Chapter 6
515words
"Chloe, it's been a minute," she smiled as she glided in. "I've come to check on little Owen."
I rose to my feet, instantly on guard. "Emma, what the hell are you doing here?"
"Don't be so hostile," Emma placed the flowers on the bedside table. "I'm just concerned about Owen's condition. After all, Nolan's spending a fortune—as his fiancée, I have every right to see where the money's going."
Her words made my blood boil, but I wouldn't cause a scene in front of Owen.
"Thank you for your 'concern,' but Owen needs rest," I said, my voice arctic.
Emma completely ignored my hint and turned to Owen. "Owen, sweetie, I brought you something special. Want to see?"
Owen nodded, his curiosity piqued. Emma opened the box with a flourish to reveal an elaborate LEGO set.
"Wow! Thank you!" Owen's eyes lit up. "I love LEGO!"
"You're welcome, darling," Emma cooed. "Auntie Emma will visit you all the time."
Warning bells clanged in my head. Why was Emma suddenly playing the doting aunt? What was her angle?
"Emma, a word?" I nodded toward the hallway.
"Of course," Emma rose gracefully. "Owen, sweetie, the grown-ups need to chat. You enjoy your new toy, okay?"
Owen nodded, already engrossed in opening the LEGO box.
In the hallway, I cut straight to the chase: "What's your game here?"
Emma's smile vanished, her eyes turning predatory. "I wanted to see this child for myself."
"Why?" I asked, tension coiling in my stomach.
"Because he looks... remarkably like Nolan," Emma said with deliberate slowness. "Those eyes, that nose—it's uncanny."
My heart hammered against my ribs, but I kept my face neutral. "What are you implying?"
"Cut the act, Chloe," Emma smirked. "The kid is four, you've been divorced for five years. Do the math."
"So what?" I shot back. "Owen is my son. It's none of your damn business."
"So it is true," Emma's face darkened as she invaded my space. "If Nolan knew he had a son, what do you think would happen to us?"
Ice flooded my veins.
"What do you want?" I demanded, refusing to back down.
"Leave town," Emma said coldly. "Take your bastard and disappear for good. I'll make sure Nolan covers all medical expenses and throws in a nice severance package."
"You're out of your mind!" I hissed. "Owen needs specialized treatment, needs a bone marrow transplant! I can't just whisk him away!"
"Then keep your mouth shut about who his father is," Emma threatened. "Or you'll regret it."
"Are you actually threatening me?" I asked, incredulous.
"No, I'm protecting what's mine," Emma's smile returned, cold and calculated. "Nolan has finally escaped your shadow. I won't let you drag him back into your mess."
"I never wanted to destroy anything," I said, suddenly exhausted. "I just want to save my son."
"Then take my offer and disappear," Emma straightened her jacket. "Think about it, Chloe. For the kid's sake, and for everyone's peace of mind."
