“What is in the envelope?” Mia asked.“Let him open it.” Noah replied.They all looked at Simon in silence, watching his expression, which had gone totally blank after taking the envelope.Simon pulled out the letter and read through the content, his brow going up not in a scowl but in anger.“What the f*ck is Uncle Paul trying to pull here?” Simon bellowed in anger.His voice echoed off the wall with so much force that Steve glanced up to be sure little Mia was nowhere in sight.“Keep it down, Simon. What the h*ll is in the letter that has gotten you so pissed off?” Steve asked.Simon extended the letter to him and started to pace, raking a hand through his hair in frustration.“What is going on? Is someone going to explain to us?” Sophia asked.“This is a joke, right? Or better still, a lame attempt at one because they can’t seriously be taking him to court.” Steve stated, trying not to shout in anger.“Court? Who is taking whom to court?” Mia asked, looking concerned now.“Paul, he
There was a pause as they all stared at each other in silence for a minute.“What are the two of you doing in a…” Steve started to ask but decided there was no point in the question.He saw the look on their faces, the awkward glance that followed, and the tension in the room.“Thank you for getting the door.” Anna said, walking past him and out the door.“Could you have been a few minutes late?” Simon asked, closing his eyes in frustration."No, I could not because while you are here doing God knows what, it’s almost past four in the afternoon.” Steve pointed out.“I had no plans to return to the office again.” Simon responded.“Well, where the h*ll is your phone?” Steve asked.“It’s with my kids,” Simon responded.Steve paused for a second at the description; it sounded personal, almost like he had succeeded in making amends with Anna.“I don’t like the expression on your face.” Simon pointed.“What, can’t a man be curious?” Steve teased.“Are you here because of the attack?” Simon
At the Howard house, John sat in his study, staring into space, hoping his decision of the past didn’t come back to haunt him.Nancy stood at the door, staring at her father. Whatever was going through his mind, she knew was about Anna.The silence in the house ever since she lost her job because of Anna was becoming really concerning. For one, Nancy knew her father thought Anna was coming for them for marrying her to Simon and for her mother’s death.“What are you staring at?” Nancy asked, walking into the study.“Nothing.” John jerked back at her voice.The room was dark.Nancy walked over and sat down on one of the chairs in the room. They sat there in silence for a few minutes.“Are you going to get something else to do?” John asked.Nancy shot her father a sharp look, one that was met by an equally sharp gaze.“No, Father, not till I see Anna pay for what she has done.” Nancy replied.“We told you not to do anything stupid, Nancy; you brought this on yourself.” John responded.“S
Anna looked skeptical at him, wondering if he was pretending to keep them there longer.Anna sighed and responded, "What are you talking about, Simon? The earlier you…""We can't talk here." Simon whispered, cutting her off.Anna glanced over at the kids, seeing them concentrating on their conversation. Anna saw the look in Simon's eyes and knew whatever he was talking about was something serious."Hmm, do you want to play in the garden outside?" Anna asked the kids."Dad, can we play games on your phone?" James asked."No, you can't have…" Anna started to say."Of course, here you go," Simon replied with a grin.Anna shook her head at the wiseness of his decision but decided to remain quiet.Simon looked over at William and said, "Stay with the kids; we'll be right back.""Don't wander off, okay? Stay with Uncle William," Anna instructed."Okay, Mom," they chorused.Anna followed Simon up the stairs, down a short corridor, and then into a room that looked like a study.As soon as she
************* Five Hours Earlier ***********************Anna had a neutral look on her face as she watched Simon receive the call. From his expression, whatever he was being told surely was nothing pleasant."Mom, can we go upstairs?" Jasmine ran over to her to ask."No, you cannot; sit down. Have you forgotten why we are here?" Anna asked."No," Jasmine replied and glanced over at her father.It has not even been up to twenty-four hours since they met him, and they are already looking to him to smooth things over."James, Jayden, come here," Anna called.They were both staring at a piece of artwork and running around it. As soon as they heard their names, they came running."Here, sit down," Anna cautioned.They all saw the determined expression on their mother's face and knew not to argue with her when she was like that.Anna looked up and saw William staring at them, unable to mask his shock any longer."You know you're staring right," Anna stated."Oh god, I'm so sorry, I just ca
Paul stared at Noah with an intense look in his eyes, almost threatening."Then be prepared to face the consequences of your action. If it means involving the media and making this a dirty game, we will do it." Paul hissed."There is no point denying this, Uncle; just get Simon to the court, and we can all finish this peacefully." Gideon stated, his lips pulled into a wicked smile."You've got time still, so prepare yourselves." Paul said and walked past Noah.Gideon nodded at his uncle and followed suit, leaving behind a very stunned and worried Noah staring into space.Noah picked up his phone and dialed Simon's number, but it was busy. He ended the call, wondering what he was supposed to do.He decided to go wait it out; hopefully before the end of the day, he was going to call back.The day flew by, and by the time it was noon, there was still no call from Simon, nor did he get any from Emily."You know what? I am taking things into my hands." Noah muttered, picking up his phone a