Chapter 27
The sudden arrival of black SUVS caught everyone off guard.
The noisy schoolyard fell into an eerie silence.
The parents who’d been holding me down scattered like leaves in the wind, smoothing their designer clothes and fixing their hair.
Cathy withdrew her stiletto from my cheek, her attention locked on the impressive convoy.
I pulled myself up quickly, drawing Eva close to my chest.
The security detail moved with practiced precision as one of them opened the lead car’s door.
Ryder stepped out, the perfect image of corporate power in his custom–tailored suit. His mere presence drew every eye in the yard.
The crowd buzzed with recognition.
“Is that really Mr.Stain?”
“My God, look at him – even more impressive in person!”
“That suit must cost a fortune. No wonder she couldn’t resist him, though being a love–wrecker is still
disgusting.”
As whispers rippled through the crowd, Cathy floated towards Ryder with practiced elegance, sliding her arm through his. “Darling, what a lovely surprise,” she purred, all traces of her earlier
violence gone.
Ryder frowned slightly and quietly distanced himself from her. “I heard that you were in trouble a school, so I’ve come to help you solve the problem. Now tell me what happened.”
Cathy played with his tie, batting her lashes. “So you’ll always help us?”
““I’m responsible for both you and this child,” Ryder said in a deep voice. “I’ll make those who have hurt you pay the price.”
Too Late
19.5%
Cathy’s triumph radiated like sunlight. She’d never looked more confident.
The other parents couldn’t hide their envy.
“Oh my god, they look so well matched.”
“They look like they belong on a magazine cover.”
“I can’t believe someone would dare try to break up such a perfect love.”
“That love–wrecker’s about to learn her lesson. Get your phones ready – this’ll be good!”
Tyler burst through the crowd then, all designer clothes and angelic looks. “Dad!”
Ryder gave him a hug. Except for Tyler, no one heard Ryder say softly, “Tyler, I’ve told you not to call me dad. I’m not your father. This is the last reminder.”
“I got it.” Tyler said aggrievedly. Then, his innocent smile turned cruel and his eyes narrowed.
“I was bullied by that girl. And when I hit her, the stupid girl even tried to fight back. What’s more, her mother hit my mother.”
His voice filled with pride. “But I got her good with that wire trick!”
Rising to his feet, Ryder’s handsome face was knitted with furrowed brows. He said gloomily, “Where is that person?”
Cathy immediately pulled him through the crowd, pointing directly at us. Her voice rang with victory: “There they are! That husband–stealing witch and her bastard!”
When Ryder saw us, he froze for a moment.
Then his eyebrows knitted tightly and his face was clouded with sullenness.
♡ (0)
(0)
