Chapter 25
[Addison]
“Michael Stone,” folding my arms, I glare at him. The nerve of this man! “Maybe I should be asking you that question. Why are you here? Did you have me followed?”
How did he find me at Livy’s new school? I have been so careful to not give him any clue as to where I have been staying, and now
he’s here, like a bad penny that keeps turning up.
Michael’s fists clench as he takes a step forward. “You! Just admit it, Addy, you’re here to get back in my good graces. But guess what,” he takes Evelyn’s hand more firmly in his. “I’m doing just fine without you. If you are ready to apologize I might
reconsider. But you will need to come forward and accept charges on the kidnapping and…”
“I was the one kidnapped!” I gasp, outraged. “Why would I take blame in my own kidnapping?” I guess I shouldn’t be so
surprised that still believes Evelyn’s lie. In his mind, she has become faultless.
Hunter takes a step forward. Holding out his hand he presents Michael with his business card. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Stone. I’m Hunter Grant of the Grant Group and you are currently slandering my employee,” Grant doesn’t touch me, but stands near enough that the message is clear–I am under his protection. “I have the full police report vindicating her and absolving her of all
connection to that crime. If you would like, I could have the report faxed over to your office.”
Michael turns his ire towards Hunter, who is standing firm, his face a blank mask, and his arm still outstretched with a crisp
white card between his fingertips. I can’t read what Hunter is thinking right now, but I am grateful for him standing up for me.
I’ve never had anyone do that for me before.
“I’ll show you the report later,” Hunter turns towards me, his tone softening and his eyes growing kind. “I had someone look
into it for you. I’ve been meaning to show you but…”
Michael steps forward and shoves my protector hard on the shoulder. “Who the hell do you think you are?!” My ex–husband shouts. A few other parents turn their heads in our direction, attracted to the sound of his outburst. “Are you fucking my wife!”
Hunter’s jaw clenches, the vein in his forehead throbbing just enough that I can see the rage bubbling underneath his calm
exterior. Even though I’ve never seen Hunter raise his hand in anger, I get the sense that Michael is one word away from being
pummled.
Gently, I place a hand on Hunter’s wrist. My friend turns his head towards me and I shake slightly, my expression saying “please
don’t.”
Mr. Grant takes a deep breath and eases and within seconds you’d never sense he was upset, if you had sensed it at all.
Michael is the complete opposite. The longer they stand there, the more enraged he becomes, spewing more hate and lies, every
emotion easy to read on his sweaty read face.
Nervously, one of the teachers ask Michael to lower his voice.
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“Mr. Stone, please,” Ms. McKenna tries to calm him down before he explodes again. “You’ve dropped off your son, but now I need you to go.”
“My wife and I were just about to leave,” Michael announces, brushing off the teacher, who frowns at being dismissed. “Weren’t you, Mrs. Stone.” He reaches forward to take my hand but I step away from him, backing into Hunter.
Michael’s eyes narrow as he looks between the two of us suspiciously. He’s about to say something else, something nasty, when Jayson rushes forth to take Evelyn’s hand.
“Daddy, Mama, guess what?” Jayson pulls down on Evelyn’s arm. “I want to show you something…” Jayson’s head turns. When he sees me standing there, his eyes widen with shock, right before his smile fades, his face twisting with disappointment.
“What is she doing here?” My little boy snarls, pointing an accusatory finger in my direction. “Why is she at my new school?”
My son doesn’t want to see me. That’s fine. I’m not here to see him. I had no idea he’d even be here.
This is Livy’s big day—I’m here for her.
My eyes scan the crowd. It doesn’t take me long to find Olivia. She’s been standing on the edge of the field, twisting the hem of her dress in her hands nervously as she watch the scene unfold.
She must be so confused right now.
“It was nice seeing you, Michael,” I lie, it isn’t nice seeing him at all. “Jayson, Evelyn,” I nod professionally, pushing my emotions down tight. “But I am not here for you, or for him. I’m here to support another child.”
Excusing myself, I turn my back on Michael and Evelyn and head over to where Livy who gazes up at me with big, worried eyes. “Auntie, who’s the mean boy?”
“His name is Jayson,” I explain sadly. “My son with my ex–husband.”
“He says he hates you,” she pouts, confused. “How can anyone hate you? You are the best!”
My heart flips. Whenever I get sad, she reminds me that there is at least one person in the world who cares about me. Bending down, I open my arms and Livy rushes into them, wrapping her arms around my neck. Smiling, she kisses my cheek and her love feels like warm sunshine soothing all the hard feelings from before.
“Thank you, Olivia,” I gave her a quick squeeze before letting her go. Livy’s new friend, the red–headed girl in the mushroom
raincoat, tugs on Livy’s sleeve, and they rush off to play near the blackberry bushes.
Turning back to the previous conflict, Michael is still snapping at Hunter, slandering us both in broad daylight, much to the horror of the teachers and other parents. This could easily blow up into a scandal.
Michael needs to stop.
“How much is she paying you?” Michael insists, his fists clenched as he accuses Hunter of being a paid actor. “I know she hasn’t
found a new family. She just left me two months ago. You aren’t a real CEO.”
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Hunter doesn’t raise his voice. His face blank and calm, as he advises Michael to stop making a scene. “If you continue to threaten
me, Mr. Stone. I’ll assure you that it won’t go unanswered.”
“Oh, what do you plan to do?” Michael snarls. “Call your agent? Or maybe it’s your pimp! How much did Addy promise to pay
you? I can assure you that she has no money–it all went into our family and…”
“Michael, that’s enough,” I snap. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
Michael pauses midsentence and then stops, turning his attention to me. “I see how it is, Addy. Fine. Play your game, it won’t
work. I’m not jealous, I’m disapointed…”
A loud resounding smack sounds from across the yard. Turning, I see Livy is on the ground, her arms over her head defensively,
as a larger child gloats above her, his blond hair shining in the sun.
It’s Jayson.
“How dare you try to take my mommy!” He snarls. “She’s mine!”
