Chapter 209
Wilhelmina Lopez was clearly startled, but when she looked at Blanche–so young and radiant–she couldn’t imagine her as anyone’s mother.
Blanche nodded. “Terrell’s had a rough start in life. His birth parents are gone, and I don’t get to see him often. This visit is a rare chance, and he’s gotten a bit clingy”
“I see,” Wilhelmina said, her tone softening with sympathy. “Why not bring the child here to stay? There’s plenty of room in the house.”
“That way you could spend time with both the child and Ablett. Wouldn’t that be perfect? Besides, the Lopez estate is surrounded by beautiful countryside. You could take him out to explore.”
Blanche caught Wilhelmina’s expectant gaze. “I’ll pick up my things later and ask Terrell’s dad what he thinks. If he’s on board, I’ll bring Terrell over.”
At that, a faint crease appeared between Wilhelmina’s brows as she glanced at Ablett, a hint of reproach in her eyes.
Shouldn’t Terrell’s godfather be Ablett? Why was it someone else? Did Blanche spend last night at another man’s house?
Wilhelmina remembered Janet’s report from the night before: the married couple living apart, barely speaking, Laney plagued by nightmares, and the son not even going up to comfort her.
The atmosphere between the two left Wilhelmina uneasy. Newlyweds ought to be inseparable, yet here they were, distant as strangers.
To be fair, her son had been busy, and with the house full of people, there wasn’t much chance for intimacy anyway.
Trying to convince herself, Wilhelmina said, “Let Terrell’s godfather come stay here for a few days too. Laney doesn’t need to make a special trip. Just give me the address and I’ll send someone to pick them up.”
Ablett glanced at his male secretary, who turned to Blanche. “Professor Reese has been hoping to coordinate with the Director–General. He’d like to set up a
eting.”
Blanche nodded, and that settled it.
The McCarthy family sent a driver to take Blanche to the bank, where she shared what she’d learned the night before with Mr. Jordan.
“I suspect Carney is behind all this,” Mr. Jordan said. “It’s possible he ordered
Chapter ZUS
Kermit to kidnap you.”
“I’ve long suspected him of illegal dealings, but every time he slips through the net.” Carney…
That cold, brooding face flashed through Blanche’s mind. “What makes you so sure, Mr. Jordan?”
“Leda and Ablett have a history. She’s been hanging around the McCarthy family for years, desperate to marry him. Carney, in turn, is eager to curry favor with the family. Your arrival threatens their interests.”
“I’ve told Ablett as much. He’s a grown man, about to get married, yet still entangled with an old flame and putting his wife at risk–what kind of husband is that? If he can’t handle it, you shouldn’t marry him at all.” Mr. Jordan’s tone sharpened as he saw the worry on Blanche’s face.
Blanche shook her head. “That won’t be necessary, Mr. Jordan.”
“I’ll be heading back with Ablett in a couple of days. If you need anything else from me, please let me know.”
Seeing how considerate Blanche was–unwilling to put Ablett on the spot–only made Mr. Jordan more determined not to stand by helplessly. He didn’t want to see Blanche driven away, leaving Ablett with nothing but regret.
Blanche spent the entire day at the bank, and as evening fell, she climbed into the McCarthy family’s car to join the others on the way to the Lopez estate.
Night settled over the quiet villa.
1
Bodyguards kept reporting in: “Sir, there’s no sign of Mrs. McCarthy at the hotel or the office.”
Eddy sat alone in the darkened living room, his gaze fixed on the front door.
Blanche’s image kept drifting through his mind–from the bright–eyed girl she’d once been to the poised, self–assured woman she had become. He’d had her by his side for ten whole years.
Yet every time his nerves wound tighter, the memory that haunted him mo.. was her walking away in despair, heartbroken.
His chest ached so much it was hard to breathe.
Suddenly, the front door swung open.
A graceful silhouette appeared in the darkness, the sound of footsteps drawing nearer, her outline becoming clearer.
Blanche’s gentle, unmistakable voice called out, cool and bright, “Fernando? Terrell? Are you home?”
