Chapter 4

Nancy looked like she'd been struck by lightning. Her mouth hung open, her murky eyes fixed on the little boy.

"Daddy?" Nancy's voice trembled. "What... what did you just say? Who did this child call Daddy?"

Susan turned around, her face showing a pitiful yet strong expression.

She pulled a tissue from her bag and gently dabbed at the corners of her eyes where no tears actually existed.

"Nancy," Susan's voice was soft and pleasant, with a hint of grievance, "I'm Susan. This is Hudson. He's Liam's only flesh and blood."

The room erupted.

"Oh my God! Liam had a son outside?"

"I knew it. A man as outstanding as Liam couldn't really be childless."

"This child looks just like Liam! Look at that nose, those eyebrows!"

Nancy was trembling with excitement. She pushed me aside and stumbled over, wanting to hold the child.

Nancy held Hudson, crying even louder than when her son died, except this time they were tears of joy.

Marcus snapped out of it too, immediately changing his attitude, fawning over them: "Oh my, so this is my little nephew? So sturdy! I'm Uncle Marcus!"

I remained kneeling in place, watching this touching drama like an outsider.

After Susan calmed Nancy down, she turned to look down at me.

Her eyes held no guilt toward the legal wife, only the arrogance and provocation of a victor.

"You must be Evelyn?" Susan spoke, her voice not loud but enough for everyone to hear. "Evelyn, I'm sorry we hid this from you for so long. Liam was afraid of hurting you and never dared tell you. I came today for one reason only—to let Hudson present flowers to his father, and also... to take back what belongs to Hudson."

I slowly stood up, dusting off my knees.

The prolonged kneeling had made my legs numb, but I stood straight.

I looked at Susan, the woman who spent my husband's nineteen million dollars, slept with my husband, and now wanted to take my property.

"Miss Susan," my voice was calm, even carrying a hint of a smile, "are you sure you want to take back what belongs to this child?"