Chapter 227
The front door swung open, and the gentle look on Blanche’s face froze the instant she met his gaze, turning cold and sharp. Eddy felt as if something inside him had been yanked hard.
He hadn’t even managed a word before the door slammed shut right in his face.
“Honey, I’m here to apologize,” Eddy called out, trying to soften his tone even as a storm brewed inside him.
“I admit I was impatient, but I would never hurt Professor Reese or Terrell.”
He rested his long fingers gently against the door, as if it were something precious
to him.
She looked so fragile, her complexion ghostly pale from nearly drowning. Longing for her threatened to spill from his dark eyes; he wanted nothing more than to hold
her close.
Suddenly, the door cracked open. Eddy’s eyelashes fluttered, his heart thundering with hope–only to be met by Fernando’s vaguely smug expression.
“This is a Transformer for Terrell, and this-” Eddy’s voice turned stiff as he held out a contract, “-is the partnership agreement for you.” He barely glanced at Fernando, his eyes straining to look past him into the house. But Fernando stepped out, shutting the door behind him.
“We don’t need it!” Fernando’s tone was icy as he waved bodyguard offered.
the gifts the
“Please tell Mr. Simmons to have some respect and stop bothering me–and Terrell’s mother.” Fernando’s emphasis on “Terrell’s mother” was unmistakable.
Eddy’s fists clenched at his sides, knuckles cracking with tension. Fury surged in him, but he forced himself to swallow it. “You have no right to decide what Terrell
receives.”
Ignoring Fernando, Eddy handed the Transformer toy over himself.
Fernando glanced at the toy. He’d always believed in letting Terrell make his own choices, so he went back inside to ask him. Moments later, he reappeared and accepted the gift.
“You can leave now, Fernando said coolly, and Eddy had no choice but to back away from the house.
Chapter 227
“Sir, the video feed is clear,” the head bodyguard reported, handing Eddy a tablet. The screen showed a live feed from the security cameras.
The footage was occasionally blocked, sometimes coming into sharp focus. Terrell’s voice could be heard, and Blanche appeared on the screen.
“Mom, look! This is the newest Transformer,” Terrell said excitedly.
Blanche smiled, but replied, “Terrell, if you want something, I’ll buy it for you, okay? Let’s not take anything from that man next time.”
“But Dad kept saying he’d buy it and never did. I waited so long,” Terrell said, his disappointment clear.
The screen went black, and all Eddy could hear was the steady thumping of a
heartbeat.
He understood–Blanche was hugging Terrell and the Transformer close. Listening to the strong, steady beat of her heart, Eddy felt a mix of sorrow and joy.
Her heart was healthy.
Blanche’s soothing voice drifted through the speakers. “I know you waited a long time for this, sweetheart. If your dad is too busy to keep his promises, I’ll make sure they come true.”
“Okay, Mom. I don’t want any more gifts from Mr. Simmons,” Terrell replied, his voice brightening with a sweet smile.
As their conversation ended, the rumble of car engines sounded outside.
The doorbell rang. From the balcony, Eddy looked dow
standing at the entrance.
spotted a tall figure
At that very moment, plainclothes officers below locked eyes on them from their surveillance post.
The door opened again, and Blanche’s gentle face appeared.
“Are you heading home?” Ablett asked her. “You fell into the sea–your mother’s been worried sick.”
Blanche nodded, suddenly remembering the ordeal she and Eddy had gone through together. “Let me say goodbye to Fernando and Terrell.”
Ablett nodded. “Go ahead.”
He watched as Blanche hurried back inside. A moment later, she came back out.
Chapter 227
this time with Fernando and Terrell behind her.
Ablett raised his eyes to them; they paused at the living room doorway, waving goodbye to Blanche.
Blanche slid into the car, still looking a bit under the weather. She quietly told Ablett about nearly being abducted by Eddy and the accident at sea. “I have no idea how to explain this to your parents.”
“Don’t worry,” Ablett replied softly, bending down to gently take her slender ankle in his hand.
From above, Eddy watched as Ablett leaned into Blanche, his face pressed close against her chest.
He knew just how soft her embrace was.
He strained for a better look, but the black sedan pulled away, disappearing down the road.
Eddy’s anger boiled over–he smashed his fists against the balcony railing, pain and blood rushing from his knuckles, but it did nothing to cool the fire in his chest. He turned to his bodyguard. “Call Rebekah. Tell her I’m accepting the McCarthys‘ invitation. We’re leaving now!”
Chapter 228
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