Mia's POVIs that Morton?Damn it.Thank goodness Scarlett isn't here tonight.I squinted through the crowd, trying to get a better look. The man standing near the champagne fountain was definitely Morton.Thomas led the twins toward the upper deck, pointing out the city lights reflected on the water. The boys pressed their faces against the glass railings, chattering excitedly about the boats in the harbor."Mama, look!" Alexander called out. "There's a helicopter landing on that building!""Where?" Ethan immediately joined his brother, straining to see.I followed them, but kept glancing back toward where I'd spotted Morton.There was a woman beside him who seemed to be trying to strike up a conversation. She was tall, elegant, with dark hair swept into a sophisticated chignon. Everything about her screamed old money and social connections.I hesitated, wondering whether to take a photo and send it to Scarlett.The woman leaned closer to Morton, placing her manicured hand on his arm
Mia's POVMaxwell's fiancée. Miss Field.She was the woman I saw in his office that day.The boys had already eaten their fill and were now eagerly eyeing the dessert table."One dessert each," I said quickly. "Choose wisely."They approached the selection with the seriousness of judges at a baking competition. Alexander gravitated toward anything chocolate, while Ethan studied each option like he was conducting scientific research.I wasn't particularly interested in Maxwell or his wealthy fiancée's drama.But I was definitely interested in finding Victoria and Madison tonight.I scanned the crowd, looking for that distinctive blonde hair."Miss Williams?"I turned to see a man in his fifties approaching me."Yes?""Robert Marshall, Marshall Development Group." He extended his hand with a practiced smile. "I hear you're the architect in charge of the Maxwell Health Resort project?""That's correct," I said, shaking his outstretched hand."Impressive work. I've been following that pro
Mia's POVThe children were bouncing with excitement the moment we stepped onto the cruise ship."Mama, look how big it is!" Alexander grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the massive windows that overlooked the harbor."It's like a floating palace," Ethan added.I held both children's hands tightly until they started wiggling in protest."Mama, you're squeezing too hard," Alexander complained, flexing his fingers."Sorry, babies," I said, loosening my grip slightly.This was new territory for all of us.The ship was massive, with multiple decks stretching as far as I could see. Everything gleamed with the kind of polished luxury that screamed serious money.Our high school graduation party had been held on a cruise ship too. But I hadn't paid attention to anything that night except Kyle dancing with Taylor while I stood alone by the punch bowl.I remembered spending most of that evening hiding in the bathroom, crying over mascara that had cost me three weeks of allowance money.What a
Mia's POVI sneezed, and the twins giggled."Mama, you sound like a baby elephant," Alexander announced, bouncing on my bed while I tried to wrestle him into his tiny dress shirt.I warned Alexander not to poke my face with Gas's beard he found just now."But Mama, it's so fluffy!" Alexander held up the suspicious clump of fur. "Gas is growing a winter coat!""Gas is shedding his summer coat," I corrected, finally managing to get his shirt buttoned. "And please put that down."Goodness, there's nothing harder than raising two four-year-old boys and trying to get them into proper suits.Especially when those suits were custom-made.I had gone all out for this cruise dinner."Mama, this shirt is scratchy," Ethan complained, tugging at his collar with the kind of precision that suggested he was trying to determine the exact thread count of the fabric."It's not scratchy, it's just new," I said, moving over to help him adjust his tie. "Once you wear it a few times, it'll feel softer.""Wh
Mia's POVNate paused for a moment. "Proving child abuse is complicated, Mia. We'd need medical records showing malnutrition. Evidence of physical abuse. Testimony from credible witnesses. Ideally, we'd need the child to cooperate."I think that's almost impossible.Children naturally love their mothers. No matter what a mother does, a child will never think she is bad.It's the most heartbreaking aspect of child abuse.The victims protect their abusers out of love and loyalty."Madison is only six years old," I said, watching my boys play with the dogs across the patio. "She won't testify against Victoria.""Exactly," Nate nodded. "Children that young rarely understand that what's happening to them is wrong. They think it's normal."The waiter approached our table, looking slightly flustered by the chaos of dogs and children gathered around us. Five dogs of various sizes were now mingling with my twins, creating a scene that was both adorable and mildly overwhelming for other diners.
Mia's POVI handed the menu to Nate and said, "How's Yiayia?"Nate's expression softened immediately. "Her Alzheimer's is getting worse. Sometimes she forgets who I am or confuses me with my brother.""I'm sorry," I said gently. "That must be so hard.""Some days are better than others," Nate replied. "Last week she made me her famous lemon cookies and told me all about how proud she was of her grandson the doctor. Yesterday she asked me who I was and why I was in her kitchen."The twins were completely oblivious to the heavy conversation happening at our table. They were too busy coaxing Gas and the four other Nate's dogs."Alexander, don't let Einstein eat the flowers!" I called out."But Mama, he's just smelling them!" Alexander protested."Smelling is fine. Eating is not," I clarified.Ethan was being more responsible, carefully organizing the dogs into what appeared to be some kind of formation. "I'm teaching them to sit in alphabetical order," he announced proudly."That's very