8!

MABEL

The morning light filtered through the hotel curtains, painting everything in shades of gold and gray. I'd been awake since four AM, my laptop open on the bed, surrounded by printouts and notes.

Research. That's what I told myself I was doing. But really, I was obsessing.

My screen displayed Vanessa Latham's Wikipedia page for the third time that night. I'd already memorized every detail, but I kept reading, searching for something, anything, that might give me an edge.

Vanessa Marie Latham born March 15, 1985 is an American real estate mogul and CEO of Latham Properties, one of New York's largest commercial real estate firms. She inherited the company from her father, Richard Latham, in 2018.

I scrolled down to the personal life section, my heart hammering.

Latham has never been married. In 2021, she adopted a son, Liam, through a private adoption agency. She is known for her fierce protection of her privacy and rarely discusses her personal life in interviews.

2021. The year I gave birth. The year my baby was taken.

The coincidence was too perfect. Too deliberate.

I clicked over to G****e Images. Dozens of photos loaded, Vanessa at charity galas, cutting ribbons at building openings, shaking hands with mayors and governors. In every photo, she looked powerful.

Untouchable. Her dark hair was always pulled back in a sleek bun, her pantsuits impeccably tailored, her expression controlled.

But in the photos where Liam appeared, rare and carefully curated,.her face softened.

In one shot, taken at what looked like a private birthday party, she was laughing, her head thrown back, while a small boy with dark curls sat on her lap, chocolate cake smeared across his face.

My throat tightened.

She loved him. That much was obvious.

And that terrified me.

Because this wasn't going to be a simple case of rescuing my son from a monster.

Vanessa Latham wasn't Claire Hoss. She wasn't cruel or manipulative. She's just a woman who loves a child she believes is hers.

How do you take a child away from someone who loves them?

I closed my laptop and rubbed my eyes. The question had kept me awake for the past three nights.

My phone rang, making me jump. Jenny's name flashed across the screen.

I answered. "Hey."

"Hey yourself!" Jenny's cheerful voice was too loud for this early in the morning. "How's New York? Have you met the client yet?"

"Meeting her today at two."

"Nervous?"

"A little." That was the understatement of the century.

"You'll be amazing. You always are." Jenny paused. "But Mabel... are you okay? You've been acting weird since you got that email about this job."

I forced lightness into my voice. "I'm fine. Just a big client. High stakes."

"If you say so." She didn't sound convinced. "Call me after the meeting?"

"I will. Thanks, Jen."

After we hung up, I stared at my phone for a long moment. Jenny deserved better than my lies. But the truth was too complicated, too dangerous.

I couldn't risk anyone finding out what I was really doing here.

Not yet.

By noon, I'd showered, dressed in my best Armani pantsuit, and printed out a detailed styling proposal for Vanessa. Six events over three months, starting with Liam's birthday party.

I'd researched each event meticulously, the venues, the guest lists, the photographers who'd be covering them. I knew exactly what Vanessa should wear to each one to maximize her presence while maintaining her signature understated elegance.

This proposal was my ticket in. My excuse to be close to Liam.

At one-thirty, I called a car service. No cabs this time. I needed to look like I belonged in Vanessa's world.

The driver was professional and silent as we navigated through Midtown traffic. I watched the city blur past, tourists snapping photos, businesspeople rushing with coffee cups, street vendors calling out their wares.

New York. Five years ago, this city had chewed me up and spit me out. Now I was back, stronger, sharper, ready to take back what was mine.

The car pulled up to a gleaming glass tower on the Upper East Side.

I recognized it from my research, The Apex, one of the most exclusive residential buildings in Manhattan. Penthouses started at twenty million.

Of course Vanessa lived here.

I stepped out, smoothing down my jacket. The doorman was already approaching.

"Name?"

"Mabel James. I have an appointment with Ms. Latham."

He checked his tablet. "ID, please."

I handed over my driver's license. He scanned it, then nodded. "Take the private elevator to the penthouse. Ms. Chen will meet you."

Inside, the lobby was minimalist and cold, all white marble and steel.

The private elevator required a key card, which the doorman provided. As the doors closed, I caught my reflection in the polished steel.

I looked composed. Professional. Like a woman here to do a job.

Not like a mother about to see her stolen child.

The elevator climbed smoothly, my stomach dropping with each floor. By the time it reached the penthouse, my hands were shaking.

The doors opened directly into Vanessa's foyer.

A young Asian woman in her late twenties stood waiting, tablet in hand. She wore a crisp white blouse and black slacks, her hair in a neat ponytail.

"Ms. James?" Her smile was warm and genuine. "I'm Rose Chen, Ms. Latham's assistant. Welcome."

I shook her hand. "Thank you for having me."

"Of course! Ms. Latham is finishing up a call, but she'll be with you shortly. Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?"

"Water would be great."

Rose led me through the foyer into a stunning living room.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Central Park, the view so breathtaking it momentarily distracted me from my racing heart.

The space was elegant but lived-in. A throw blanket draped over the white sofa. Children's books stacked on the coffee table. A small red toy car abandoned near the window.

My breath caught.

Liam's toy car. Just like in the photo.

"Ms. Latham will be right out," Rose said, handing me a glass of water. "She's very excited to work with you. Your portfolio is stunning."

"Thank you."

Rose sat down across from me, her expression friendly. "So, you're based in LA now? What brings you back to New York?"

I took a sip of water, buying time to craft my answer. "New opportunities. I've been wanting to expand my client base on the East Coast."

"Well, you picked the perfect client to start with. Ms. Latham is wonderful to work for. And Liam..." Rose's face lit up. "He's the sweetest kid. You'll probably meet him today, he loves meeting new people."

My heart stopped.

Today. I might see him today.

Before I could respond, a door opened down the hallway.

Footsteps approached.

And then Vanessa Latham walked into the room.

She was even more striking in person, tall, poised, with sharp cheekbones and intelligent dark eyes that assessed me in one sweeping glance.

"Ms. James." She extended her hand. "Thank you for coming."

I stood, forcing my legs to stay steady. "Ms. Latham. It's an honor."

Her handshake was firm, businesslike. "Please, call me Vanessa. Shall we get started?"

"Of course."

As I opened my portfolio, I heard it.

The sound of small feet running down the hallway.

And a child's voice calling out, "Mommy! Mommy!"

My entire world stopped.