Chapter 296
Chapter 296:
“Mom, what is this place?” he asked, confused.
In an instant, we hurried to his side. He darted anxious looks around, trying to piece together what had happened.
“Oh no! I’ll get the doctor!” I blurted, turning toward the door.
Daniel’s hand caught my arm before I could take another step.
“Stay here. Let me handle it p>
For a moment, I stood there, stunned and silent, as he strode quickly down the hallway. Rian shot me a mischievous smile, but I only rolled my eyes, knowing exactly what she was thinking.
“Sophia, I’ve missed this so much!” Craig exclaimed, slamming the car door. We had barely pulled into the mall parking lot when his excitement became obvious.
“You know, shopping isn’t the same without you, my best friend!” His contagious laugh filled the air as I looped my arm through his and guided him toward the entrance. It didn’t escape my notice that his eyes flicked to the bodyguards following a few steps behind us.
Then he clicked his tongue. “See? Your husband really went all out and got you your very own personal security team.” Craig shot me a mischievous smile.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I warned, narrowing my eyes in mock accusation.
𝘋𝘰𝘸𝗇𝘭о𝖺𝗱a𝗯𝗅𝗲 PD𝖥𝘴 о𝘯
He shrugged, trying to act indifferent. “I don’t know, Sophia. Something tells me your heart is about to have a change of plans p>
“Please, Craig. Nothing is going to change, and nothing ever will p>
He hummed playfully. “If you say so p>
I gave him a disapproving look but didn’t argue. Instead, I dragged him straight into a women’s boutique.
After wandering through stores for a while, the smell of pizza lured us toward my favorite place. Just as we reached the door, a voice sounded behind me.
Craig gripped my elbow. “Hey, someone’s calling you,” he murmured.
“My beautiful p>
That voice stopped me cold, my heart hammering against my ribs. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Still, I slowly faced her, confirming what I already suspected.
“My Belle p>
Seeing her there left me stunned. I never imagined I’d run into her again in Los Angeles, especially after that chance encounter in Amador not long ago.
She started walking toward me, but I stepped back on instinct.
“My beautiful p>
Her words echoed as I kept moving, determined to keep distance between us.
“Ysabelle, wait p>
She kept trying to get my attention. I clenched my teeth when her hand closed around my left arm.
“My daughter p>
“Look, I understand you, but I only speak Portuguese, not whatever it is you’re saying,” I snapped, yanking my arm free and turning away, desperate to escape.
“Belle, listen to me. It’s really me. I’m your mother p>
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but you’ve got the wrong person. Craig, we’re leaving. Now p>
“What? I thought we were getting pizza p>
“We have to go. Right now,” I insisted, holding his gaze until he understood he shouldn’t argue with me.
“Okay, okay. Let’s go,” he replied, still bewildered as I grabbed his arm.