Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

(Ethan’s POV)

“Understood, sir. We’ll handle it immediately.”

I hang up just as the examination room door opens.

The doctor emerges-a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense expression.

“Is she okay? Any injuries I should know about?”

“Superficial bruising on her wrists and ankles from restraints. Some minor cuts and scrapes. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure consistent with acute stress. But physically, she’s fine. No signs of sexual assault or serious trauma.” The doctor’s expression softens. “She’s very lucky you found her when you did.

“Can I take her home?”

“I’d recommend she stay for observation overnight-”

“No.” Sabrina’s voice comes from inside the room. “I want to go home. I want to see Jake.”

The doctor sighs. “Ms. Moore, after what you’ve been through-”

“I want to go home.” Sabrina repeats, appearing in the doorway, already dressed, her purse clutched in white-knuckled hands. “Please. I need to see my son.”

The doctor looks at me, and I nod. “I’ll take her home. Thank you for everything.”

“Alright. But if you experience any dizziness, nausea, or psychological symptoms-flashbacks, panic attacks-you come back immediately. Understood?”

“Understood.”

We sign the discharge papers and head to my car. Sabrina is silent the entire drive, staring out the window

with an unfocused gaze.

I want to say something to comfort her. But what words exist for this situation?

I’m sorry my assistant tried to have you assaulted?

I’m sorry I didn’t protect you better?

All of it sounds inadequate when compared to what she’d almost experienced. So I keep my mouth shut, I gaze fixed on the window.

The driver is pulling up to her house when my phone rings again.

My father’s name flashes across the screen.

I consider ignoring it.

But I know my father. This man doesn’t know when to give up. He’ll keep calling until I answer.

intide til be there in a

ust’ve shocked far

uds and climbs out of the car, moving almust lik

greater than she’s willing to show

I wait until she’s safely in the house before answering.

“What’

“Don’t take that tone with me” My father’s voice is sharp. Imperious. The voice of a man who’s used to obedience and expects nothing less. “I need you at the mansion. How We have matters to discuss

“Say what you need to say now, I’m busy”

“This isn’t a request, Ethan. We need to talk about Giselle. If you don’t show up within half an hour, I’m taking her to your grandmother.”

“Fine. I’ll be there in an hour.”

“You’ll be here now-”

“One hour, Or not at all.” I hang up before he can respond.

I sit in the car for a long moment, torn between going inside to check on Sabrina and dealing with my father’s demands.

But the truth is, I can’t move forward with Sabrina until I handle this. Until I disprove Giselle’s claim once and for all,

My father is determined to tie me down with her. But I’m no longer the same little boy he used to oppress. And now that mom is gone…

A cold sneer stretches my lips, as the long suppressed rage and resentment in my heart threaten to resurface.

I push it back down, knowing this isn’t the right time.

No, this isn’t the time at all.

Not when there’s Jake, and now Sabrina, in my life.

I can’t go public with our relationship while these complications hang over my head.

So as much as I hate it, as much as I want to stay with Sabrina tonight-I need to handle this now.

To clear all obstacles in our path, before taking that man down.

I text her: Had to deal with family emergency. Call me if you need anything. I’ll check on you tomorrow.

Then I signal my driver and give him the address to my father’s mansion.

Time to set some things straight.

enter

The Italt family mansiun sits on five acres of perfectly manicured grounds in the most exclusive neighborhood in the city.

I grew up here. Spent eighteen years learning to navigate my father’s moods, my mother’s absence, and the crushing weight of expectations that came with the Hale name.

I haven’t been back in six years.

Not since I took over the company and moved out.

The butler-same one who’s worked for the Hales for the past thirty years-opens the door before I knock.

“Mr. Ethan. Your father is waiting for you in the study.”

I nod, heading for the stairs.

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