17

Morgan's POV:

That guy?! That what Dante had to say to me?! Like he wasn't a million times worse!

I unlocked my car, my anger threatening to burst at the seams. He thinks he can waltz into my life and hijack it again?! Make my world revolve around him because what, he's about to invest money?!

What nonsense!

I got into my car, taking care not to slam the door. I love my car more than Dante, and it would be a shame to hurt it because of him. He's not worth anything at all, he shouldn't even be worth my passing glance.

"Calm down Morgan," I whispered to myself. "Don't let him bother you. He chose Nova, he can fucking live with that."

It's a beautiful Saturday. I should be relaxing, taking a breather after a very stressful week at work. Instead I'm sitting in my car, in the parking lot of a restaurant, fuming in anger.

Fuck it.

I took my phone out and dialed Vontrap. He picked on the second ring.

"Miss Morgan," He said curtly. In the background I could hear the excited voices of children singing happy birthday. "Is there a problem?"

"Send me the address to the party. I'm on my way."

"The kids are fine, miss Morgan."

"I know what I said," I controlled my voice so I wouldn't snap. "Thank you."

I could see him nodding. "Very well. "

I ended the call. Seconds later my phone dinged with a message containing the address. I punched it into the GPS and drove off.

*****

The venue of the party looked familiar, but I couldn't be sure whether I had been here or not.

I parked my car and got our, making sure my appearance was spotless. I may be here as a mother, but I was also the public face of Rosewood enterprises.

I walked to the birthday hall, keeping a bright smile on my face. The last thing I would want now is to worry my precious babies. I walked into the hall, and it felt like I was stepping into an alternate universe.

The entire theme was batman. Batman posters, balloons, even curtains were all I could see. The kids, about a dozen of them were all in costumes and acting out a scene from a superhero movie. To my surprise, Miranda was the damsel in distress.

"Miss Morgan," A voice whispered beside me. I turned to see Vontrap. I looked to my side, and seated on the couches were parents and guardians enjoying the show.

"Hello," I said to Vontrap.

He stood beside me, his eyes on the show. "I take it the deal didn't seal?"

"Not now." I said with a tight smile. "We do not discuss work outside of the office."

Miranda saw me and waved. All the kids turned. The boy playing batman started to whine about breaking character. I waved back at Miranda, her smile melting my heart. I wondered where Cole was and quickly spotted him. He was playing joker.

I laughed, covering my mouth shyly. "They're so adorable, aren't they?"

Vontrap made a noise of acknowledgement. I took my phone out and took pictures. I had barely taken six pictures when my phone started to ring. My dad was calling.

"I'm busy now," I said, still annoyed that he had called Dante to his office. He's my father, he's supposed to be on my side. He of all people should side with me and not my cheating, lying ex husband.

"Where are you?" He asked.

"I'm at a birthday party, dad. And you're ruining my vibes."

"Come to the office. I'm very sure Vontrap can watch the kids. They have bodyguards for a reason."

"And a mother too," I hissed through clenched teeth. Honestly, he's getting on my nerves now.

"Morgan, this is very important."

"So are my babies. I'll talk to you later, dad."

"Morgan. Don't you dare..."

"I'm hanging up now." I said and ended the call. He called back but I ignored his calls.

This isn't happening. His plans won't work at all, not today.

"Excuse me, Miss Rosewood?"

I turned to see a woman. She was dressed in the classy style with pearls and silk. She had a smile on her red lips, a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Yes?" I said cordially.

She extended a dainty hand for a handshake. "My name is Evelyn, I'm the mother of the twins."

I shook her hand and smiled. "Hello, Evelyn. Wonderful party,"

"Oh, I was afraid it'd be terrible. The kids planned it all themselves."

"Kids will be kids," I said.

"My daughter admires you a lot, she's fifteen and she one days hopes to be like you." Evelyn said. she tucked strands of dark hair behind her ears, showing off a citrine diamond ring.

"I would love to meet her sometime."

"She'd be delighted, Miss Rosewood." She said. Then without invitation she stood by my side. I took a step back, I never like it when people I didn't give mental permission to be close with me tried to be close to with me.

"You have such beautiful kids," Evelyn said. ""I was about to thank her for the compliment when she continued. "I don't recall seeing their father, however"

My blood turned to ice and I froze up. I turned to look at her, surprised at her audacity. "How does that bother you, Evelyn?" I asked.

She laughed. "I'm not saying it bothers me, Miss Rosewood. That was only a harmless question."

I grit my teeth and forced a smile on. The kids father. I had done my very best not to think about their father. I had erased him from my head.

And yet....somehow he keeps popping up. Today in person, and now in this conversation.

"You should mind your own business, Evelyn. I don't go about asking harmless questions to you, do I?"

She laughed again. My stomach churned. "Of course, my apologies if that came out the wrong way."

I turned and faced the party, not responding to her. She lingered about for a few more second and walked off to probably greet other parents and ask more harmless questions.

"Miss Morgan," Vontrap called.

"What?" I snapped. I realized my tone and sighed. "I'm sorry,"

"It's fine."

Miranda was waving at me again. The kids erupted into grumbles and shouts. She burst out laughing. Cole took off his mask and joined in her laughter.

Who cares about their father? They have me. They have their grandfather.

As far as I'm concerned, they don't have a father. I am their everything.