Chapter 4

A mix of emotions crossed everyone's faces.

Kayla walked over and gently reached both hands out to me. "Eliza, I'm your aunt. Henry is my friend. He didn't mean any harm by bringing you here. Can you forgive him?"

Henry looked at her like he was completely smitten.

I backed away two steps before she could touch me and tilted my head. "So because he's your friend, he can break the law and just be forgiven?"

That wasn't what Dad had taught me when he was still alive.

Kayla's smile stiffened. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, then stepped back, looking hurt.

Henry immediately jumped to her defense. "You nasty little brat. You're just like that damn mother of yours, always mouthing off and getting on everyone's nerves."

I bit my lip as tears welled in my eyes. I was furious. I hated him so much I wanted to hit him.

"Henry, how could you say that about my sister and niece? Apologize right now."

The rest of the Thornes looked just as displeased.

Henry glanced around at them, then reluctantly turned back to me. "Sorry, okay? You're awfully sensitive for a little kid."

Gordon tried to call Mom, but none of his calls went through. That was when he realized she had blocked him.

Kayla immediately pulled out her phone. "Gordon, let me call Joan. She's probably still mad at me, so don't blame her."

Mom answered almost instantly. "Is Eliza with you?"

"Mommy, I'm here!"

Kayla didn't even get a chance to answer before I burst into tears. I'd been trying so hard not to cry, but the second I heard Mom's voice, I couldn't hold it in anymore. All I wanted was for her to come get me.

"Eliza, don't cry. Mommy will be there soon."

After the call ended, I curled up in a corner and refused to let anyone come near me. No matter what toys they brought over, I just stared at them like they were monsters.

Mom finally appeared at the entrance to Thorne Manor looking disheveled. She still had her apron on, and her hair was a mess. The moment she saw me, she let out a breath of relief.

"Eliza, come to Mommy."

I shoved past Kayla, who was hovering in front of me pretending to care, and threw myself into Mom's arms. Mom let out a soft "ow."

Linda sighed. "Joan, don't blame Henry for acting without thinking. He couldn't stand seeing Kayla go through all this because of you, and he knew how badly we wanted to see you.

"We've watched him grow up. He can be a handful, but he never meant you or Eliza any harm."

By then, Henry had taken off his sunglasses and mask, revealing a handsome face. He lounged on the couch without a care in the world and didn't even bother glancing at us.

"What's that fishy smell? Who brought the fish market in here?"

The smell was coming from Mom, but I pressed even closer against her chest. I didn't think it smelled bad at all.

Linda frowned. "You're a Thorne. There's no reason for you to work yourself to the bone serving people all day. Come home, and whatever you want to eat, I'll have a chef make it for you."

Alfred Thorne, the elderly man, leaned on his cane, his cold gaze settling on Mom's rough hands.

"So you're blaming us, and that's why you refuse to come home?"

Then he seemed to remember something and scoffed. "Your mother and I were both sick, and you still couldn't even be bothered to come see us."

Despite everyone in the room criticizing her, Mom didn't react. She picked me up and headed for the door.

"I already called the police. Maybe this will finally teach you that you can't just do whatever you want."

Gordon stepped in front of us, his face dark with anger. "Joan, stop right there! Call them back and tell them not to come!"