A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 162

Celia's hands were trembling violently where she pressed them against her lower abdomen. Thankfully, the blanket covered her, so Tyson didn't notice.

Suddenly, her phone screen lit up. Someone had sent a message.

She glanced at Tyson—he was absorbed in his own phone, not paying her any attention. Only then did she dare to extend her shaking hand and grab her phone.

It was a picture from an unsaved number.

But Celia remembered exactly whose number it was.

The moment she tapped the photo open, a scream escaped her lips, sharper than she could control. Her hands shook even harder.

"What's wrong?" Tyson looked up immediately. Seeing the blood drain from her face, he strode to the bedside, frowning with concern.

"Don't come any closer!" Celia's voice rose to a near-shriek, startling Tyson so much he froze in place.

She hurried to lock her phone and hide it under the blanket, her voice quivering. "I—I don't know who it was... Someone just sent me a creepy picture as a prank, and it totally freaked me out, so..."

"Who would do something so childish?" Tyson's brow furrowed deeper. He quickly sat beside her, rubbing her back in reassurance. "It's okay, it's okay. Don't be scared. It's not real, none of it's real."

Not real.

Tyson's words were meant to comfort her, but to Celia, they felt like knives.

If Tyson ever found out that she hadn't just lied about the Thorne family, but had kept so many other secrets from him—if he realized the baby might not even be his—everything would fall apart.

The picture had come from Jude. He'd sent her a photo of them together in bed.

She had no idea when he'd taken it.

She didn't know whether he was just messing with her, or warning her—reminding her that the child growing inside her might very well be his.

Her father's words sent a jolt of excitement through Winona. After a moment's thought, she nodded. "Alright. If you trust me, I won't let you down."

Victor smiled with genuine pride, then asked, "By the way... how are things going with that Rogers boy lately?"

No matter how close they were, this kind of topic was always a little awkward between father and daughter.

Winona cleared her throat, trying to sound casual. "We're getting along pretty well."

That was putting it mildly.

Her mind flashed back to that night—the kiss by the floor-to-ceiling window. Her cheeks grew warm.

"That's good to hear." Victor nodded. "I don't know the details of what's going on between you and him, but I can say this: Elvis has always been a stand-up guy. He's nothing like..."

He'd almost mentioned Tyson, but caught himself, not wanting to upset his daughter. So he switched topics quickly. "Honestly, I also considered the eldest Quincy son back then. That kid's every bit as good as Elvis."