Chapter 20 Shadows and High Heels
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Tess had barely finished her sentence when a nurse’s voice called out. She quickly turned and carried Layla into the exam
room.
“The fever’s gone. Lungs look clear on the scan, too.”
The doctor’s words were a huge relief. Tess smiled gratefully and nodded to both the doctor and nurse before heading toward the exit.
Her movements were smooth and practiced, but she left one person completely ignored—Max.
He stayed rooted to the spot, eyes glued to Tess’s back. From his angle, he could still catch a glimpse of the child’s profile.
Too much like Finn.
So much so that just looking at the kid made his chest tighten with frustration.
Max’s fists clenched slowly at his sides. But instead of backing off, his eyes only burned brighter–his gaze laced with something far darker than disappointment. Almost obsessive.
Tess, I couldn’t do anything for you before. But now? I can protect you. I can choose you.
She would have no choice but to rely on him.
He forced his hands to relax and returned to his usual calm, polished demeanor.
No rush. As long as Finn didn’t find her, he had all the time in the world to make her see him clearly.
The nurse cast a wary glance his way.
He tapped the desk with two fingers. “Delete her medical record from today.”
The nurse hesitated, but knowing who he was, she gave a respectful nod. “Yes, Mr. Hunt.”
Only after watching her do it did he finally leave.
Earlier, he’d seen the intake form–Tess’s child had come in with a high fever last night.
Something clicked. That woman who showed up at Lock Group Private Hospital, could that have been Tess?
Finn had people looking for her–and she’d walked right under his nose without him realizing?
Heh.
Max’s lips curled into a mocking smile as he walked off.
Tess kept her head down as she carried Layla through the hospital hallway, focused on leaving as fast as possible. She didn’t stop until a sudden shadow blocked her path. A pair of designer lambskin heels appeared in her view.
Her heart skipped. She lowered her head even more, instinctively wanting to turn and walk the other way.
But those heels followed her closely, cutting her off again and again.
Finally.
“Tess, it is you.”
The voice was soft and sugary, with a high–pitched, fake–sweet lilt that practically oozed condescension.
Tess’s fingers trembled around her baby. Her temples throbbed.
“You’ve got the wrong person.”
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Chapter 20 Shadows and High Heels
“Oh, come on. How could I mistake you, Tess?”
Nadine’s eyes narrowed, gaze locked in like a predator, practically boring holes through her.
“I said–you’ve got the wrong person.”
Tess kept her head down, voice dry and flat, repeating herself like a broken record.
At the same time, she adjusted the baby in her arms, shielding Layla’s face completely from view.
Her voice had been deliberately lowered–raspy and unnatural, sounding much older than she looked.
She was dressed plainly, almost shabbily, the kind of outfit that screamed forgettable.
Nadine frowned, eyeing the bundle in Tess’s arms.
Could she really have the wrong person?
This woman had a baby.
But still, even if Tess had been in prison for a year and a half, she had once been a brilliant, high–profile attorney. How could she have fallen this low?
Nadine’s expression, twisted into visible disgust. She scanned Tess from head to toe and instinctively stepped back, putting distance between them.
Maybe it really was someone else—a washed–up woman who just happened to resemble Tess a little.
“Whatever. You can go,” Nadine said, waving her hand like she was brushing off some bug.
She didn’t even notice she was blocking others from walking past.
Tess gritted her teeth but didn’t say a word. She lowered her head even further and practically bolted, rushing away like she was fleeing from a fire.
Nadine lifted her chin and crossed her arms, shooting a final contemptuous glance at the slim figure hurrying away.
Just being near someone that pathetic made her feel like the air stank of poverty.
She pinched her nose dramatically and swatted the air in front of her face like she could wave away the imaginary stench.
Instead of calling a taxi like Max told her to, Nadine summoned a subordinate from the Lock Group’s law firm to pick her up personally.
While Tess waited in silence for a cab, Nadine headed straight to her private ride, which had been parked and ready for a while.
Nadine, with her striking figure and understated velvet designer dress, looked every bit the rich young lady–wealthy, elegant, and untouchable.
Even though she kept her style toned down, she still attracted stares from nearly everyone she passed.
Tess, meanwhile, didn’t dare show her face too openly. Hiding behind the large tree outside the hospital entrance, she kept a low profile–watching every bit of Nadine’s lavish display from the shadows.
Her hands tightened involuntarily, and her eyes darkened with a rising wave of loathing.
It must feel incredible, stepping all over me just to climb to the top.
Da–da–da.
A soft cooing came from her arms.
Tess looked down. Layla was blinking up at her with wide, innocent eyes and a smile tugging at her little lips.
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Chapter 20 Shadows and High Heels
She babbled again, the babyish syllables sounding almost like “Daddy.”
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Tess’s chest tightened. Was it just random baby talk? Or was it like Bessie had said–did every child need a father?
She looked at her daughter’s sweet little face and felt her anger begin to melt. Lowering her head, she gently pressed her forehead to Layla’s smooth, warm one. And nuzzled close.
