A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 129

Tyson reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his touch surprisingly tender.

Watching him, Celia felt a measure of relief settle over her anxious heart.

No matter what else had changed, Tyson still cared about the child she was carrying.

And as long as that was true—there was still hope.

After reassuring her, Tyson stood and left, driving straight to the hotel where the birthday celebration had been held.

By the time he arrived, the party was over and most of the guests had already dispersed.

Just as Tyson was about to head inside to see if Winona was still around, he spotted Mr. Dalton personally escorting two people out the front doors.

It was Elvis and Winona.

Mr. Dalton was all smiles, chatting amiably with the two of them.

A cool night breeze swept by. Winona instinctively rubbed her bare arms, shivering a little at the chill.

Without missing a beat, Elvis slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Winona turned to him with a grateful smile.

That smile—

Tyson felt as if his heart might shatter.

How could she smile at another man like that?

That smile used to belong to him, and him alone.

Mr. Dalton noticed the exchange and grinned mischievously, saying a few more words before finally heading back into the hotel, leaving Elvis and Winona to themselves.

As they made their way down the steps toward the parking lot, they caught sight of Tyson standing there in the shadows.

Winona's face showed no sign of surprise at the sight of him.

She made no move to acknowledge Tyson, either. Instead, she turned to Elvis and said, "It's getting chilly tonight. Let's head home early."

"Sure," Elvis replied, his voice warm, indulgent. "I'll pick up some of that hot tea you like on the way."

He searched her eyes desperately for any trace of the love she'd once felt for him.

He found nothing.

Still, he couldn't bring himself to give up.

"Nona, there's got to be…" Tyson wanted to say, "There's got to be some kind of misunderstanding," but even to his own ears, it sounded pathetic.

So instead, he pleaded, "I know things happened before that made you angry. It was all my fault. If you're still upset—punish me, do whatever you want—just don't…"

He glanced at Elvis, and in that look burned all the jealousy and hatred he could muster.

Elvis's lips curled into a cold, mocking smile.

"Mr. Goodwin, you really don't know how to take a hint."

"This is between me and Nona, Mr. Rogers. You have no right to interfere." Tyson's fists clenched at his sides.

But even as he spoke, he saw Winona reach out and take Elvis's hand—of her own free will.