Chapter 5%
“That’s enough, Dakota. Do you enjoy throwing your weight around?“”
“If what I’ve offered isn’t enough, I can give you more.”
“But on one condition, my daughter deserves a proper explanation.“&
I took out my phone and made the call. “Withdraw four million dollars in cash. Deliver it to Margot’s kindergarten immediately.”
“You?”
Dakota sneered. “Rent a luxury car and wave around some stacks of cash, I’ve seen that act too many times.“>
“Wait until you embarrass yourself, that’s when the real show begins!“}
I was about to speak when my phone vibrated.}
My assistant’s panicked voice spilled through the line. “President Hathaway, all your accounts have been frozen! Finance says your husband transferred out a huge sum. There’s nothing left to move right now.”
Dakota clearly heard it and burst into mocking laughter.}
“Go on! Keep pretending! What happened, run out of lines?”
“No money, and you still act like some high–and–mighty rich woman? You think you’re someone?“}
I stayed composed.}
“I’m calling my husband. I trust you’ll keep your word and apologize to my daughter.“”
|-༠་་འ༠༠
She laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world, clutching her waist and nearly doubling over.
“Sure! If you can pull out two million dollars in cash right now, I’ll transfer my kids out immediately!“}
“And one more thing.”
My voice rang out, steady and clear. “You will bow and apologize to every teacher and student your sons have bullied.”
Dakota tossed her perfectly permed curls, not even pretending to take me seriously. “Forget bowing, I’ll kneel if you want!“}
She leaned in, her breath cold against my ear.
“I just hope it won’t be you later on your knees, begging me to spare your daughter.“}
The call connected, and I heard the faint echo of an airport announcement in the background.§
“I’m at the kindergarten.“}
For a brief moment, I couldn’t hide the fragility in my voice.”
“Can you come now?“>
There was a short silence.
Paul’s voice came through, low and exhausted. “I just landed in Jacksonville. I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”
I ended the call and looked over at the twins; they’d already been untied.”
The two little devils rubbed their wrists, baring their teeth at me with unrepentant glares.
The burning sensation from the paint allergy had already spread from my neck to my cheeks.
I tugged my mask higher, my eyes stinging behind the sunglasses.}
“Still pretending to be mysterious?“}
Dakota watched me with a twisted grin. “Allergic or is it something shameful?”
I said nothing, standing quietly off to the side.
Twenty minutes later, the screech of brakes echoed from the kindergarten gate.
Paul’s tall figure appeared at the entrance, looking rushed and worn from travel.
Before he could say a word, the two little devils had already pounced, each clinging to one of his legs.
“Daddy!“#
Paul’s gaze swept right past them and locked onto me.}
For a moment, I felt every drop of blood in my body freeze.
