Chapter 141
I watched helplessly as Henry Rolls–Royce disappeared down the street with my son inside. My legs gave out beneath me, and I sank onto the bearest bench, my body trembling with rage and fear. Parents around me were still murmuring in confusion, some shooting concerned glances my way,
Inside the car, Henry firmly held Billy as the child struggled against him. Though he knew using Billy as leverage against me was underhanded, it was the most effective way to force me back into submission.
“Stop squirming!” Henry growled, his patience wearing thin as he tried to restrain Billy’s small, twisting body. His face darkened dangerously. If you don’t stop moving right now, I’ll throw you out of this car!”
The threat worked. Billy immediately stilled, his little face crumpling with hurt. Tears welled in his eyes but didn’t fall.
Seeing his son’s wounded expression, Henry felt a pang of guilt. Despite knowing Billy wasn’t his biological child, he’d raised him for five years. How could he be so cruel?
‘Billy, Henry’s tone softened considerably, “if you behave and help me get your mother to come home, you can ask for anything you want. I’ll make it happen.”
Billy’s eyes lit up cautiously. “Anything?”
“Anything within reason, Henry confirmed, relieved to see the tears receding.
Billy considered this for a moment. “Then I want you to take me skiing! With mom!”
“Deal,” Henry agreed, “but you have to cooperate with me today. Can you do that?”
Billy clapped his hands excitedly. “Okay, okay! I’ll help you. Are you happy now?”
In the mansion’s reflection room, Grace lounged comfortably despite her supposed punishment. Empty plates of gourmet food and half–eaten fruit were scattered around her. Thanks to Catherine’s constant visits, her “confinement” had turned into something more like a luxurious retreat.
Grace examined her reflection in a small mirror, carefully applying fresh lipstick. She’d been paying extra attention to her appearance lately, ever since spotting a handsome young doctor at the hospital. Though she didn’t know his name yet, there wasn’t a man she wanted that she couldn’t get.
“All you ever think about is men,” Catherine scolded, entering the room with a tray of fresh pastries. “Your relationships are always such a mess.”
“Oh, mother, Grace waved dismissively, “don’t worry so much. I’m sepious about this one. Once I marry him, I’ll settle down and be the perfect wife.”
She popped a strawberry into her mouth before fixing her mother with a curious stare. “By the way, how’s the investigation going? About Sophia’s child?”
Catherine set down the tray and lowered her voice. “There are definitely inconsistencies.”
“Tell me everything!” Grace leaned forward eagerly, her eyes gleaming. She could barely contain her excitement at the thought of Sophia being publicly humiliated and thrown out of the family.
Catherine shook her head. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Your brother isn’t stupid. We need concrete evidence, not just suspicions.”
‘I’ve noticed some discrepancies between when she got married and when the baby was born, Catherine continued. “I even tried asking your grandfather about it, but the old man practically threw me out of his room. He’s completely under her spell.
Grace’s enthusiasm dimmed. “Why can’t you just hire a private investigator? Or if there’s no evidence, make some up!”
The suggestion hit Catherine like a revelation. Create evidence? Why hadn’t she thought of that before?
man in this family continue
Chapter 141
“Always at the hospital. Why don’t you just move in there and be the perfect son permanently? the muttered.
Confirming Richard wouldn’t return soon, she walked to her private study and pulled out a second phone from her desk drawer. She dialed quickly taske in hushed tones,
‘It’s me… Yes… Don’t worry, you’ll be well compensated when this is over… Wait, I need to explain this in person. The phone isn’t secure envíanch. Mert i in twenty minutes.
Catherine checked her appearance in the mirror, applied fresh lipstick, and headed downstairs.
“I’m going to play cards with Mrs. Carter,” she informed the housekeeper. “If my husband asks, tell him to call me.”
Of course, Mrs. Harding. Have a pleasant evening.”
I sat on the bench near Brooklyn Heights Academy, feeling defeated. Should I return to Maple Grove? Was I really going to surrender to Henry again?
My phone rang–it was Betty. We’d planned to meet after I picked up Billy.
“Where are you?” she asked when I answered. “I’ve been waiting.”
I explained what happened, my voice cracking with emotion,
“That bastard!” Betty exploded. “Who does he think he is? Listen to me, Sophia–don’t go home tonight. Let him see he can’t control you this way.”
“But what about Billy?” My voice trembled.
“I’ll handle it,” Betty said confidently. “I have a way to communicate with my godson without Henry knowing.”
We met at Betty’s apartment thirty minutes later. She handed me a new phone.
“This is my private line with Billy,” she explained. “Henry doesn’t know about
it..
She typed a quick message. Almost immediately, a response appeared on the screen.
Betty initiated a video call, and Billy’s face appeared, looking perfectly fine. Relief washed over me.
‘Mommy!” he exclaimed, his sweet face filling the screen. “I’m sorry about today. I couldn’t protect you. Please don’t be mad at me, okay?”
Looking at my son’s innocent face, all my anger and frustration melted away instantly.
‘I could never be mad at you, sweetheart,” I assured him. “Are you okay? Is your father treating you well?”
“I’m fine, Mommy. Daddy promised to take me skiing if I help him get you to come home.”
I smiled despite myself. “Did he now?”
As Billy chatted excitedly about his skiing plans, I heard a door opening in the background, followed by Henry’s voice.
“Who are you talking to?”
My heart raced as I caught a glimpse of Henry approaching Billy.
“Love you, sweetheart. I have to go now,” I said quickly. “Be good.”
I ended the call just as Henry’s face appeared in the frame, his suspicious voice still echoing in my ears.
