A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 145

"Of course—you're the baby's father. It's in his blood."

"Alright, get some rest. I'll be there soon."

"Okay. I'll wait for you."

As soon as the call ended, Tyson meant to head straight for the hospital. But, almost against his will, his gaze drifted back to that photo of Winona and Elvis.

He searched for any sign—any hint—that Winona wasn't really happy with Elvis. But no matter how long he stared, that bright, beaming smile on her face only stung him more.

Lost in thought, Tyson suddenly remembered a night back in college when he and some friends from the student council went out to the arcade. Winona was already his girlfriend by then, so she'd tagged along.

He recalled how Winona had stood in front of the claw machine, watching it for ages. Tyson knew she probably wanted to play, maybe even win one of those stuffed animals inside. But he'd thought the whole thing was childish, so he never offered to play with her.

Now, in the photo, Elvis and Winona were standing right by a claw machine. Winona was hugging a stuffed panda—almost certainly won from that very game.

"Nona…" Tyson murmured, eyes fixed on her image.

A wave of regret washed over him. If only he'd played the claw machine with her back then. If only he'd tried to win her that toy. Would things be different now?

Night had fallen before Celia called him again, finally snapping him out of it. Only then did Tyson leave for the hospital.

When he walked into the hospital room, Celia looked up and pouted.

"Ty, you're so late."

"A client called at the last minute. It took a while." Tyson brushed it off, then asked, "How are you feeling today? Any better?"

"I'm fine. I just missed you," Celia said, stretching out her arms with a playful whine.

"The client said they'll pay the full penalty for breaking the contract."

But compared to the profits from the deal, that penalty was pocket change.

Tyson's grip tightened around his phone as his vision swam.

"Ty, are you alright?" Celia asked, worry in her eyes.

He ended the call, slumping onto the couch, his gaze bleak.

"I need to secure a deal with the Quincy family. Fast," he muttered.

"The Quincy family?" Celia's eyes flickered with guilt. "Which Quincy family?"