Chapter 15
“Neil, are you sure you don’t mind hanging out here with Pearl all day?”
Esme set down a mug of coffee in front of him, the foam topped with a perfect little cat face.
“It’s really no problem.” Neil grinned, unable to resist giving Pearl’s belly another gentle rub.
Ever since they’d brought the kitten in for her spay surgery, it just made sense for her to recover at Esme’s café. Even with the cone of shame, Pearl hadn’t lost a bit of her appetite. She dove into her food like a champ, and that’s how she ended up with the name “Pearl.”
After that day, Neil seemed to have made Esme’s shop his second home. He’d show up before she even unlocked the door, and linger until the very end of the day, reluctantly saying goodbye. Business had picked up, too–maybe because of Neil, maybe because everyone loved Pearl. Either way, Esme’s quiet, laid–back life had turned into a blur of busy shifts and constant
motion.
“Esme, have you found a new place to live yet?” Neil asked, concern in his eyes.
She shook her head and let out a sigh. “None of the apartments I’ve looked at feel right. For now, I’m just crashing here at the café.” She stretched, working the tension out of her shoulders. “The fold–out bed isn’t exactly luxury, and Pearl just curls up at my feet.”
Neil hesitated, then spoke up. “My place is actually pretty big. If you want, you could stay with me. Only if you’re comfortable, of course.”
“Neil…….” Esme started to decline, but suddenly, the memory of when they first met flashed through her mind.
For some reason, she found herself nodding. “Okay…”
“Wait–really?” Neil looked genuinely surprised, his eyes shining with happiness.
Esme felt her cheeks flush and quickly looked away.
Neil’s smile widened. “Let’s do it tonight, after you close up. No need to wait around.”
He was already heading toward the loft to help her pack. “We’ve got two hours until closing. Let’s get your stuff together and head out.”
Esme couldn’t help but laugh at how eager he was. “What about Pearl’s things? That’ll take a while to move!”
From halfway up the stairs, Neil turned and winked. “Don’t worry. I’ve already got everything set up for her.”
Esme just stared after him, a strange feeling twisting in her chest. Was he planning this all along?
Meanwhile, at the Mitchell family estate-
1/2
Chapter 15
Mr. Price entered the parlor, moving carefully as he handed a folder to Liam and Grandma Mitchell.
The moment Grandma Mitchell read the words on the page, she nearly fainted.
Liam stared at the report, his knuckles turning white as he gripped it.
“Test result: Liam is not biologically related to the fetus.”
He let out a cold, humorless laugh, letting the crumpled paper fall to the floor.
A storm of emotions flickered in Liam’s eyes. Mr. Price stepped forward, voice low and urgent. “Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Mitchell, don’t worry. I’ll handle the woman and her child. She won’t trouble the Mitchell family again.”
But Liam’s lips twisted into a hard, chilling smile, his bloodshot eyes full of something fierce.
“No need, Mr. Price. This woman–she’s the Mitchell family’s problem now.”
