Chapter 110

Elysia’s lips twitched at Keaton’s assertion.

“I’m one of the good guys,” he had said.

Who talks like that? The good guys certainly don’t announce themselves in such a manner. If anything, it made him seem less trustworthy.

Elysia wasn’t interested in prolonging the conversation. “Is that bit of drama from earlier all sorted then?

Anything else you need?”

If not, it was time to say goodbye, and not the see–you–later kind.

“Yeah, there’s one more thing.”

“Go on.”

“Look, that whole charade was just Elijah’s father pulling your leg. No one’s snatching kids. Don’t be scared, and don’t overthink it. Definitely no need to call the cops.”

Elysia’s eyes widened in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“It’s exactly as I said. Elijah’s father was the one who took the kid. He was just messing with you.”

Her breathing grew erratic. “How do you know that?”

“I’ve been with him the whole time. Though I did tell him not to freak you out, he didn’t listen.”

Through gritted teeth, Elysia challenged him. “Why should I believe a word you say?”

“Do I look like I’m lying? If you don’t believe me, go ask him yourself. See, he’s right there in the café’s private booth. Hasn’t left yet.”

Without uttering another word, Elysia glanced at the café and, clutching Emmett tight, spun on her heel and left.

She didn’t seek out Tarquin. Instead, she stepped into the elevator and headed up to the seventh floor to find Blossom.

“Mommy, are you upset?” Emmett’s voice was cautious.

“No, sweetheart. I just got worried when you disappeared all of a sudden.”

Shaking with anger, Elysia knew it! She knew it had something to do with that rogue!

Once on the seventh floor, she handed Emmett over to Blossom and whispered, “Take the kids inside, and make sure they wear their masks, especially Elliot and Evan. We can’t let that wild man spot them.

He’s lurking around the mall. I’ve got to confront him, but I’ll be back soon.”

Blossom, sensing her anxiety, quickly asked, “Is everything okay?”

“It’s nothing. I’ve got this. Just watch the kids for me. I’ll explain when I get back.”

“Okay, call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” After Elysia headed back down, Blossom ushered the kids into the cinema.

Elysia made a beeline for the café Keaton had mentioned and barged into the private booth.

Tarquin, Lowell, and Keaton were all there.

With fists clenched, Elysia glared at Tarquin like a cornered wildcat.

“Was it you who took Emmett and grilled me over the phone?”

Tarquin frowned, saying nothing.

“Don’t play dumb. If you’re a real man, own up to it! Hiding behind your actions, what kind of man does that make you?”

Tarquin’s expression darkened, but Keaton seemed amused by the whole scene.

Lowell caught Keaton’s look and immediately understood. Keaton had been chewed out by Jessamine because of Tarquin, and he was quick to seek revenge.

No need to ask: Keaton’s smirk said it all. He had been the one to spill the beans to Elysia.

Lowell jumped in to diffuse the situation. “Ms. Thorne, please, just cool off. It’s a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? So he’s too cowardly to admit it? All bark and no bite, a coward, a snake!”

Tarquin’s temper flared. “Yes, I did it! What are you going to do about it?”

Admitting it so brazenly only infuriated Elysia further. She balled her fists, her breaths short and sharp, eyes locked on Tarquin. “You… alright, alright…”

Shaking with rage, Elysia suddenly lunged at Tarquin like a pouncing tiger.