15
Simeon pulled out another USB drive and held it out.
There’s more about what Ms. O’Neal has done
Wes and Nolan!
including footage of her hitting the boys.”
Reuben snatched the drive, jamming it into his computer.
Frame by frame, the video unfolded, and with each second, his blood ran colder.
He was so shocked to find that when he wasn’t around, Addison had treated his sons like this!
How absurd!
Wes and Nolan had begged him to believe them just yesterday, but Reuben didn’t even believe them, choosing Addison’s lies instead.
And the matter about Evelyn had been the same.
He could’ve uncovered the truth back then, but because of Addison’s words, he’d dragged his feet … until now, when it was
In an instant, Reuben felt his chest constrict, as if a giant hand were squeezing the air from his lungs.
Just then, his phone rang.
He almost ignored it, but the caller ID showed it was Wes and Nolan’s teacher. He answered.
“Madam, is something wrong with Wes or Nolan at school?”
all
too
late.
“No, Mr. Gregson,” the teacher replied gently, “When you called for their leave, you didn’t specify what was wrong with them. Are they in the hospital? What treatment are they getting? Some classmates want to visit them, so I thought I’d ask for details.”
The words hit Reuben like a blow.
Wes and Nolan hadn’t gone to school.
It meant they were still at home with Addison.
And that leave?
It must have been Addison who’d arranged it.
A loud crash echoed as Reuben accidentally knocked over the vase on his desk.
‘Mr. Gregson? Did something happen?” the teacher asked, confused.
“I
I have to go. I’ll let you know about Wes and Nolan later.”
Reuben hung up abruptly.
“Home! We need to go home now!” he roared, his phone nearly crushed in his grip.
Simeon didn’t hesitate, sprinting to the garage to retrieve the car.
In the backseat, Reuben’s unease threatened to overwhelm him.
They ran red lights, weaving through traffic, until the villa finally came into view.
Reuben burst through the door, only to find the living room empty.
Addison appeared at the top of the stairs, feigning surprise.
Reuben? Why are you back so early?”
Reuben’s cold gaze swept the downstairs, finding no sign of the boys.
“Where are Wes and Nolan? The teacher called, telling me they were ‘sick’ and that they had asked for leave. I came to check on them.”
Panic flickered across Addison’s face before she called up the stairs, “Wes? Nolan? Reuben’s home to see you!”
There was no response.
Addison forced a smile.
15
They must be asleep. I already had the doctor check them, and they took their medicine.”
Reuben ignored her, shoving past to storm upstairs.
Addison’s nerves spiked, but she couldn’t think of a way to stop him.
She could only trail behind, her heart racing.
Reuben pushed open the door and saw Wes and Nolan lying on the bed.
At the sound, they flinched back.
When they saw it was Reuben, their faces flickered first with joy, then fear.
“Dad, you’re back, Wes whispered.
Nolan just nodded, silent.
Addison chimed in with a smile, “See? I told you they were asleep. Reuben, don’t disturb them.”
But Reuben’s gaze stayed fixed on the boys, unblinking.
“Nolan. Why aren’t you speaking?”
At that, Nolan looked even more terrified.
He glanced at Addison, then at Reuben, and finally forced his mouth open.
“Dad…”
The voice was hoarse, mangled.
Reuben’s eyes turned frigid.
He strode over.
“Nolan, open your mouth wider.”
Addison rushed forward.
“Wait, Reuben, Nolan’s just he’s…”
…
She fumbled for an excuse, but it was too late.
Nolan had already obeyed, opening his mouth.
Reuben froze.
He could barely recognize it as a child’s mouth.
Inside, it was swollen and covered in blood blisters.
Nolan couldn’t hold back anymore.
“Dad… Dad…” he sobbed, the sound broken.
Wes burst into tears, too.
“Dad, we want Mom! We don’t want Addy!”
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