Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Back then, Tess had told him, smiling so brightly, that being a lawyer was her greatest passion in life.
But now, she said she hadn’t been a lawyer for a long time.
What exactly had happened during her time in custody that year?
Charles swallowed hard, suddenly finding the exquisite food in his mouth completely flavorless.
Under the table, his hand slowly clenched into a fist.
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He glanced at his phone on the table, then furrowed his brows and said apologetically, “Sorry, Tess, something just came up. An emergency meeting at the office—I have to go.”
Tess nodded considerately. “It’s fine. I just finished eating anyway.
What a shame,” she added with a soft sigh. “I booked a private screening at Aetheris Cinema, near the office. Can’t get a refund either.
Charles looked at her, a bit torn.
She hesitated, but before she could say anything, he spoke up again.
He glanced at his watch. “The meeting shouldn’t take more than an hour. How about this—I’ll take you and Layla to the theater, and once I’m done, I’ll come pick you up.”
Tex wasn’t particularly interested in the movie, but when she met his puppy–dog eyes, pleading and warm—
She suddenly understood. This was his way of helping her move on.
“Alright
At her response, Charles let out a quiet breath of relief.
He walked them all the way to the theater entrance and handed her two movie tickets.
Be good. Layla. I will come pick you and Tess up real soon.”
He gave Layla’s little hand a playful rug, then pulled a shawl seemingly out of nowhere and handed it to Tess. “It’s getting chilly tonight. Don’t catch a cold”
She did feel a slight breeze and a chill on her arms—so she didn’t argue.
Tess held Layla tight, then turned and headed into the theater. But Charles didn’t head toward the company.
He got into the car and drove the other way. His phone lay silent beside him—his work group chat was still muted, and there was no mention of any emergency meeting.
Lock Group Headquarters.
When Charles walked in several employees looked genuinely surprised.
Mr. Jackman? What brings you here at this hour?
Everyone knew that Charles had been promoted back when Tess was in charge. Now that Nadine had taken over as the cbmpany’s lead counsel, there’d been tension between them. Ever since getting approval from Finn, Charles had barely shown up at the office.
“Is Mr. Lock still in his office? I’ve got a document that needs his signature.”
He held up a fairly thick folder.
He’s still here. Just go right in.”
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Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Charles nodded, thanked them, and turned to knock on Finn’s office door.
“Come in.”
“Mr. Lock, this is urgent. I need your signature on this.”
Finn looked up, his b
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slightly raised when he saw who it was. “What kind of document needs you to deliver it personally?”
His voice was deep, a little hoarse from working long hours.
Sweat beaded in Charles’s palms, sticky and uncomfortable.
He lowered his head, avoiding Finn’s gaze. “Just
Finn’s eyes landed on the folder.
mered it suddenly. Didn’t want to trouble anyone else.”
“Leave it. I’ll have Zane take care of it before the end of the day.”
“It’s kind of urgent,” Charles insisted. “I’ll wait here while you sign it–no need to bother Zane.”
His behavior raised Finn’s suspicions. He glanced at the stack of documents on his desk, his brows tightening.
“Just leave it,” he said coldly, rubbing his temples.
Charles heard the impatience in his voice and bit his lip. He had
O choice but to leave the office.
But as soon as the door shut behind him, he could hear the pounding of his own heartbeat in his ears.
He’d actually done it. He had secretly slipped Tess‘ finalized divorce to Finn!
Only now did the weight of what he’d done begin to hit him.
jelent into the documents–and handed it straight
But he had no other choice. He had to help Tess–who once radiated warmth and strength–break free from that terrifying man once and for all!
Glancing nervously at the closed door, he sat down on the nearby sofa, waiting anxiously.
Knowing Finn’s personality, there’s no way he’d let Tess wander the world freely–especially not with his child in tow.
That could only mean one thing. Tess had run away. Maybe Finn didn’t even know he had a kid. And clearly, she didn’t want him to find out.
Charles kept running through the possibilities in his head, tightening his grip.
Tess wanted out, away from Finn.
And him–he had his own reasons, too.
He could only hope Finn wouldn’t notice anything.
Inside the office, Finn paused mid–signature. He glanced at the folder that had been set aside.
Charles’s behavior had been off.
He flipped open the so–called “urgent documents,” giving them a quick scan. They all looked like routine contracts requiring his signature.
His suspicions faded–for the moment–and he continued signing page after page.
Until the pen halted on a sheet that felt just slightly different under his hand.
He casually pulled it out–and in the next second, his pupils contracted as his eyes locked onto the name at the bottom of the final page.
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Tess.
His expression darkened. Gripping the hard shell of the folder, he scanned the contents of the page from top to bottom..
Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
