Chapter Fifty Six
Damien’s POV
“Oh, dear, what happened?” Bonnie’s teacher kneeled to examine her wounds.
+25 BONUS
I glanced at my watch. Vanessa’s outburst had cost me precious time–I had a stop to make before I headed to the office.
“She fell while getting ready for school, but she’s fine now I said impatiently.
Lily gave me a pointed stare. “I wouldn’t say that. These wounds should have been cleaned and dressed straight away.”
“I’m sure you can understand–I’m a busy man.” I said, jaw clenched.
She turned to Bonnie. “Please go to the school nurse, dear.”
My daughter nodded solemnly and limped inside.
“Mr. Kent, I have major concerns about Bonnie’s care.” The teacher gave me a hard stare. “She’s often late for school, fetched hours after pickup time, and now you’re dropping her off in such a neglectful state.”
Her accusatory tone sent a spark of anger through me.
“That’s none of your concern.”
Lily tilted her chin up. “Her academic performance is slipping, and she’s slowly isolating herself from her peers. We expect better from parents here at Saint Ambrose’s International Preschool.”
I fought for my voice to stay level. This lowly teacher was criticizing me all because of Vanessa’s lack of parenting/ skills.
“This won’t be an issue much longer; Bonnie’s mother will be back home soon. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a company.to run.”
I left without waiting for a response. Miss Wilson handed me a folder as my driver closed the door behind me.
A slow smile crept over my face as I went through all the information on Celeste’s business.
“Mr. Kent, what are we going to do?” My secretary’s anxious voice filled the car. “We didn’t anticipate that Rosemary would be your ex wife–she’ll never sign with the company.”
My head snapped up. “Why would you say something so preposterous?”
“Um, well, she b–brutally rejected your advances in your office on Saturday, sir.” She stammered, hands wringing in her lap.
“Don’t doubt me, Miss Wilson. Celeste is simply hurt that I discarded her, but I’ll win her back.” I said, impatiently drumming my fingers on the leather seat. “Tell the driver to take me to her studio.”
Soon I was ringing her doorbell, a charming smile plastered on my face.
“Ugh, what do you want?” Grace wrinkled her nose at the door.
My smile fell, face darkening. We’d never gotten along and ‘d done a fine job of pushing her out of Celeste’s life, but it seems she’d crawled back in.
If I wanted Celeste back, I’d have to get rid of this nuisance again.
Chapter Fifty Six
“I’m here to speak to my wife.” I said as I roughly walked past her.
+25 BONUS
The studio was well decorated and spacious, with light spilling in from the large windows. I was blown away at the setup.
This location would make a fine addition to my portfolio.
Grace chased after me. “You’re not welcome here, Damien. Get out before I call the cops.”
Then an infuriating thought popped into my head.
“What are you so desperate to hide?” I spat as I scoured the place. “Celeste! Are you tangled up with your charity case assistant?”
“How dare you barge into my studio and cause a ruckus?” Celeste asked, voice hard.
I halted in my tracks. She threw her gloves aggressively on her workbench and I wanted to kick myself. That was not the face of a woman being wooed.
“I was concerned about you.” I said, voice softening. “Bonnie didn’t mean what she said. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Celeste crossed her arms. “You never cared about my feelings when we were married, so why bother now?”
I approached her carefully, brows creased with worry.
“I’m trying to prevent a permanent rift between you and our daughter for the sake of our family.”
“She’s your daughter, Damien. And we-” She pointed between us. “Are not family.”
I sighed and ran my hands down her arms to clasp her hands.
My voice was low, smooth. “Baby, please reconsider–what’s that?”
I felt a possessive rage bubble over as I spotted what was obviously a child’s artwork.
“Who is Molly?” I asked, grip tightening on her hands.
She wrenched herself free.
“None of your damn business.” She said coldly.
I studied her hard face and then released a scathing laugh.
“Your insistence on getting divorced and eagerness to cut ties with Bonnie makes sense now.” I leaned in close, seething. “You’ve been with that Ryan loser the whole time haven’t you?”
“What are you insinuating?”
I thrusted a finger at the display. “This is the work of your legitimate child.”
“God, you’re thick as a brick.” Grace said, exasperated. “How would a woman hide a pregnancy and give birth unnoticed? Molly is Ryan’s niece. The only illegitimate child is in your mistress’s womb.”
I floundered, heat rushing in. Celeste had the audacity to smirk as she gestured to her full workbench.
“You may have plenty of time to write fiction, but I have orders queued up. It’s time you leave,”
“You don’t have to work yourself like a dog. I’ll buy your studio and equipment for double its mortgage value.” I said, the offer dripping condescension. “It’s petty change to a man of my stature.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter Fifty Six
“How do you know how much my mortgage is?” She asked coldly.
1 smirked. “I always do my due diligence before going into business with someone.”
“But clearly not before getting into bed with them.” She bit back.
The truth stung–I seriously dropped the ball with Vanessa.
“Leave. Now.”
She shoved me toward the door, but I dug my heels in.
“I thought you’d want to know what happened to our daughter this morning.” I said, my voice deliberately tense with concern. “Vanessa seriously injured her.”
