“What–what are you talking about? What kidnapping?” Pollock stammered, unable to look anyone in the eye, his voice trembling with guilt.
Eddy just pulled Blanche closer, his gaze sharp and cold as he stared Pollock down. “You can deny it all you want, but there’s nothing more I can do,” Blanche said quietly, her eyes fixed on the face that had haunted her dreams for years. “It’s been ten years. There are no witnesses, no evidence. I already gave you a chance.”
“You’re the one who threw it away.”
With that, she turned and strode out of the lounge. Loraine quickly followed, keeping a protective hand on Vesta’s shoulder.
Eddy stood there, his dark eyes narrowed, watching Pollock with icy contempt.
No one harmed Laney and walked away without consequences.
He shot his bodyguard a quick glance. The man moved instantly, grabbing Pollock by the arms.
Pollock cried out in panic. “Mr. Simmons, please, don’t believe Laney! I’m her real father, I’d never kidnap her!”
He’d overheard Blanche–no witnesses, no evidence.
“Mr. Simmons, Laney’s just angry at me over her mother. She’s making things up, trying to frame me. She doesn’t have any proof!”
Eddy glared at Pollock’s twisted, aging face. If not for Jeannette, he’d have torn the man apart long ago.
Now, to discover that Pollock was the mastermind behind Laney’s abduction all those years ago-
He was the reason Laney still woke screaming from nightmares.
There was no way Eddy would let him go.
With a cold snort, Eddy ordered, “I don’t need proof to deal with people like Take him out. Feed him to the dogs.”
you.
“No-!”
Pollock’s screams were muffled as the guard clamped a hand over his mouth.
20-21
Chapter 87
Eddy turned, striding purposefully after Blanche, his steps long and unyielding.
“Help! Somebody help–he’s going to kill him!” Rhoda shrieked in terror, but the guard silenced her with a swift blow, knocking her out cold.
Pollock finally realized there was no escape. As the guard turned to tie Rhoda up, he struggled free and bolted straight for Blanche.
He threw himself in front of her, desperate. “I’ll turn myself in! But you have to keep your word–make peace with Jean, let her go.”
Blanche hadn’t seen what happened just now. She looked at Pollock, who suddenly seemed overwhelmed with fatherly remorse, and a single tear welled in her eyes.
There was a time, long ago, when she thought he might have loved her like this.
“Fine.”
Her answer was cold, and she walked away without a backward glance.
Eddy saw Pollock give himself up and motioned for the guards to stand down.
Back at Simmons Manor, Hedwig had already brought Healy and Tia home. The whole house buzzed with worry as the news spread, and Blanche found herself surrounded by anxious faces.
Tia’s eyes were wide and glassy with tears. “Aunt Laney, are you okay?”
Blanche hugged her gently, knowing Tia’s concern was the only thing in the room that rang true. Her own eyes burned. “I’m all right, sweetheart.”
Healy came down the stairs, frowning at the crowd gathered around his mother. “Mom, can you take me to the hospital to see Miss Jean?”
Tia jumped in, indignant. “Why would you want to see her? She’s awful! She almost pushed Aunt Laney down the stairs!”
Healy pushed Tia aside, stubborn. “Miss Jean would never hurt my mom.”
“It was my mom who pushed Miss Jean!”
“Otherwise, why is my mom sitting here safe while Miss Jean’s stuck in a hospital bed, bleeding so much she might die?”
“Her baby is gone too.”
Everyone froze. Blanche stared at Healy, her face drained of color, her voice icy. “You knew Jeannette was pregnant? Whose child was it?”
20.21
Chapter 88
