Chapter 96 Are We Clear?
*Mia’s POV*
The banging continued, each thud making my heart race faster. My father’s voice carried through the door, that familiar entitled tone that had terrorized my teenage years: “Mia Williams open this door immediately!”
I caught Mom’s eye across the room. Her face had gone hard.
After my mother regained consciousness, she never saw my father again. I don’t know what my mother’s feelings were like. I know that she, too, once prayed for her husband’s love, just like I did. But my father was clearly a complete user. He may even have tried to kill her to get her property.
“Stay seated,” she told me firmly, her voice brooking
no argument “Your ankle needs rest.”
“I’ll handle this,” Mom said, her chin lifting as she moved toward the door with surprising grace despite her own injured ankle. Scarlett squeezed my hand.
Mom opened the door just enough to reveal my father’s imposing figure. He stood there in one of his expensive suits, designer briefcase in hand, looking every inch the successful businessman he pretended to be. The resemblance between us was still striking, same dark hair, same green eyes.
But I still feel like I don’t know him. Although, I think I know exactly what he wants to do today.
“Sarah. I heard that you woke up.” His voice dripped false concern. “I heard about the unfortunate incident with Taylor. I’m here to help sort this mess out.”
“Mess? You mean your daughter’s attempted murder of my child?
His expression flickered briefly. “Now, Sarah, let’s not be dramatic. I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding that we can resolve privately, as a family.”
“Family?” She laughed, the sound sharp as broken glass. “That’s rich, coming from you. When exactly did you start caring about family, Richard? When you abandoned us for your mistress? You disgust me.‘
”
“I see your time in a coma hasn’t improved your tendency toward hysteria. I want to speak with Mia-”
“No.” The word cut through his practiced speech like a knife. “You don’t get to waltz in here making demands.”
“I have a right to see my daughter.”
“Rights?” Mom’s voice dropped dangerously low.She stepped forward, making him retreat despite their height difference.
“That’s not-” he started, but Mom cut him off again.
“And now you have the audacity to show up here, after Taylor tried to run her down in broad daylight, to what?”
His silence was answer enough.
“Get out.” Mom’s voice shook with barely controlled rage. “Get out now.”
“This isn’t over,” he said, “Taylor’s lawyers will-”
“Will what?” This time it was Thomas who spoke, his tall frame suddenly visible behind Mom. “Will try to explain away video evidence of attempted murder? Will somehow justify Ms. Matthews deliberately targeting a pregnant woman?”
My father’s eyes narrowed. “And you are?”
clear
“Someone with considerably more legal resources than you,” Thomas replied smoothly. “Now, I suggest you leave before we add harassment to the list of charges being filed.”
For a moment, I thought my father might argue. But something in Thomas’s calm confidence must havé registered as a genuine.
threat.
+25 BONUS
“Mia,” he called past Mom, making one last attempt. “Be reasonable. Think about what this publicity will do to the family name.
Her family is right here.” Morn said.
His face hardened. “You’ll regret this.
Before I could respond, Mom moved. In one fluid motion, she slapped him hard enough to make him stumble. I think she’s probably wanted to do this for a long time.
“Do you need me to remind you of the many things you have done? You really should be very sorry that I was able to wake up.” she hissed. “If you are smart, you should be preparing bail and attorney fees right now.”
He touched his reddening cheek. Is this despicable man really my father?
“Get out,” Mom repeated, her voice deadly quiet. “And if you ever come near my daughter again, I will destroy you. Are we clear?
He opened his mouth, closed it. Then, without another word, turned and walked away.
The silence that followed felt electric. Mom stood perfectly still, watching until door closed behind him. Then, very slowly, she turned back to us.
“Well,” she said, her voice slightly shaky. “That felt good.”
The tension broke. Scarlett let out a low whistle. “Remind me never to get o
your bad side,
Sarah.”
“Mom…” I started, but couldn’t find the words to express everything I was feeling.
She moved to me immediately, gathering me into a fierce hug. “I’ve got yo
girl. I’ve got you.”
“That was…” I pressed my face into her shoulder, breathing in her familiar scent. “I’ve never seen you like that.”
Mom was rarely so forceful. Mom had really changed completely. Teven y my father beat her up once. Those nightmares really seemed to be over now.
“He’ll try again, I know him. “I warned. In all honesty, Taylor was more like his daughter than I am.
“Let him try.” Thomas’s voice held quiet certainty. “The legal team is already preparing restraining order paperwork. By this afternoon, neither he nor Taylor will be able to come within a hundred yards of you.”
“And the hospital’s security has been notified,” Nate added. “They won’t be able to interfere with your mother’s treatment or your prenatal care.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “All of you.”
“So,” Scarlett said brightly, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “Who wants more coffee? I think we could all use a boost after that performance.”
Gas finally relaxed his guard position, flopping dramatically onto his side with a heavy sigh. His timing made everyone laugh, the last of the tension draining from the room.
“Smart dog,” Thomas commented. “Knows when the danger’s passed.”
“Smarter than some humans,” Scarlett muttered.
Nate checked his watch. “Taylor’s arraignment is in two hours. Do you want me to go? Keep you updated?”
I shook my head. “No. I don’t want to give her the satisfaction of affecting my life anynfore. Let the lawyers/handle it.”
As if in agreement, one of the twins kicked sharply, making me wince. “Active today?” Nate asked, professional concern evident in his voice.
2/3
Chapter 96 Are We Clear
“Very.” In
rubbed the spot where I’d felt the movement. “I think
“You need to rest,” Scarlett said.
all the excitement got them worked up.”
+25
BONUS
I
that my was thinking nodded. I
the no longer mother and I were
same
as we were
father would definitely repeat
ten
years sago.
his lie to the
I reminded
réporters as well. myself not
He
never would
let
this go.
But my
be to afraid.
Another thing that bothered
me
that even more was Kyle now v knew I
was
pregnant. What
did
he want?
I couldn’t help but think Taylor’s viciousness?
that he must have
the seen
video of Taylor hitting
me, and this time
would
he
completely believe
Why I should care about that?
