Chapter 137 Closing Circles
Mia’s POV
Kyle has spared no effort to show his generosity.
I downloaded the attached documents, giving them a quick review. I sent a brief acknowledgment:
Kyle,
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Thank you for the documents. I’ll review them with my attorney when we return to New York and get back to you with any questions or concerns.
Mia
I kept my professionalism. I wanted to teach Kyle about boundaries. He wanted to spill the money, but I still wanted to maintain my dignity.
With my inbox cleared, I turned my attention to preparing for our last night in Paris. Scarlett had left a garment bag hanging on my closet door with a note attached: “Wear this tonight. Trust me.
Inside was a beautiful emerald green dress I’d admired during our shopping expedition but had deemed too extravagant. The cut was perfect for my pregnancy–elegant without trying to hide my bump, comfortable without looking matronly.
Another note fluttered from the fabric: “Consider it an early push present. From your eternally stylish best friend who refuses to let you leave Paris without at least one perfect dress.”
I laughed, touched by her thoughtfulness. “Okay, Scar,” I murmured. “You win this round.”
Scarlett appeared in the doorway, a vision in black silk that made her red hair look like living flame. “Well, don’t you clean up nice,” she grinned, twirling to show off her own outfit. “Told you the dress would be perfect.”
“You did,” I agreed, gathering my clutch. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She linked her arm through mine as we headed for the door. “Now let’s go enjoy our last night in Paris before returning to the dumpster fire that is your family situation.”
I couldn’t help laughing at her blunt assessment. “When you put it that way, maybe we should stay here forever.”
“Don’t tempt me,” she warned. “I could absolutely be persuaded to become a permanent Parisian.”
The restaurant was perfect for the last night in Paris. It is but also with food that made conversation pause as we savored each perfect bite. Thomas and Morton were already seated when we arrived, both rising with old–world courtesy as we approached.
“Ladies,” Morton greeted us, pulling out Scarlett’s chair. “You both look lovely.”
“We try,” Scarlett quipped, settling gracefully into her seat. “Though some of us have an unfair advantage.” She nodded toward my bump with a theatrical pout.
“The pregnancy glow is real,” Thomas agreed, his smile warm as he held my chair. “How are you feeling, Mia?”
“Good,” I replied honestly. “Ready to head home, but glad we had this time in Paris.”
“It’s been an eventful trip,” Morton observed dryly.
The understatement made me smile. “That’s one way of putting it
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Morton said, his tone carefully neutral, “if there’s anything you need regarding the situation with your father and stepsister. Legal assistance, security concerns, media management–Wallace–Morton has resources that could be helpful.”
I glanced at Thomas, who gave a slight nod. They’d clearly discussed this offer beforehand.
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Chapter 137 Closing Circles
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“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “My mother has excellent legal representation, but I appreciate the offer. As for security and media, I might take you up on that when I need.”
“Consider it done,” Morton replied, making a note in his phone.
“Smart,” Scarlett nodded approvingly. “Taylor bitch might be driving again and be ready to crash into you in front of your house! Don’t try to understand a crazy bitch. She will be released pending trial.”
The concern in her voice touched me. Scarlett is willing to stand up for me at all times. To be honest, I doubt Taylor would even drive into her instead of me. Because of Alexander, none of the Mortons should allow Taylor to get anywhere near them. This is a good thing.
“We’ll implement security protocols,” Morton assured her.
Scarlett fondly patted Morton on the chin.
“And what about Kyle?” Scarlett asked.
“What’s with Kyle?“I retorted. I observed Scarlett and Morton. I suspected Morton was Kyle’s informant.
Scarlett pursed her lips, “I heard he’s going to give you a fortune?”
I giggled, “Didn’t Kyle tell Morton? It’s a fortune plus a share of his KT holdings.”
Scarlett and Morton exchanged looks. I added, “Don’t worry. Whatever issues exist between us, he would never do anything to put me or the twins at risk.”
Thomas studied me for a moment, said nothing.
Scarlett cleared her throat. “And I won’t allow Kyle to cause you any more trouble. Morton, am I right?”
Morton smiled in agreement.
“I appreciate the thoroughness, Mr. and Mrs. Morton.” I acknowledged.
The walk back to the hotel was leisurely, the four of us strolling along the Seine as Paris glittered around us. The Eiffel Tower li up in the distance, a postcard moment that seemed designed to make us fall in love with the city one last time before departing.
“I can see why you’d consider moving here,” Thomas commented as we paused to admire the view. “Paris has a certain magic.”
“It does,” I agreed, breathing in the night air. “Though New York has its own kind of magic too.”
“True,” Scarlett chimed in. “Like the magic of being able to order food at 3 AM and have it delivered in twenty minutes.”
We all laughed, the sound carrying across the water. For a moment everything felt simple, uncomplicated–just friends enjoying a beautiful evening in a beautiful city.
Back at the hotel, we said goodnight in the lobby, Scarlett disappearing with Morton toward his suite with barely a pretense of separate accommodations. Thomas walked me to the elevator, maintaining a respectful distance that I appreciated.
“Thank you for dinner,” I said as we waited for the elevator to arrive. “It was a perfect last night in Paris.”
“My pleasure,” he replied. “Though I think the city deserves most of the credit.”
I smiled. “True. Paris does most of the heavy lifting in the romance department.”
The word “romance” hung awkwardly between us for a moment. Thomas cleared his throat. “Mia, enjoy your night..”
“Thank you, Thomas. You too.“I said.
The elevator arrived with a soft chime. “Goodnight, Thomas.”
“Goodnight, Mia.”
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Chapter 137 Cloping Circles
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In my suite, I changed quickly into comfortable pajamas, the elegant green dress carefully hung for packing tomorrow. As I completed my bedtime routine, my phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:
I know what you did. You’ll regret turning against family. Watch your back.
The threat was vague enough to provide deniability, but specific enough to leave little doubt about the sender.
Taylor can’t wait anymore?
I stared at the message, considering my options.
