Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 42

Helene’s eyes darkened for a moment, and she gave a small nod. “Alright, I get it.”

As soon as the doctor walked off with the blood sample, Helene clenched her fists so tightly her nails bit into her palm. The second she left the Grayson estate and slid into the back seat of her car, she pulled out her phone and called her contact. “Julian and Noah’s DNA samples are already on their way to the lab. Are you sure you’ve got this covered?”

“Relax. I’ll take care of everything.”

Helene finally let herself breathe. “Just remember, we can’t afford even the tiniest mistake.”

“I know.”

…

In the study, Noah knocked quietly at the door.

“Dad?”

Julian looked up and saw Noah hovering in the doorway. The chill in his eyes faded a little, and he motioned for him to come closer. “Why aren’t you in bed? It’s late.”

“I saw everything online.” Noah walked over, face serious and a little stubborn. “Dad, you need to apologize to Mom.”

Julian raised an eyebrow, surprised at how natural it felt to hear Noah call Madeline ‘Mom.’

“You really care about her, huh?”

“You blamed her for something she didn’t do. You should admit you were wrong and say sorry.” Noah’s big eyes didn’t waver.

Julian had to admit the kid was right. He’d jumped to conclusions about Madeline that day. He owed her an apology. Not that he expected her to accept it. Knowing Madeline, she’d probably slam the door in his face.

“She holds onto grudges and has a horrible temper. If I go over there, she’ll probably throw me out.”

“That’s not true. You’re the one who’s grumpy. Mom’s actually really gentle.”

To Noah, his mom was the softest person in the world.

Julian frowned, catching something odd. “How would you know what she’s like? You’ve never even spent time with her.”

Noah paused, but recovered fast. “She just… seems gentle. Don’t you think?”

For a second, Julian pictured Madeline’s beautiful face in his mind. He remembered how her smiles used to light up a room, how even her eyes would soften. But that was five years ago. The Madeline he knew now could be kind to everyone else, but she’d never be gentle with him again.

Julian let out a bitter little laugh. “I’ll give it a shot.”

Miles snapped to attention. “Nothing, Sir. Just talking to myself.”

“Get out.”

“Yes, Sir. Please get some sleep.”

Julian scowled. Everyone kept telling him to get some sleep. How was he supposed to rest with all this on his mind? He closed his eyes and tried to think, but all he got for his trouble was a pounding headache.

…

The next morning, Madeline woke up to her phone blaring nonstop. Brenda, who had crashed at her place last night, groaned and yanked the covers over her head.

Madeline glanced at the caller ID and her expression turned frosty in an instant. She walked into the living room before picking up.

“Madeline, what took you so long to answer?”

Her voice was cold as ice. “What do you want?”

“You little brat. You come back and didn’t even bother to visit home, then you go off and cause trouble. Get your butt over here right this second.” Drew’s booming voice filled the room.