Zeke’s POV
As I gazed into Chris's face, his presence irked me more with each passing moment. "Don't you think it's getting late, Mr. Chris?" I finally said, my tone subtly authoritative.
Chris smiled, but it was unsettling, his eyes glinting with a hidden agenda. "I think perhaps we both need to leave," he suggested smoothly, his words laced with a veiled threat.
I narrowed my eyes, refusing to back down. "Might I remind you that this is my hospital, Mr. Chris?" I reminded him firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.
"You may come and go as you please, but if your presence is a discomfort, with a snap of my fingers, I can have you thrown out."
For a moment, Chris looked taken aback, his smile faltering. But then, with a chilling smile, he simply replied, "Of course. See you around, Mr. Reid," before turning to leave the private ward's reception area.
I immediately called Mr. Rogers. "What's the update on Chris?" I asked, my voice lacking calm.
Rogers's response was measured but not reassuring. "We're still working on it, Mr. Reid," he replied. "But so far, there's nothing illegal about the school he owns."
A cold knot tightened in my stomach as I hung up, the unsettling realization dawning that Chris was proving more elusive than anticipated. Despite my efforts, his facade remained impenetrable, leaving me uneasy.
I sent a message to Andrew, my chief security officer, instructing him to send additional security to Kamille's room.
I approached Kamille and Royer's room. The door was locked, but my fingerprint unlocked it.
I entered quietly, not wanting to wake Royer, who was sleeping peacefully. Kamille's restless movements caught my eye. I quickly went to her side.
She was moving restlessly, and I frowned in concern. I gently touched her shoulder, hoping to ease her tension. She seemed to be having a nightmare.
"Kamille," I whispered softly. "It's alright. You're safe."
She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, filled with fear and confusion. "I'm so scared, Grandma," she murmured, her voice trembling. "It's too much. I just want to protect my kids. I don't want any harm to come to them."
Grandma? She was sleeptalking.
Her words ached my heart. "I know, Kamille, I know," I replied. "But you're not alone. We'll find a way through this together."
I helped her sit up, holding her as she sobbed. Her eyes were still sleepy, and she slipped in and out of consciousness, but she continued to talk.
"I don't know why you were so persistent that I married Zeke back then," she confessed, her voice trembling and eyes closed. "I loved him, but he never did, and I don't know how or when, but I will definitely tell him the kids are his. I just need to be strong enough to protect my kids. I don't want anyone to take my kids away."
My hands froze.
What the fuck did she just say?
My mind went blank as her words sank in. A chill swept over me, leaving me frozen. Her tears continued to fall. I swallowed hard, gently patting her back.
Words failed me, lost in the whirlwind of emotions. I remained there, stroking her to comfort her.
I gently guided Kamille back onto the bed, tucking the duvet around her. I marveled at her beauty. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, revealing her serene features.
She looked like a princess, exuding grace and peace. Even in sleep, her green eyes held a warmth that soothed the soul.
I reflected on her compassionate spirit and kind heart. In her presence, there was an instant sense of calm.
I bet everyone does.
My heart swelled with admiration. I kissed her forehead and then her lips gently, before turning to Royer's bed.
My son. My heart skipped a beat.
I kissed his forehead and left the room, but the emptiness lingered.
I issued orders to the security team outside. "Keep a close watch on this room," I commanded, brooking no argument. They responded in unison.
Satisfied, I left. Andrew and the driver waited.
"Mr. Reid, good evening," Andrew greeted. The driver echoed him.
"Good evening," I replied with a faint nod. "Thank you, but I'll drive myself," I said curtly, dismissing them.
They stepped back, allowing me to go to my car. The penthouse was nearby, so I arrived quickly.
Some of my men were already there with Kamille's friends and the children. A sense of relief washed over me.
I sat in the car for a moment, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. The night's events had taken their toll.
These kids were mine. What could have made the Manors lie about her fertility status?