Free Web NovelChapter 16: Chapter 16
Elise said nothing.
As absurd as Zoey’s words sounded, she now believed Dylan was fully capable of something like that.
"So what are you going to do?" Zoey asked.
Elise’s expression remained calm. "Look at it another way—Dylan caring this much about Robin might actually be a good thing."
"A good thing?" Zoey reached out and touched her forehead. "You don’t have a fever, so what kind of nonsense are you talking about?"
"What I mean is," Elise said evenly, "if Dylan values Robin this much, then he won’t allow him to suffer even the slightest grievance."
Zoey frowned, then her eyes lit up in realization. "I get it. You can use the boy to pressure Dylan into cooperating with the divorce!"
Elise nodded. "If he refuses... then I don’t mind letting the entire city know that Robin is an illegitimate child."
Her hand moved unconsciously to her abdomen.
"I know the child is innocent," she added quietly. "But Dylan forced me into this."
"That’s the spirit!" Zoey said, then asked, "How long until that lawyer finishes the divorce agreement?"
"Probably within the next couple of days," Elise replied. "His daughter just returned to the country and hasn’t fully adjusted yet. He’s juggling taking care of her and work—I don’t feel right pushing him."
"Sounds like he’s playing both dad and mom. That’s not easy."
Elise pressed her lips together but said nothing more.
***
Two days later, Alexander Hayes sent Elise a digital copy of the divorce agreement. After reviewing it, she called him and pointed out several clauses that needed revision.
Alexander told her he had time that afternoon. If it was convenient, she could come to his office to go over it in person.
That suited her perfectly. Coincidentally, the paternity test results would also be ready that afternoon.
***
At 2 p.m., Elise arrived at Alexander’s law firm. A young assistant led her to his office door and knocked.
A calm male voice came from inside. "Come in."
The assistant opened the door. "Mr. Hayes, Mrs. Bennett is here."
Alexander, who had been reviewing documents at his desk, looked up toward the door.
The assistant stepped aside and gestured politely. "This way, please."
Elise walked in, stopping a few steps inside.
She looked at him and gave a slight nod. "Mr. Hayes, thank you for taking the time to see me."
Alexander closed the file and stood, walking around the desk. His demeanor was refined and composed as he extended a hand with a gentle smile.
"Mrs. Bennett, thank you for coming all the way."
"It’s no trouble." Elise shook his hand lightly.
He invited her to sit and instructed the assistant to prepare some tea and refreshments. Once everything was served, the assistant quietly left, closing the door behind her.
The room fell into undisturbed silence.
Elise took out the agreement from her bag and handed it to him.
"I’ve marked the clauses that need revision and written out my requirements. Please take a look."
"Of course." Alexander accepted the document and began reviewing it. A moment later, he closed the file and looked up at her again.
"All of these can be revised. If you’re in a hurry, I can update and print it out right now." fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
"Please do," Elise said. "I’d like to get it signed as soon as possible."
"No problem." The man stood up with the agreement in hand. "It might take a little while. Mrs. Bennett, please help yourself to some tea and snacks—I’ll be as quick as I can."
"That’s fine. I don’t have anything else scheduled this afternoon. I’ve got time."
He nodded and said nothing more.
Returning to his desk, he turned on the computer, opened the original document, and began revising the clauses Elise had marked.
Just then, Elise’s phone rang––it was Zoey.
Elise stood up, answering as she walked toward the door. "Zoey, I just got to the firm. I’m free now—go ahead..."
She stepped out and pulled the office door closed behind her.
Inside, Alexander’s fingers paused over the keyboard. He looked up at the closed door, his thoughts drifting back to the woman he had just met.
***
Outside the office was a small garden. Elise walked over to a bench and sat down.
Zoey’s voice came through the phone, serious. "Just like you suspected—the finance director, Anna Nyles, is working with Quinn. She’s probably embezzled quite a bit over the years!"
Elise wasn’t surprised. "Don’t waste time arguing with them. Use my authority to pull the financial records for the past five years."
"I already tried that. But Anna’s being difficult. At first, she said she hadn’t received any instructions from Quinn. Then I shoved the demotion notice in her face, and she changed her tune—said retrieving five years of records would take time. I told her I need it by the end of today, but there’s still no movement."
"They won’t hand it over today," Elise said calmly. "And we don’t need to push too hard. Just create pressure—make them nervous. In a company this big, if there’s financial fraud, Anna won’t be the only one involved. Someone with weaker nerves will crack first. Then we follow the trail and take Quinn down."
"Got it." Zoey paused, then added, "By the way, I’ve been observing the new girl in finance—Sandra Winston. She seems hardworking and pretty straightforward. I think she might be worth grooming."
"Keep watching her. If she proves reliable, reach out privately."
"Will do. By the way, when will you be done there? The lab called. The paternity test results are ready."
"It’s just a few clauses. Shouldn’t take long."
"Want me to go with you to pick it up?"
"No need," Elise said. "It’s less than ten minutes from here. If there’s still time afterward, I’ll go straight to Dylan at the company."
"You sure you’ll be okay going alone?" Zoey sounded uneasy. "Maybe wait for me?"
"No. Just keep an eye on things at the company."
"...Alright. But be careful. Call me immediately if anything happens."
"I will." Elise rested a hand over her abdomen. "I’ve been resting these past few days—I’m much better now. For the twins... and for the child I’m carrying now, I’ll take care of myself."
"That’s more like it! That’s the Elise I know. You’ve got this!"
A faint smile touched Elise’s lips as she ended the call.
Just as she stood up, a pair of soft, small arms suddenly wrapped around her.
Through the thin fabric of her dress, she could clearly feel a small, warm body pressing against her.
She froze for a moment, then lowered her gaze. freeweɓnøvel.com
A pair of dark, grape-like eyes looked up at her. It was a little girl—delicate and doll-like.
Elise frowned slightly and glanced around. There was no adult in sight.
She gently patted the child’s head, her tone softening. "Sweetheart, did you get separated from your family?"
The little girl blinked her big, beautiful eyes and looked at her.
Then, in a soft, syrupy voice, she called out, "Mommy!"
Elise’s eyes widened in shock.
"What..?"
