Ablett settled himself beside Blanche, his hand coming to rest protectively along the outside of her thigh, almost instinctively–like a hawk shielding its fledgling. It was as if the cold, imposing man standing opposite them was a predator, and he was ready to defend her at any cost.
He shot a look at Eddy.
Rebekah immediately jumped in, “Hey, big brother, sis–in–law, Eddy’s here to apologize.”
She moved to stand next to Eddy and clarified, “He just wanted to help–he saw how worried Blanche was about you, so he offered to fly her by helicopter to the hospital. Who could’ve guessed they’d end up crashing into the sea?”
Wilhelmina Lopez’s mood visibly brightened after Eddy’s explanation. “Well, who knew Mr. Simmons was so thoughtful?”
“Mom, when I was at university in Novandria, I was so grateful for Loraine’s help. Now that Eddy’s here, I was hoping he could stay with us for a while.”
As soon as Rebekah said this, Blanche instinctively leaned a little closer to Ablett, like someone drawn to warmth after being chilled.
Ablett’s hand, resting along Blanche’s thigh, gently curled to hold her through the thin fabric of her dress. The warmth seeped into her, and instead of feeling uncomfortable, she found herself reassured by his touch.
This small, intimate gesture was like a needle in Eddy’s eye.
His hand clenched into a controlled fist at his side, rage flick
his gaze.
He knew all too well–if the truth about him and Laney ever came out, the McCarthy family would never accept him, and he’d have no way to get close to her again.
And clearly, the McCarthys had no idea Laney was his wife.
Wilhelmina Lopez smiled even wider and said, “Of course, we’ll make sure Mr. Simmons is well taken care of. And as luck would have it, we’re about to celebrate a happy occasion–Ablett and Laney’s wedding! Mr. Simmons, you simply must stay for the celebration. Have a glass of champagne with us.”
Nothing could have pleased her more.
Still… why had her son suddenly changed his mind about the wedding? She decided not to press.
16.11
Chapter 2LY
Before Eddy could respond, Ablett’s voice cut through the room, icy and unyielding. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll see Mr. Simmons out.”
Rebekah was instantly furious, stomping her foot before storming off to the inner rooms, convinced her brother was sabotaging her chance to spend time with Eddy. Wilhelmina Lopez caught the chill in Ablett’s tone and, seeing Rebekah’s reaction, assumed he disapproved of her and Eddy.
Eddy glanced around at the ever–present plainclothes security, then looked at Blanche before walking out side by side with Ablett.
Ablett stopped at the front door, standing tall and imposing. Eddy lingered on the steps below, feeling the full weight of Ablett’s authority bearing down on him.
“If you don’t want to lose everything and end up behind bars, stay away from my wife,” Ablett warned, his voice low and lethal.
No one had ever spoken to Eddy like that before.
He stared up at the stone–faced Ablett–patriarch of the McCarthy family, a man not to be trifled with. But that only made him more determined.
“She won’t marry you. She’ll change her mind soon enough.”
His blood was boiling, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles blanched.
All he had to do was get her to see Healy, and she’d come back to him. He was sure
of it.
Ablett gave him a cool, impassive glance. Sensing Eddy’s stubbornness, he turned to his assistant. “Mr. Simmons is threatening my wife’s freedom. File for a restraining order.”
The assistant nodded.
Just then, the head of security rushed over, lowering his voice. “Sir, the young masters have arrived.”
Eddy finally turned and left.
Later, Blanche changed into a fresh pair of shoes and, with a maid’s help, returned to Ablett’s part of the house. Plainclothes officers stood guard inside and out; even if Eddy was living under the same roof, he wouldn’t get anywhere near her.
Exhausted, Blanche flopped onto her bed, feet up, and drifted off to sleep without realizing it.
16-11 2
Chapter 229
Upstairs, someone requested to see Ablett, and the meeting was urgent.
Ablett received the news but hesitated to disturb Blanche. “Stay here and look after her,” he told Wendy.
Wendy nodded right away.
But once Ablett left, a few of the security officers were conveniently sent elsewhere by Wendy.
The door creaked open, and a tall silhouette appeared, outlined by the moonlight, casting its shadow across Blanche’s sleeping face.
She barely stirred as she was gently lifted into Eddy’s arms. One of his hands slid around her back, the other resting precisely where Ablett’s had been along her thigh, brushing softly over the spot. With the other, he tenderly swept her disheveled hair away, revealing her flawless face.
After 1,085 days, she was finally back in his arms.
Longing crashed over him in waves. He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, his hand slipping beneath the hem of her dress. “God, I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”
Chapter 230
Chapter 230
