stood on either side of her—Nathan with his arms folded in defiance and Maya peeking out nervously from behind Jazz’s leg.

Katherine rushed over. "What’s going on?"

Jazz looked up in relief. "Katherine! I—"

Before she could speak, the woman turned. Her sharp cheekbones, blood-red lipstick, and the expensive coat that hung off her shoulders like it belonged on a fashion runway—it all clicked into place.

Katherine froze. "Miranda."

Miranda crossed her arms. "Well, if it isn’t you again."

"I could say the same," Katherine replied, her tone cool, unreadable. Her eyes flicked down to Maya, still hiding behind Jazz.

Jazz stepped between them protectively. "I said I was sorry. Maya tripped, and I turned to catch her. I didn’t mean to bump you."

"She didn’t even touch you," Nathan added firmly, frowning at Miranda like a mini guard dog.

Katherine placed a hand on Nathan’s shoulder to calm him. "Nathan, it’s okay."

Miranda’s eyes narrowed as she glanced between Nathan and Maya, lips curling into a cold, mocking smile.

"Oh," she said slowly, tilting her head. "So these little brats are yours? That explains it."

Her gaze settled on Maya, then flicked back to Nathan. "Like mother, like children, huh? No manners, no awareness of their place."

Katherine’s expression hardened in an instant.

"Hey," she said sharply, stepping forward. "Watch your mouth."

Miranda’s brows arched, amused. "Struck a nerve?"

"I don’t care what issues you have with me," Katherine continued, voice calm but firm. "But don’t talk about my kids like that. Ever."

Miranda scoffed. "So dramatic, as always. You’re lucky I didn’t call mall security. Who knows what kind of... chaos your people cause."

Katherine’s jaw tightened. "Excuse me?"

Jazz’s eyes flashed. "You don’t need to speak to anyone like that."

Miranda waved her off like she was a speck of lint. "You’re the babysitter, right? Maybe you should stick to watching the kids instead of throwing them at strangers."

Katherine took a step forward, her voice cold. "Miranda. I don’t know if it’s fate or a bad joke, but every time I see you, someone’s yelling or crying."

Miranda’s lips curled into a tight, mocking smile. "Still playing the self-righteous card, huh?"

"Still creating drama wherever you go?" Katherine countered.

Maya tugged gently at her mother’s hand. "Mom... can we go?"

Katherine glanced down, heart sinking at the sight of her daughter’s worried face. She gently rubbed Maya’s back. "Yeah, sweetheart. We’re going."

She turned to Jazz, then to Nathan, her voice calmer. "Let’s get out of here."

Miranda called after them, "Oh don’t worry, I’m leaving too. You just ruined the mood."

Katherine didn’t respond, didn’t even look back. She walked forward with her back straight, shoulders stiff, her hand gripping Maya’s a little tighter.

But in her mind, one thought repeated like a warning bell.

Wherever Miranda shows up... trouble’s never far behind.