Chapter 10
In an instant, every glance toward Margaret shifted. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire.
“Yeah, that kid does kind of resemble Mr. Whitmore. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were actually his.”
“Everyone knows Irene couldn’t have children after that injury. What if Charles brought back some kid from an affair just to secure his inheritance?”
“Ugh, typical rich family drama. And here I thought real love could exist even among the wealthy. Poor Irene–nearly died for her husband, and this is how he repays her.”
One guess gave way to another, and soon the gossip spiraled out of control.
Margaret’s face darkened. She was just about to speak up when Charles stepped out of the house. He was dressed in a tailored suit, sharp and imposing. The lines of his face were even sharper than usual, his entire presence exuding silent authority.
“What’s everyone talking about?” His voice was low, firm, laced with pressure that demanded silence,
The chatter cut off immediately. Everyone knew Charles doted on his wife. He’d once risked his life just to marry her. No one was foolish enough to speak ill of her directly in front of him.
“It’s nothing. Mr. Whitmore. We were just saying how lucky the little guy is. He must’ve brought joy to your wife too”
Their tone turned suggestive. Then came the real jab, “By the way, where is Mrs. Whitmore? Strange she’s not here for her son’s big day.”
That got everyone’s attention. It was true–on such an important day, Irene was nowhere in sight.
Everyone’s eyes subtly shifted toward Charles, waiting for his response.
Unfazed, he stepped beside Margaret and took Aiden’s hand. “No need to worry, Irene’s preparing a gift for Aiden. She’s on her way.” “The party’s about to start, and I have a few things to handle. Please, make yourselves at home.”
Without another word, he turned and walked Aiden back inside, ignoring the murmurs behind him.
Upstairs, just outside the study, Aiden finally looked up. “Dad, it’s my birthday… Why isn’t Mommy with me? I want Mommy,” Charles’s expression tensed. His voice turned stern. “Listen to me your mother is Irene Aldridge. You will call her that from now on.” Aiden yanked his hand away, eyes full of resistance. “No! I don’t want her! She’s a bad woman! Mommy said she was going to get rid of me! She wants to steal you away from me -I hate her!”
“That’s enough!” Charles snapped.
In that moment, he couldn’t deny how much the boy resembled him as a child–stubborn to the core, willing to do anything to get what he wanted.
Asking a child to accept a stranger as his mother–it wasn’t fair. But they didn’t have a choice.
Hearing the raised voices, Elise stepped out of the room and saw the scene before her. Her nails dug into her palm.
She knew Irene had already taken the signed divorce papers and left. All she had to do now was walt. Once everything settled, she’d finally claim her place as the real Mrs. Whitmore–the mother of the heir.
Elise pinched herself hard, then dabbed at her eyes as tears welled up. She walked over and gently pulled Alden into her arms.
Charles, Aiden’s just a child. I carried him, raised him. Of course he needs me. That’s only natural.”
I know I’m nothing in your eyes. I know all you see is Irene… but please, don’t take it out on Aiden. He’s your son, Charles. Please, don’t hurt him.”
She’d used that same tearful plea once before, and it had worked. That night in his hotel suite, she’d whispered those words and
Chapter 10
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watched him give in.
And now, just as she expected, Charles softened. He helped her up, holding her close.
“Elise, you’ve always been understanding” He brushed a tear from her cheek. “As long as you don’t ask for the title of Mrs. Whitmore, I’ll make sure you stay. You’ll be by my side. You’ll watch Aiden grow up.”
Elise leaned into his embrace, lips curling into a subtle, triumphant smile.
It wasn’t until a housekeeper came to call him downstairs that Charles reluctantly let her go and headed back toward the garden with Aiden
The yard was filled with chatter and guests. Laughter echoed under the floral canopies.
But Charles’s eyes scanned the crowd, and still no sign of Irene. Not just her. No one from the Aldridge family had shown up either. He felt an uneasy pressure in his chest.
His assistant still hadn’t reported back. He pulled out his phone to call–but it was off.
He frowned and reached to power it up. Just then, the assistant burst through the doors, face grim.
W chill shot down Charles’s spine. He passed Aiden to Margaret without a word and strode back to the study.
Once the door closed, the assistant spoke in a low, urgent voice, “Mr. Whitmore, the driver and stylist we sent to pick up Mrs. Whitmore just reported in- she’s gone. No one can find her,”
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Chapter 10
