Chapter 16

She called him again and again before he finally picked up. His tone was ice-cold. "I'm in a meeting. What do you want?"

Lucie's anger boiled over. "Steven, why is Cody at your mother's house? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It doesn't mean anything," he replied, maddeningly calm.

She nearly shouted, "You're just afraid I'll take him for a paternity test, aren't you? What are you hiding from me?"

"You're overthinking it," Steven said. "My mother just misses Cody. She wants to be a bigger part of Cody's life."

"Liar!"

He cut her off, voice flat. "I'm busy. I can't talk." And the line went dead.

"Hello? Steven?" But it was useless. He'd already hung up.

Lucie's hands trembled with fury. He was hiding something. She knew it in her bones.

Fine. If you won't let me see my son, I'll go pick him up myself.

She glanced at the clock-1:30 p.m.

Cody's preschool let out at 2:30. If she hurried, she'd make it in time.

She changed clothes in a blur and sped out the door, heart pounding. Today, no matter what, she'd get that paternity test.

By 2:30, the school gates swung open.

Only a handful of parents waited outside; most of the children here were fetched

by drivers or nannies. It was New Amberton's finest kindergarten. Only the wealthy and powerful sent their children here.

Cody was always picked up by a private driver and a nanny.

Soon enough, Lucie spotted them: the nanny leading Cody by the hand, four stone-faced bodyguards trailing behind.

Cody skipped along, clutching a little box of homemade cookies.

"I made these myself!" he announced. "I'm saving them for Aunt Shannon."

Lucie hurried forward, blocking his path. "Cody, sweetheart, Mommy's here to pick you up."

Cody glanced up, his eyes cool and distant. He stuck out his tongue. "Hmph! You're a bad mommy. I don't want to see you!"

The words sliced straight through

her. Even with all her doubts, shee

missed him desperately these past few days. His resentment toward her really hurt.

While Lucie stood frozen, a familiar figure approached. Shannon was graceful in a white Sundress her

smile warm as she waved. "Cody! I'm here to get you!"

Cody's whole face brightened. He ran to her, holding out the cookie box. "Aunt

Shannon, look! I made these just for you!"

Shannon accepted the box and kissed his cheek, beaming. "Thank you,

sweetheart. You're such a good boy."

The sight shattered the last of Lucie's restraint. She strode over, grabbing Cody's arm. "Cody, you're coming with me."

"No! Let go, you mean lady!" Cody twisted away, glaring.

Shannon stepped between them, alarmed. “Lucie, what are you doing? Don't be so rough with him!"

Lucie's voice shook with anger. "He's my son, Shannon. I'm taking him home."

"I don't think so," Shannon replied coolly. "Cody and I already made plans to have dinner with my godmother tonight."

"Fine!" Lucie snapped. She reached for Cody, intent on snatching a few strands of his hair. For the test, that was all she needed.

Shannon shoved her back. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Go away, bad mommy!" Cody cried.

"Don't let her near Cody!" Shannon ordered, and the four bodyguards instantly closed ranks, blocking Lucie's path.

"Ma'am, please step back," one said, expressionless.

Lucie's fury nearly choked her. Her own bodyguards were listening to Shannon.

"Cody, let's go," Shannon said, hustling him toward the waiting car.

From the window, Cody stuck his tongue out at Lucie again. "Hmph! You're not my mommy! Aunt Shannon says she's going to be my new mommy!"

The words slammed into Lucie like a punch to the chest. She staggered back, breathless.

།

Shannon stroked Cody's back, a smug little smile on her lips. Sunlight glinted off the enormous diamond ringon her finger ring Lugte knew all too well.

Her stomach twisted. That was the ring she'd picked out with Steven at that

auction. Now it sparkled on Shannon's hand.