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Clearly, Oliver hadn’t anticipated me finding the damning information I did. The betrayal that had sown seeds of hate for the man I once considered my soulmate. I had no intention of giving his company back. It was mine now, a form of restitution for all his lies.
I worked at the dining room table with Trouble at my feet until it was time to dress for the office. Since taking over, my wardrobe had changed drastically. No more fun, flowing dresses or tight skirts. Now, it was business suits, usually in dark colors, with blouses buttoned to the neck. I felt no need to expose my skin or give the men in the office any ideas.
The routine was a bitter comfort, a façade of control over a life that felt like it was spiraling. Every visit to Oliver would be an exercise in restraint, hiding my contempt behind a mask of concern. He would lay there, oblivious, and I wondered how long I could keep up the charade.
“Henri!” I bellowed, my voice echoing through the office. That poor man must’ve despised me, but he appeared at my door, a stack of folders in hand, his expression carefully neutral.
“Yes, Mrs. Fox?”
I sighed and frowned. “I think I prefer Miss Stewart.”
Henri raised an eyebrow. “You’re not using your married name? You have for weeks.”
I set my mouth in a hard line. “And now I’ve changed my mind. I prefer to be called Miss Stewart.”
“Very well,” he said, adjusting his tone. “Can I help you with something?”
I tapped my Mont Blanc pen on the desk. “Where is Mark Fulbright? I’ve called his office several times.”
“He’s coming in late today. He called earlier.”
“Why?” My voice was sharp, cutting through the air.
I read an email and began to type a reply as I waited for him to answer me.
“He had a family emergency.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And that would be?”
“His granddaughter is in the hospital.”
I stopped typing on my laptop, my eyes narrowing as I focused on him. “Why wasn’t I told? Teagan is my niece.”
“I left a note on your laptop.”
I glanced at my desk, seeing the stack of messages I’d swept aside without reading. “Damn it!” I cursed, jumping up and grabbing my coat. “Which hospital?”
“Lenox Hill,” Henri replied, his voice calm.
At least it would save me a trip since Oliver was there too. I hurried out of the building, hailing a cab. Though Vlad and Brenda were still contracted to Oliver, I often preferred the anonymity of a cab. If I traveled, they would accompany me.
I texted Sadie and Finley on my way, not expecting a response, but one came promptly, letting me know they were in the emergency room. I asked the driver to drop me at the entrance and rushed inside, scanning the room until I spotted Mark, Sadie, and Finley with the doctor. Sadie and Finley looked exhausted, and Teagan fussed while a young female doctor examined her.
“What happened?” I asked, my voice edged with worry.
Sadie, tearful, replied, “She had a very high fever and wouldn’t stop crying.”
The doctor looked up, her face kind. “Your baby has an ear infection, not uncommon.”
“That’s all?” Finley asked, his voice a mix of relief and frustration.
“Yes. We’ll treat it with antibiotics. She should be fine.”
Sadie leaned against Finley, who looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
Mark looked up at me, his face lined with worry. “I’m sorry about not coming in this morning. Sadie was hysterical when she called.”
“I was not,” Sadie said, pouting.
