Chapter 18
But Matthew just stood there, frozen.]]
When he finally met my eyes, the color drained from his face.
His arms went slack, dropping Tyler to the ground with a thud.[]
“Daddy, that hurt!” Tyler wailed from the pavement.[]
Emmeline rushed to comfort him. “It’s okay, baby. Daddy’s just angry at the bad people who hurt you.“]
The parents nodded eagerly.]]
“Look how pale he is – must be furious!”
“Of course! A man might fool around, but he’ll never let anyone disrespect his real family.”
“That homewrecker really crossed the lipe this time.”
“Everyone record this! She’s about to get what she deserves!”
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, waiting for Matthew’s next move.]]
But he just stood there, paralyzed.]
Emmeline noticed his hesitation. Her smile turned knowing.
“Darling, I understand. She’s your little mistake. I get it. But if you deal with her now and promise to end it, all is forgiven.”
“Go ahead. Show everyone where your loyalty lies.”
Emmeline was so sure of her position, certain Matthew would choose her.
But Matthew remained frozen, staring at me like he’d seen a ghost
No one spotted the sweat beading on his forehead.[]
That’s when Jasper stepped forward, tugging Matthew’s sleeve.[]
His innocent eyes looked up at him, confused. “Daddy, why is that boy calling you his daddy too?”
Before Matthew could answer, Tyler shoved him hard.
“Stop calling him that, you stupid brat!“]
“I guess I didn’t hurt you enough earlier.“[]
“He’s My dad! I’ll kill you for trying to steal him!” Tyler raised his fist again.
Something in Matthew snapped. He grabbed Tyler and threw him aside. “Don’t touch him!“]
Tyler crashed onto the pavement.
His elbow scraped raw against the concrete, drawing blood.
His screams pierced the air.]
Emmeline rushed to him, then whirled on Matthew. “Have you lost your mind?”
“What did our son do wrong? You’d hurt him for that little bastard?”
“What spell does this whore have on you?”
But Matthew ignored her. He knelt beside Jasper. “Jasper, are you hurt?”
Jasper, who used to adore his father, shrank back in fear.
He buried himself in my arms, watching him like a wounded animal.[]
Chapter 18
Matthew’s face crumpled at his reaction.[]
Just then, a black Mercedes and several police cruisers pulled up.[]
A man in an expensive suit hurried over, looking apologetic.[]
“Ms. Walker, I apologize for the delay. Traffic was awful.“[]
“The divorce papers are ready.“[]
“And I brought officers to handle the assault charges.“[]
Seeing the lawyer’s deference, Emmeline exploded. “You desperate bitch! Hiring actors now?“]
“Ms. Walker?‘ Who do you think you’re fooling? You’re nothing!“]
She spat at my feet.[]
The parents jumped in. “Just a golddigger pretending to be some CEO.“[]
“She actually thinks sleeping with Matthew makes her somebody?“[]
“Called the cops on herself – how pathetic!“[]
I turned to the officers, iny voice steady. “These people assaulted me, vandalized my car, destroyed millions in artwork, and their son deliberately injured my son with a wire.”
“I want them charged. No deals.“[]
The once–bold parents started to squirm.[]
But some still shouted. “Stand your ground! We’re protecting marriage here!“]
“Right! We’re fighting for morality! Everyone supports us!“[]
The crowd cheered, boosting their fading courage.[]
The officer surveyed the damage, his expression darkening.[]
“Assauit, vandalism, and child abuse in broad daylight?“]
He started documenting evidence.
Emmeline stood tall, unfazed. Officer, kids play rough sometimes.“[]
“And everything damaged was my husband’s property.”
“A wife can’t steal from herself.“]
The parents chimed in desperately. “Exactly! It all belongs to Mr. Walker!“]
1
“What right does a mistress have to complain?“]
“She’s just trying to scam money!“]]
The officer turned to Emmeline. “You claim this is your husband’s property?“]
Emmeline grabbed Matthew’s arm. “Here’s my husband! Tell them, honey!“]
Matthew yanked away like her touch burned. “Get off me!“]
Emmeline froze, staring at him in shock.[]
The crowd fell silent, confused. “What’s happening?“[]
As everyone watched, Matthew walked slowly toward me.
e.l
Then he dropped to his knees.]
His voice shook. “I’m so sorry, Adeline.”
