Ivy lay bound to a board. She struggled through the pain and discomfort. It happened again. How could something so terrible happen again, and become worse? But this time, Heath was with her, by her side. She could feel him holding her hand. Ivy remembered the fall and the pain. Seeing Monica fall past her screaming. Monica hitting her head on the marble stair's edge and slid down to the floor.Ivy couldn’t stop the sobs that came from her. She’d seen the blood pooling beneath Monica’s head. She never expected this to happen. Monica used online platforms and private gatherings to threaten and slander people. She didn’t kill people.Now Monica was dead, and Ivy didn’t know if she should feel responsible because of how she taunted Monica. Ivy hesitated to ask Heath if it was over, wanting to focus on how her life would change.“Hey, you’re on the way to get medical attention, love. It’s okay. Hang in there. It’s only a matter of minutes.” Heath’s voice said this through the haze of pain
“Well.” Parker slowly leaned back an inch. “That went well, wasn’t it? However, before we potentially regret it because of the circumstances, let’s pause and reflect on our success.” He said this to Kathy. A cocky half grin settled again on his lips. The man knew restraint and control. Damn it. Kathy enjoyed the surprise kiss, and she didn’t want it to end. She’d been enjoying the feel of a man finally getting far enough to kiss her. Many dates ended before the first kiss. The last kiss she’d received left so much to be desired that she didn’t dare try to describe it beyond. It was colossally disappointing. She sat with a man who gave off confusing signals, as if they were speaking different languages. But she’d be willing to learn his language because Parker knew how to kiss. Kathy licked her lips, wanting to remember his taste and smell. She’d never met a man whose taste blended so well with his scent. He smelled of cloves and tasted of cinnamon a
Heath disconnected his call to Parker and Kathy. Luckily, there was one positive thing in his world. His son was safe and so was his best friend. Now he waits to learn if his beloved will regain the ability to walk. It didn’t matter to him whether she could. What mattered was how she felt about herself and how she lived her life. Heath understood Ivy couldn’t live the life his mother and grandmother did. She couldn’t fill her days with luncheons and charity work. Ivy needed her art, antiques, and books to restore. She has a team that adds diversity by working in the field. Parker showed him files and reports on several projects she’d worked on. He’d also spoken to Kathy and found out how she’d pulled off single motherhood, too. Kathy took care of Geoff while she was away. Yet another reason Heath felt he should protect and help Kathy out with her safety, life, and maybe her career. He couldn’t waltz in and take Ivy and Geoff away from her. Or her away from Ivy and Geoff. Their friend
“I’m sorry. So, what was the evidence we sent you, you used then?” Heath inquired about the use of the extensive evidence his team had provided throughout the years. Nothing seemed to move the investigation along. “There’s an old investigative saying. Most hold little to it, but I find it’s right sometimes. This is one of those times. ‘When in doubt, follow the money.’ Here, the saying was correct. You saved us valuable time sending that to us. We took it a step further, of course, but it wasn’t easy. Your ex-wife would buy items with money she gained from your family. Then she’d turn around and sell it on a site that specializes in second-hand luxury products. Which you proved to us. We followed the money from the website to a bank account. There we found out where she withdrew the money. Now this is where it got tricky. We had to trace the money's whereabouts after she held it. It turned out she’d meet with someone our investigation has watched for a long tim
Elizabeth reached her limit with these people. Her son and husband both hated all the work she did for them. She sacrificed everything for the family she married into. Including sacrificing her family for the privilege of being Mrs. Allan. Despite her efforts to rectify one mistake, they refused to forgive her.Despite warnings from both her and Rowan, a woman came close to death because of her proximity to her son. Elizabeth’s lack of warmth and empathy was clear.She’d not chosen Ivy because of her appearance, being poor and frumpy. Heath needed a woman who fit the role of an asset. Who could embody a discerning eye for quality? A woman with beauty and sophistication. Ivy had neither. She looked nothing like that now with her son in the photo Heath sent her.Elizabeth needed to get a grip on herself. She found a seat in a nearby waiting room. Now two women were in surgery. One to walk, the other to live.The guilt wracked her when she heard the footsteps of several people entering t
“Geoffrey Smythe, what have we told you about talking to strangers?” Kathy said. When she returned and interrupted the enjoyable conversation Elizabeth, and her grandson were having. The serious little boy before her couldn't escape her thoughts - he was her grandson. Elizabeth liked Kathy instantly for caring what Geoffrey did and with whom. It reminded Elizabeth about how she’d not done that enough with Heath. “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers because there could be stranger danger.” Geoff said to Kathy. His contrite response made Elizabeth realize that Kathy had likely had this conversation with Geoffrey before. So, he’s smart and friendly. It could become problematic over time. The family would have their hands full with him. “Exactly.” Kathy gave Geoff the snack he asked for. She glanced distractedly at the way Parker left. Elizabeth assumed she anxiously waited for his return. “It’s alright. If this boy’s mother is Dr. Ivy Smy
Parker struggled to find anyone willing to share information with him. The hospital tightened their policy on security and privacy after an incident several years ago. The police presence kept the staff vigilant for anything unusual. Parker now stood cornered by several police officers. He felt like he’d landed up in an interrogation. “I’m Mr. Allan’s personal assistant and friend. He asked me to escort his son here with his caregiver. The boy is frantic to know what is happening to his mother and father.” Parker was aware of his appearance to the loitering police officers. He didn’t know whether they were there for Heath’s protection or someone else. However, he had to persuade the officers of his purpose on that floor in that ward. “Where’s the boy and caregiver?” They’d already stopped and carded him. Parker even showed them his museum identification. The worst part is he felt like a teen caught with alcohol at a beach party after cur
Parker pulled Kathy aside before they entered the room. “What is going on?” “I know it’s a little late. But I think she’s going through a mid-life crisis or an awakening. Something like that. Something’s triggered her developing a conscience, and she’s got enough regrets to sink a ship.” Kathy gazed at Parker, looking both mystified and bemused. She felt uncertain about everything. She’d never met the woman or heard her speak. From her conversations with Ivy and Heath, she gathered a little information. The woman carried herself with superiority, unapologetic for her words and actions. Even when someone pointed out she’d done or said something wrong.Confused, Parker briefly interacted with the woman, asking, "Is that right?" Has she acted this way towards you and Geoff the whole time? I need to know; this isn’t what she’s like everyday. Is it possible she's had a stroke? Parker went to enter the patient room, wondering if they should speak to Heath. The two of