Chapter 10
The whole crowd’s energy shifted as they stared at Laurel, whispers spreading through the garden.||
“Yeah, that kid’s got Quentin’s eyes for sure. Could totally be his biological son.“]
“Poor Jessica nearly died saving Quentin and can’t have kids. What if Quentin brought home his bastard child just to inherit the family fortune? |
“Ugh, this shit happens in every wealthy family. And here I thought these people actually had real love. Feel so bad for Mrs. Atlante–she literally almost died for him, and this is how she gets repaid?“|||
Once the speculation started, there was no stopping it
Laurel’s face darkened, about to shut them down.
That’s when Quentin emerged from the house in a custom–tailored suit, looking sharp and dangerous as hell.
“What’s everyone chatting about?” His voice was low and commanding, radiating authority.
The crowd went dead silent. Everyone knew Quentin was obsessed with his wife–the man had nearly died trying to marry her.[]
Nobody was stupid enough to bad–mouth Jessica to Quentin’s face without knowing the full story.[]
“Nothing really, we were just saying how lucky it is that Carter found his way to your family. I bet Mrs. Adante just adores her new son.“1
The comment was loaded, and the guest’s eyes swept the crowd before continuing “By the way, where is Mrs. Adante? I mean, it’s Carter’s birthday.”
a’s abse
Everyone suddenly noticed Jessica’s absence from such an important event.[]
All eyes turned to Quentin, waiting for his reaction.[]
Quentin’s expression didn’t change one bit. He walked over to Laurel and took Carter’s hand: “Appreciate the concern, but Jess is just getting Carter’s special gift ready. She’s on her way.“]
“The party’s A
party’s about to start, and
and I’ve got some business to handle. Please, enjoy yourselves.”
With that, he walked into the mansion with Carter, ignoring everyone else.[]
Once they reached the study upstairs, Carter finally spoke up: “Daddy, it’s my birthday. Why can’t Mommy be with me? I want my real mommy.
Quentin’s face hardened: “Listen carefully–from now on, your mother’s name is jessica Rolando.”
Carter jerked his hand away, his eyes full of defiance: “No! I don’t want her as my mom! She’s a mean lady! Mommy says she wants to get rid of me and steal you away. I hate hert
“Enough” Quentin snapped []
He had to admit, Carter was just like him as a kid–stubborn as hell and ready to fight dirty to get what he wanted
Making a child call a strang
a stranger “mom” felt wrong, but they were out of options.[
Carrie heard the commotion and came out of her room, silently gritting her teeth at the scene
She knew Jessica had already left with the signed divorce papers. Just a little longer, and as the heir’s biological mother, she’d claim
the Mrs. Atlante title.
With that thought, Carrie pinched herself hard, then walked over with tears in her eyes to pull Carter into her arms.[]
“Quentin, he’s just a kid. I gave birth to him, I raised him–of course he can’t let go of me.”
1
“I know I’m nothing to you, that you only love Jessica, but please don’t take it out on Carter. He’s your son–please don’t hurt him.“[]
This was the same trick that had gotten Quentin into bed with her the first time, and made him unable to send her away.[]
Sure en
enough, Quentin’s expression melted as he helped her up and pulled her into his arms.
“Carle, you’re so understanding. He gently wiped away her tears. “As long as you don’t expect to be Mrs. Atlante, I’ll let you stay and watch Carter grow up.”
Carrie leaned into his chest with a satisfied smile playing at her lips.[]
When a servant came to hurry them along. Quentin reluctantly walked Carrie back to her room before taking Carter downstairs.[]
In the garden below, guests mingled in small groups, the party atmosphere buzzing with excitement.]
Quentin scanned the crowd but Jessica was still nowhere to be seen. Hell, not one member of the Rolando family had shown up either.[]
His chest tightened with unease, that bad feeling growing stronger.]
His assistant hadn’t sent any updates, so he pulled out his phone only to discover it had died at some point[]
Quentin frowned, about to put it away when he saw his assistant rushing in, looking grim.
He immediately knew something was wrong. He handed Carter over to Laurel and headed back to the study.
Once the door was closed, his assistant said gravely:
“Mr. Atlante, driver and stylist sent to pick up Mrs. Atlante reported back–Mrs. Atlante’s gone.“]
