Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114: Chapter 114 The Threat

Caroline’s POV

"Caroline Bennett. I need to speak with you."

I froze at the sound of that voice. Turning slowly in my seat, I saw Ella Howard, her well-kept hand resting on her still-flat stomach.She wore an expensive designer outfit.

"You’ve got some nerve showing up here, you snake," Ava snapped, jumping to her feet.

"Caroline, please," Ella’s voice turned soft, her eyes filling with tears. "If it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t come to you like this. But please, just give me five minutes."

"Don’t believe her," Ava warned. "She’s been planning this for days. Ryan told me she’s been asking where you eat lunch."

I sighed deeply. "It’s okay, Ava. Let’s hear what she has to say. I’d rather handle this now than have her following me around Harbor Bay."

Ella quickly sat down beside me, her strong perfume making me dizzy. She wiped her eyes with a silk handkerchief, the big diamond on her finger catching the light.

"I’m talking to you as one mother to another," she began, putting her hand on her heart. "You know how hard it is raising a child alone. I know you’ve been doing it yourself because," she paused, "well, because you don’t even know who your son’s father is."

My blood went cold. Only someone from the office would know that about Liam’s father.

"Don’t you dare talk about my son," I warned, my voice low as Rory growled inside me. "Whatever you came here to say, leave Liam out of it."

"I’m begging you," Ella went on,tears running down her made-up face as she suddenly knelt beside my chair, making everyone in the restaurant stare.

"Please step away and let Draven be with me and our baby. Don’t make my child grow up without a father, without the father’s protection. Don’t you care about another mother?"

Many people were now watching us, whispering to each other.

"Ella," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "I’m not stopping Draven from doing anything. I ended things with him when I learned about your pregnancy. If he won’t marry you, that’s between you two."

"But you’re still here!" she hissed, her nice act slipping before she fixed it again. "You’re still working in his building, staying close to him. Do you know how that makes me feel? The mother of his child?"

"I work for Ryan now, not Draven," I said firmly. "And I won’t quit my job because you feel scared. That’s not happening."

Her face changed so fast it was shocking. The tears disappeared, replaced by anger as she stood up.

"You selfish, cruel bitch!" she screamed, so loud everyone in the restaurant could hear. "You’d take a father from an innocent child! What kind of woman are you?"

The restaurant went quiet, everyone looking at us. My face felt hot with shame as Ella kept acting, making me look like some horrible person.

"I know this is hurting us both," I said through my tears. "But they’ll never leave me alone otherwise."

"This would break me, Caroline," Draven said strongly, kissing my hand. "But I can’t stand seeing you hurt like this. I promise I’ll find another way. I’ve already talked to my lawyers about plans for the child, if it’s even mine. We’ll get through this. I love you more than anything."

He stood, gave a soft kiss to my forehead, and left. When the door closed, I cried harder, with deep sobs shaking my chest. My bond with Rory was all that kept me from falling apart.

Ava ran in moments later, with Ryan behind her. He saw my crying face and left quickly, saying bad words. Kyle came in soon after, giving me a big hug.

"Tell me who needs to be beaten up first, gorgeous," she said, trying to sound happy. "I’ve got my tough boots ready."

Rose from cleaning brought me some tea, and after washing my face, I went back to work, trying to stay busy.

By evening, all my friends had sent texts, each saying Ella Howard wouldn’t get near me again without trouble.

The next week and weekend went by fast. I did what I had to do, working, taking care of Liam, smiling when I should, but inside I felt empty. At least I never let Liam see how sad I was. No matter what happened with Draven and me, my son would always feel loved and safe.

As I put Liam to bed Sunday night, watching him sleep peacefully, I made a promise to us both—somehow, we would get through this hard time.