Mia's POVWe walked silently to the car.The cool night air hit my face like a slap, cutting through the fog of adrenaline.Thomas drove without asking for directions. I needed the silence. His hands gripped the steering wheel.I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window at the flickering city lights. The familiar streets of Manhattan blurred past, but I felt disconnected from it all, like I was watching someone else's life through glass.The twins chatted softly in the backseat, processing their first cruise experience."Mama, why did that lady say mean things about us?" Alexander's voice was small, confused."Some people say mean things when they're unhappy with their own lives," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "It doesn't mean what they say is true.""Did we do something wrong?" Alexander asked."No, sweetheart. You two were perfect tonight. I'm proud of how brave you both were."In the rearview mirror, I saw Thomas's eyes meet mine briefly. TAfter returning home
Kyle's POVLooking at Mia staring at me with that intense green gaze, I couldn't say a word.The sound of her fist connecting with my jaw still echoed in my ears. The sharp pain radiating through my face was nothing compared to the hollow ache spreading through my chest as I watched her walk away with our sons.I could have responded better. I had done so before. I could have made her believe that Maxwell was an outsider, just another wealthy client with an unfortunate resemblance to her ex-husband. I'd practiced the denial in mirrors, rehearsed the confusion and offense I should display when accused of being someone else.But I failed.Standing there, watching Alexander's small hand slip into hers with complete trust, seeing Ethan press closer to her side for protection, I couldn't form the words. Couldn't maintain the lie when faced with the raw devastation in her eyes.Ethan and Alexander were well taken care of by her. One was more mischievous, the other more quiet. Both brilliant
Mia's POVI raised an eyebrow. This little girl was the most honest person in this entire group of adults.Victoria didn't deserve her daughter."Madison, be quiet," Victoria hissed again. Her fingers gripped Madison's thin shoulder tightly."I didn't lie, Mommy. The lady pushed Alexander first. I saw it."Victoria's voice dropped. "Stop talking right now."Madison's tears began streaming down her cheeks."I didn't lie," her small voice breaking. "I didn't lie."Victoria raised her hand slightly, and Madison flinched instinctively, her small body curling in.That was enough."Victoria," I said sharply, my voice cutting through the murmur of the gathered crowd. "Thomas is on his way over here. Do you really want him to see you threatening a six-year-old?"Victoria's hand froze mid-air. Her eyes darted toward the crowd, searching for Thomas's familiar figure.And that's when I saw them approaching.Not just Thomas and Nate, who were making their way through the crowd with Alexander and
Mia's POVAlexander was pulling on my skirt, his little hands clutching the fabric tightly. "Mama," he whispered, "I didn't mean to bump into her."I didn't look away from Ketty's sneering face as I reached down to touch Alexander's head gently. "I know, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong."I was a volcano waiting to erupt. Ketty straightened her shoulders. "Your two precious little darlings," Ketty continued, "they're just mistakes their father didn't want."Every protective instinct I possessed roared to life simultaneously. Bring my children into this? That's enough."Take back what you said," I said, my voice calm to the point of being unnerving.The conversations around us had stopped completely."Why should I take back the truth?" Ketty clearly enjoyed this.She didn't get to finish her sentence.I took a step forward and slapped her across the face, the sound echoing.The crack seemed to reverberate in the air, cutting through the soft jazz music and the gentle murmur
Mia's POVThomas led me onto the dance floor, his hand warm and steady against my lower back. The music was soft and romantic, something classical.Around us, other couples moved in elegant circles. I caught glimpses of expensive jewelry catching the light, designer gowns swirling across the polished floor.But all I could focus on was the weight of Thomas's hand in mine."Look at me," Thomas said quietly.I lifted my eyes to meet his."Not at them," he continued, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. "At me.""Better?" he asked, spinning me gently."Better," I confirmed."You know," Thomas said, his voice taking on a lighter tone, "I've never slow danced on a cruise ship before.""First time for everything," I replied, managing a small smile."How am I doing?""You're not stepping on my feet, so that's a good start."Thomas laughed softly. "High praise indeed."The music shifted slightly, becoming more upbeat. "Mama! Uncle Thomas!"Alexander and Ethan came running toward us, their
Mia's POVThomas said nothing during my breakdown.After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, when I finally looked up at him, he simply said, "I'm sorry, Mia."I could only look at him, confusion.He touched my hair gently, his fingers trailing through the strands that had come loose from my carefully arranged chignon. "I don't know how Taylor got out of prison, but we can't fight the Field family now."I forced myself to speak through the tightness in my throat. "It's not your fault, Thomas."The way the world worked had never been logical. Money and power could rewrite history, erase inconvenient truths, transform criminals into philanthropists. I should have known better than to think Taylor would stay buried in the past."Let's go back," I said, straightening my shoulders with effort. "Kids must be worried about why we've been gone so long."Thomas nodded and pulled me into another hug, this one longer and more protective than the last.As we held each other, I ma