Chapter 43
I watched from Henry’s luxury sedan as he strode through the sea of reporters and onlookers.
Police officers scrambled to clear his way, their earlier authority crumbling in the face of Harding influence. The blue and red lights from their cruisers painted strange shadows across the growing crowd, transforming the hospital entrance into a macabre theater stage.
From my vantage point, I could see Isabella’s performance on the VIP floor balcony. Her silk robe billowed dramatically in the wind, the thin fabric offering little protection against the autumn chill. At Henry’s appearance, her sobs grew louder, more theatrical. If she really wanted to jump, I thought with cold clarity, she wouldn’t have waited for an audience. People who truly want to die don’t wait to be found,
But Henry, blinded by his own arrogance, couldn’t see through her act. Or perhaps he simply enjoyed being needed so desperately. The great Henry Harding, rushing to save his damsel in distress – it probably fed his ego perfectly.
I turned to Billy, who sat quietly beside me in the backseat. His small face was pinched with worry, those blue eyes that looked so much like his father’s tracking every movement of the crowd outside.
“Don’t be disappointed, sweetheart, I kissed his cheek, trying to inject warmth into my voice. “How about Mommy takes you to that seafood buffet you love? The one with the chocolate fountain?”
“With the little fish swimming in the tank?” Billy’s eyes brightened, his small hands making swimming motions in the air. “Can I have the crab legs again? Last time you showed me how to crack them open!”
“Of course, baby,” I smiled, touched by his enthusiasm. “And this time I’ll teach you how to eat lobster too. Remember those special tools I told you about?”
“The funny–looking pliers?” He giggled, momentarily forgetting our troubles. “And that long pointy fork? I promise I’ll be careful with them, Mom!”
His eyes lit up momentarily before doubt crept in. “Mom? You promise?” He hesitated, showing wisdom beyond his years. “But didn’t you say we need to save money?”
My heart clenched at his words. Even at five, my son understood our precarious situation. “Once in a while is fine!” I kissed him again, determined to keep his world bright despite everything. “And doesn’t the air feel fresher without Daddy around?”
“Can we invite Aunt Betty?” Billy bounced slightly in his seat, excitement finally overtaking his worry. “It’s more fun with more people!”
“Of course we can!” I smiled, already reaching for my phone to call a taxi. The sooner we left this circus behind, the better.
My phone buzzed – Henry’s private number. Without hesitation, I blocked it. Let him deal with his precious Isabella’s dramatics alone.
Seconds later, an unknown number lit up my screen. I almost ignored it, but something made me answer.
“Mrs. Wilson? A professional voice came through. “This is the fire department. Could you please come to the VIP floor? We need your assistance.”
“What kind of assistance could I possibly provide?” I asked coldly. “I’m no longer employed by the hospital.”
“Miss Scott is quite distressed,” the firefighter explained carefully. “She’s asking for you specifically. Says you’re the only one who can understand her
situation.”
་
“Understand her?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You mean understand how she’s trying to steal my husband? Or understand how she’s manipulating everyone with this ridiculous display?”
“Ma’am, please,” his voice grew more urgent. “The situation is delicate. Miss Scott is in a vulnerable state-
“Vulnerable?” I cut him off. “The only thing vulnerable about Isabella Scott is her acting skills. Tell her to stop wasting everyone’s time.”
“Mrs. Wilson, there are reporters everywhere. The whole city is watching. If anything happens-*
I laughed, the sound hollow even to my own ears. “I’m sorry, I really don’t want to see them. Why don’t you tell them to jump together? couple in their next life too.”
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Chapter 43
There was a brief scuffle, then Hemy’s voice cut through, cold as arctic ice. “Come here Now!
“Or what?” I challenged, though my fingers tightened on the phone.
‘Don’t test me, Sophia,‘ Henty’s voice dropped even low”
a tone I’d learned to fear. You seem to have forgotten who holds the power in this marriage
‘Power?‘ I spat the word back at him. ‘Is that what you call hiding behind your mistress’s theatrics?”
“Watch your mouth,” he growled. “Your pathetic attempt at independence ends now. Or should I remind you what happened to the last person who defied the Harding family?”
“Three minutes, his voice dropped to that dangerous whisper 1 koo well. “If I don’t see you in three minutes, you’ll never see Billy again.”
The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at the phone, fury and fear warring in my chest. As if summoned by Henry’s threat, six security guards materialized around our car.
“Mrs. Harding, their leader spoke with careful respect, “Mr. Harding requests your presence. We’ll look after young Master Billy.”
“Please don’t make this difficult, ma’am,” another added, his polite tone barely
ng the threat. “It’s better for everyone if you cooperate.”
Billy’s small hand clutched mine. “Mom, don’t go!” His voice cracked with fear. “Please don’t leave me!”
I looked at the security guards‘ impassive faces, then at my terrified son. Henry had orchestrated this perfectly – a public display of power masked as concern for Isabella’s wellbeing. He knew exactly how to force my compliance.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I smoothed Billy’s golden hair, trying to keep my voice steady. “Mommy will be right back. Wait here and be brave for me, okay?”
The elevator ride to the VIP floor felt endless. Each floor that passed increased the weight in my stomach. Henry had already demonstrated his power by having me fired. What else would he do to maintain control?
When I came to the VIP floor, Isabella stood near the edge of the balcony, her designer sleepwear a pale whisper against the darkening sky. Her lips had
or perhaps from holding her dramatic pose too long. turned blue from the cold
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