Chapter 7

I carried my bags to the apartment Julian had prepared for me.

It was our safe haven.Warm,beautiful,and hidden from everyone.

The door flew open,and Chloe ran out on her tiny legs,throwing her arms around me.

"Mom!You're back!Daddy says this is our secret castle!"

Julian and I had agreed:

once he took full control of the Vanderbilt empire,we would officially remarry.

Life should have been peaceful,but Carter wouldn't leave us alone.

Every morning,he had fresh roses delivered to my door.

Every evening,he stood outside the building,desperate for a glimpse of Chloe and me.

He even bought out the entire FAO Schwarz toy store,crouching down to win over my daughter."Chloe,I'm your dad.Can you call me dad,just once?"

I immediately covered Chloe's ears and walked right past him.

"Chloe,remember,you only have one father.His name is Julian Vanderbilt."

Chloe gave a firm nod,her little face serious.

"I know!That weird uncle bullied Mommy.He's a bad guy!"

I patted her head and smiled.

"Yes.A bad guy."