Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 221

Madeline was extra careful this time. If anyone knocked or rang the bell, she’d always check first. No way was she opening that door without making sure. After Julian had barged in the other night, she was still a little on edge.

She peeked through the peephole and saw a man in a sharp suit. It was Miles.

Madeline frowned. Wasn’t Julian supposed to be on a business trip? If he was gone, shouldn’t his assistant be with him? She got a sinking feeling about Miles being at her door this late. He must be here to take Noah back.

Miles knocked again when she didn’t answer. Madeline couldn’t just pretend she wasn’t home, not when he obviously knew she was there. She checked one more time to make sure he was alone, then opened the door.

Miles greeted her with his usual politeness. “Ms. Monroe.”

She nodded, keeping her tone light. “Miles, what brings you here so late?”

“I’m here to pick up Noah.”

Madeline’s heart dropped. She’d guessed right. He was here for Noah.

Trying to find a way around it, she said, “It’s already so late, and Julian’s not even home. Why not let Noah stay here tonight?”

Miles looked caught, almost pleading with her not to make things harder. If he went back without Noah, he’d be in serious trouble.

“I’m really sorry, Ms. Monroe. Mr. Grayson is already upset that you took Noah without permission. He said if you insist on keeping him, he’ll have to take drastic action.”

Madeline blinked, trying to figure out how far Julian would really go. “What kind of drastic action?”

Miles looked down. “He’ll send him away, somewhere you’ll never see him again.”

“No way.” Madeline’s face darkened in an instant. She would never let anyone keep her from her son. Julian really knew how to threaten her.

She took a breath. “Is he back from his trip?”

Miles forced a small smile. Honestly, if Julian were actually gone on business, the whole office would be breathing easier. “He just got back.”

Madeline’s face fell. She had no choice. “Wait here, I’ll get Noah.”

“Thank you, Ms. Monroe.”

Dragging her feet, Madeline walked into the boys’ room. Inside, Oliver and Noah had already heard everything.

“I’ll go back, Mom,” Noah said quietly. He knew Oliver wanted to stay with her too. He couldn’t keep her all to himself.

“No, let me go,” Oliver said quickly. “You just got here. I’ll be fine, the Graysons can’t do anything to me.” Before Noah could argue, Oliver added, “I’ll go with Dad this time. Next time you can. Deal?”

Noah pressed his lips together, then gave Oliver a quick hug. “Thanks, Oliver.”

Madeline watched her two little boys, her heart aching with pride and sadness. When would any of this end?

She walked out with Oliver. Miles saw how slow they were moving, how much they hated leaving each other, and even he felt a little guilty. But Julian was waiting downstairs. He had to do his job.

“Noah, your father asked me to bring you home.”

“It… it has everything to do with you. If he stays upset, he might not let you see Noah anymore.”

Miles wasn’t making it up. That really had been Julian’s plan. Who knew why he’d changed his mind this time? He could just as easily change it back.

“How could he?” Madeline and Oliver both shot back, glaring at him.

Miles shrank a bit. “Well…”

“Where is he?” Madeline asked.

Miles perked up. “Downstairs. This way, Ms. Monroe.”

He moved aside quickly, looking like he’d been waiting for her to ask.

Madeline eyed him, suspicious. “If I go see him, he’ll let me see Noah?”

“If you see him, his mood will improve. When he’s happy, of course he’ll let you see Noah. Please, Ms. Monroe.”

Madeline got the feeling Miles was ready to drag her down there himself. She really didn’t want to do this, but she couldn’t risk not being able to see her son. Gritting her teeth, she followed Miles downstairs.

Outside, a sleek Rolls-Royce sat at the curb. Inside, a man in a dark suit leaned his arm on the car window, a cigarette between his fingers. His lips were pressed tight, his brow tense. He looked like he was done waiting. Even from a distance, Madeline could feel the cold air around him.

Halfway down, memories of that night came rushing back. Madeline paused, suddenly unsure if she could face him.