The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 71

Kingsley pulled his hand back in disgust, his brow furrowing. "I'm going to the office. Where are you going?"

"Just drop me back at the hotel then."

Ethan thought about it for a second; sleeping at the hotel sounded infinitely better than lingering at Kingsley's office. He turned his head and gave the driver the address.

The morning sun bathed the manor in warmth. Since starting her leave, Lucy had spent almost every waking moment by Seven's side.

After breakfast, she took the little boy into the courtyard to play on his ride-on car.

Seven sat on the seat, his small hands gripping the steering wheel. He tilted his head back to look at Lucy, his voice soft and milky. "Mom...sit."

"Okay."

Lucy's heart melted. She smiled, circled to the back of the car, and sat down, gently wrapping her arms around him.

The voice she used now could have melted butter, standing in utter contrast to the all-business demeanor she projected publicly.

"Seven, can you show Mommy how to count like we practiced last night?" she asked softly.

Seven opened his little pink mouth and recited earnestly, "One, two, three, five..."

Lucy couldn't help but chuckle, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "After three comes four, then five... but our Seven is already doing so well."

Seven frowned in concentration, repeating quietly, "Three... four, five..."

Lucy lowered her head and kissed his soft cheek, her tone encouraging. "Yes, that's right. You're so smart."

Hearing the praise, Seven immediately grinned, showing his little teeth, and rocked his body back and forth. "Mom... ma, go!"

Lucy's fingers flew across the screen: [I'm not taking it!]

Jules replied almost instantly: [Does he know about Seven?]

Seeing this, a cold glint flashed in Lucy's eyes. She typed back: [He doesn't deserve to.]

She tossed the phone aside. As she sat there lost in thought, Seven, having finished his water, had quietly walked over to her feet. He tugged at her pant leg, looking up with his little face. "Mommy, hug!"

Lucy immediately bent down to pick him up, her voice softening again. "Shall Mommy read you a picture book?"

Seven nodded vigorously, burying his face in Lucy's shoulder. A faint smile played on his lips as he mumbled, "See... an... imals."

Lucy whispered a soft "Okay," holding him close as she turned toward the bookshelf.