Zeke's POV
I didn't go to work or the hospital today. I was still unsure of Kamille's feelings, but I planned to visit her in the evening.
I decided to finish some paperwork in my study. As I was leaving my room, my phone rang, startling me.
I answered and waited.
"What do you mean the kids were in an accident?" I asked, my voice shocked and angry.
The security personnel on the other end spoke rapidly and frantically. "Sir, they were chased by a black minivan. We tried to get the license plate, but it didn't exist," he explained urgently.
"And where the hell were you? How did this happen? Where are the kids now?" I demanded sharply.
The security personnel hesitated, his voice heavy with regret. "Sir, the kids left the hospital with their mother to go to school," he explained.
"Kamille and Royer were in the car too?" A knot formed in my stomach. Royer wasn't supposed to be at school! "Where are they now?" I asked.
"At the hospital, sir," he replied urgently.
"I'll be there shortly," I said, and hung up.
I rushed back to my room, grabbed my car keys, and drove to the hospital. My only concern was the well-being of my kids and Kamille.
I arrived and went straight to their private ward. My heart raced with worry. Relieved to see the doctors leaving, I stopped them immediately. "How are they doing?" I asked, my voice edged with concern.
They smiled reassuringly. "They're doing well, Mr. Reid," one replied. "Just a few bruises and shock. They'll be fine once they wake up."
Relief washed over me. "Thank you," I said gratefully.
My relief quickly turned to frustration. I addressed the doctor who had been treating Royer. "Why did you allow Royer to go to school?" I asked sternly.
The doctor's expression faltered. "I'm sorry, Mr. Reid," he apologized. "Royer seemed healthy, and he insisted on going. I thought it would be alright."
I shook my head. "Never make such decisions without informing me again," I said firmly. "Their safety is my priority, and I need to be kept informed."
The doctor nodded. "Of course, Mr. Reid. I understand."
"Where's their mother?" I asked, looking around.
"Ms. Kamille is at the reception area, sir, with a guest," a nurse replied. I walked away.
My phone buzzed. It was Andrew, my chief security personnel.
"What is it?" I asked urgently.
"Hello, sir," he said. "The minivan was found on the outskirts of town; the driver is dead."
I stopped. "Who did it?" I asked.
"We don't know, sir. There are no leads," Andrew replied.
Was someone targeting Kamille and the kids? Her friends might care, but they wouldn't order a hit. They'd go to the police.
"Keep me posted," I instructed firmly, and hung up.
I arrived at the reception area and saw Kamille in a tight embrace with Christopher George. Was this why she'd been avoiding me? Chris seemed trouble. Anger surged through me.
Chris hugged Kamille tighter, smiling as he closed his eyes. Jealousy intensified. I wanted to kill him, but that would create a mess in the hospital. The moment lasted until Kamille broke free and turned.
I saw hurt, anger, and pain in her eyes. Guilt washed over me. Maybe he was just comforting her?
She looked at me briefly before Chris spoke. "Take care, Ms. Kamille," he said softly. "I'll take my leave now."
Kamille nodded. "You too, Chris. Thanks for coming," she replied gratefully.
As Chris walked past, his smile seemed familiar. Then it hit me: the drug baron. He was well-dressed and mannered, but the resemblance was undeniable.
Turning to Kamille, I softened my expression. "Are you okay?" I asked gently.
"Zeke. No. Mr. Reid, I'm about to ask you a very important question and need your honest reply," she said firmly, her voice wavering slightly.
"Kamille, what did Chris tell you?" I asked, concerned.
"Zeke, it doesn't matter what Chris said," she replied angrily. "Just answer me. Did you put a tracker on me and the kids? Zeke?"
I sighed. "Did Chris twist things? Why would I put a tracker on you?" I asked, my voice raised slightly.
"That's why we're having this conversation. Tell me if what I heard is true or not," she replied, crossing her arms.
My heart sank. "Yes, it's true," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "I just wanted to make sure you and the kids were safe, Kamille. I care about you and the kids and would never want anything to happen to either of you."
Smack!
Kamille slapped me before I could finish. I recoiled in shock.
Tears welled in her eyes. The room felt cold. She looked pitiful, but my heart ached. Was it a crime to want to protect someone I loved?