The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 231

December 20th marked Felix's one-month celebration.

The little guy had filled out since birth, his wrinkled newborn skin giving way to a soft, porcelain glow. Even this early on, a ghost of Rhys's features was beginning to surface in the infant's face.

Clara, blinded by motherly affection, simply thought her son was the most handsome boy in the world, convinced he had inherited all her best traits.

Simon was the most excited of them all.

As he put it, since he would likely never have children of his own, Felix was effectively his heir.

Disregarding the fact that he was stealing the spotlight, Simon held Felix and refused to let go, taking the baby on a grand tour of the living room.

They were surrounded by neighbors and friends they had met over the past year in Heron Bay, along with a few top influencers Simon had brought from his agency. The chorus of "Little Prince" followed them wherever they went.

Amidst the commotion, the doorbell rang.

Clara, who was helping arrange the platters, wiped her hands and headed for the door. "That must be Emily."

"Coming! You're going to break the doorbell..."

When she opened the door, Clara froze.

It was indeed Emily, clinging to a man's arm with a triumphant look on her face.

That wasn't the surprising part. The surprise was the man standing beside her.

Carrying armfuls of baby gift boxes, dressed in an impeccable suit with a stoic expression, was the man known for billing by the minute and famously stating he discussed "law, not feelings"—Brighton City's top attorney, Daniel Reed.

Clara stared blankly.

"What are you staring at?" Emily marched inside, commanding the room. "Daniel, put those over there. That's the welcome gift for Felix. Handle with care."

Daniel sighed softly and gave Clara a slight nod. "Miss Bridges, long time no see. This is a token of affection from Emily for the child. The separate gift is from me personally."

Clara's mouth twitched. "Mr. Reed, you... this is..."

"Let me introduce you." Emily walked back and leaned her head on Daniel's shoulder. "My boyfriend, Daniel. Well? Isn't it a surprise?"

Clara couldn't reconcile the two of them together.

In her memory, their only interaction had been the day she picked up her divorce papers, where they hadn't even exchanged eye contact.

"It certainly is... a surprise," Clara managed after a long pause, stepping aside to let them in, thinking the world was truly a strange place.

"Mr. Reed, thank you for coming all this way."

Daniel set the items down and said coolly, "We're all friends here."

Noah withdrew his hand, gave a few instructions to the nanny, and turned to walk out.

"Let him sleep. There's plenty of time in the future. The silver pendant is a bit traditional, but I carved the inscription myself. I just want Felix to be safe."

Clara walked him to the door.

The night breeze was cool. Noah stopped and looked at Clara.

After a month of recovery, she had filled out a little. She no longer looked as haggard as she had a year ago, and there was a light in her eyes again.

He wanted to hug her.

His fingers twitched, but he shoved them back into his pockets.

"Go back inside. It's windy, you shouldn't be out in the cold."

"Okay. Text me when you land."

Noah nodded, turned, and got into the car.

Cameron, who had stayed sober today specifically to drive him, waited until the door closed before glancing at Noah. "Clara is divorced and has a baby now. She's psychologically vulnerable and needs support. If you don't make a move now, and then disappear for half a month, what if someone else beats you to it?"