Focus on Revenge A Photographer’s Killer Shot novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Isolde didn’t even glance at the agreement. She looked straight at Doris.

“Tell Vincent,” she said evenly, “my lawyer will be in touch about the divorce.”

With that, she turned to leave.

But Doris stood up quickly.

“Isolde,” she called gently. “Is… is Rowan with you?”

Isolde paused. Half-turned.

Doris’s voice was soft, threaded with something like hope. “It’s been days. I haven’t seen him. Would you mind if I came up to see him?”

Isolde didn’t want Doris stepping into her studio.

But Rowan was Doris’s son. After the divorce, she wouldn’t even legally be his foster mother.

She hesitated-just as a familiar, childish voice rang out from behind.

‘Mommy!”

Isolde turned.

Rowan was already running toward her.

He flung himself into her arms. She caught him instinctively, her hand reaching up to ruffle his hair. “Why’d you come down by yourself?”

‘Betty took the elevator with me,” he explained. “She saw me enter the café before she left.”

still holding her tightly, he buried his cheek against her. “Mommy, you’ve been gone so long-I missed you!”

solde smiled faintly, helplessly.

That boy really knew how to work her heart.

The warmth of their interaction landed like a slap in Doris’s chest.

she wobbled slightly where she stood, her already pale face going whiter still.

Rowan…”

The boy stiffened.

His eyes met Doris’s tear-bright ones.

He hesitated, the arms around Isolde loosening.

solde felt the tension shift in him. She was about to help him down when the sound of footsteps approached.

Doris.”

It was Vincent.

fall and severe in his black overcoat, his presence cut through the room like a cold draft.

Isolde watched as he strode over to Doris.

Without a word, he took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders-covering her from head to toe.

Protecting her.

Enveloping her.

Vincent leaned in, speaking softly to the woman in his arms. “There are photographers outside.”

Doris gasped, hands tightening in his coat.

The once-famous face hid itself against his chest.

Vincent wrapped his arms around her and began to walk out.

As they passed Isolde, he said without looking at her:

“Bring Rowan home. I’ll pick him up later.”

Not a request.

A notification.

Isolde stood frozen as they left.

Through the café’s glass wall, she watched Vincent shield Doris all the way to the car.

Not a strand of her hair showed. He didn’t even let the wind touch her.

He opened the car door. She climbed in. He followed. The Maybach pulled away.

solde looked down at the divorce papers in her hand.

Her fingers tightened.

She bit her lip hard-fighting the sting in her eyes, forcing the heat back down.

‘Mommy?”

Rowan’s voice tugged her back.

She looked at him. His face was small, sweet, full of concern.

Are you okay?”

solde forced a breath into her lungs and smiled faintly. “I’m fine.”

This was between the adults.

towan shouldn’t have to carry any of it.

Mommy,” he tugged her hand, his voice coaxing. “Can you come home with me? Please? I haven’t seen Daddy in days. I really miss him.”

solde let out a quiet sigh.

…Alright. I’ll take you home.”

Yes!” Rowan lit up, hugging her waist. “Mommy, you’re the best!”

he smoothed a hand over his hair.

Looking at his innocent, trusting little face, Isolde felt her heart twist.

Five years of marriage.

All that remained was this one child’s unwavering love.

Everything else… was lies.

All of it… just a dream she had told herself to believe in.