Chapter 110

Cole and Hailey involuntarily broke apart from the kiss when the door burst open. They turned toward the entrance and saw Debbie, who rushed to Hailey's side. Cole stepped aside so the two best friends could reunite.

"Oh, my God, I was so scared," Debbie said, tears welling up as she hugged Hailey tightly. Hailey began crying, and Debbie also wept.

Cole rubbed his temples, trying to calm himself as he watched the friends from across the room.

Debbie composed herself, pulled away from the hug, wiped Hailey's tears with her thumb, and then sat beside her, intertwining their hands. "How do you feel? And the baby?" she asked, glancing at Hailey's belly.

Hailey sniffled. "My baby is fine. I'm just fine. Just mild headaches and body aches, but the doctor said I'll be okay."

"I'm so glad to hear that. I was terrified. This reminded me of the first time I met you."

"I was scared too. But, just like her twin brothers, this baby is a warrior."

"I'm so relieved. I almost went insane hearing Connie's confession on the phone."

"I'm not one to blame people, but this is all my dad's fault. He ruined us all. The child he fought for and always favored over me isn't even his daughter. I honestly don't care that he mistreated me. I just feel so sorry for my mom. She was okay with her family disowning her to be with the man she loved, but look what happened?"

"It's okay, babe. Please don't cry. I know it's almost impossible not to feel the pain, but I don't want you to dwell on it. No matter how much we regret the past, we can't change it. You just survived this. We don't want anything to jeopardize your health. Please be strong," Debbie pleaded.

Hailey nodded reluctantly, sniffling.

"We're going to get justice for your mom."

"Definitely!" Cole said, pocketing his phone and approaching the women. "I just texted Jess. She'll reach out to Ludacris. I don't care if Vanessa's baby has anything to do with me, but I'm reaching out to Gary. He needs to go after Connie for his money. There's no way Connie is ever getting out of jail. If I had my way, she'd die a slow and painful death."

"Vanessa must be so traumatized. Imagine being born and ruined from birth. She never even knew her real father," Debbie mumbled.

"It's true Connie had a great influence on Vanessa, but that doesn't change the fact that Vanessa is evil. Her evil behavior might be understandable as a child or teenager, but she continued it as an adult. She knew right from wrong. Yes, she had a terrible background, but she also enjoyed hurting people."

"I wouldn't pity her for not knowing her biological dad because even if she did, I'm sure she'd want nothing to do with him. She loved the expensive lifestyle Eric Summers gave her," Hailey explained.

"You're right. I feel so sad for her biological dad. It's possible he had no idea about the pregnancy, or Connie got rid of him," Debbie said.

"It freaks me out how evil people can be. I can't wait for them both to be sentenced. I also didn't buy Vanessa's story. She didn't have to lose a child to see the error of her evil actions. She almost killed Hailey in the past, remember? I really can't wait for her and Connie to be sentenced," Cole said.

Hailey sighed, leaning back against the bed.

"Are you okay? Do you want something to drink?" Debbie asked.

"I'm fine. My head just feels heavy."

"Sorry. We should probably stop talking about them. You've got nothing to worry about now. Justice will be served." She squeezed Hailey's hand. Hailey nodded slowly. "Ollie and Enzo? How are they?"

"My mom's home with them."

"They must be disappointed. I already told them we'd be having dinner with Grandpa tonight. They were excited," Cole said sadly.

"They might be, but they'll get over it. This was beyond our control," Hailey said.

"I also don't want them to see me with this bandage on my head, unless I have a good explanation."

"It's fine. They can stay at my place until you're better. My mom and I will look after them."

"Debbie, um, about the party, it's beginning to feel like my demands are too much for you. You literally have to pause your life to help me with the kids. Once this is settled, we'll contact the nanny agency again."

Debbie shook her head. "Don't be silly. You know how much I love kids. Plus, my job is flexible, so it's no big deal. Don't ever think you're a burden. I just want you to focus on getting better. I'll give the kids a treat tonight so they won't be sad about missing dinner with their grandfather."

"How will I ever repay you for your kindness?"

"Just get better first, and we'll talk about that later."

"Thank you!"

"You've got nothing to thank me for. I'm glad Cole got to you on time. I don't want to imagine what would have happened if Connie had gotten to you. She's insane."

"She wanted me to withdraw the case so she could escape the country. She was in disguise, so security didn't recognize her. And she locked my receptionist in the bathroom. That's how she got into my office."

"I understand. Please don't ever feel alone. Your mom is watching over you, and you've got God on your side. That witch has tried to eliminate you since you were little, but see—you're standing strong, your prayers answered."

Hailey started to cry again. "You always know what to say."

Debbie shrugged. "That's because I always tell the truth. Use these experiences as motivation. You have your beautiful family and so much more to look forward to."

Debbie smiled. "We have your wedding to plan, your baby shower. You're going to spend the rest of your lives with a handsome man like him," Debbie gestured towards Cole. Hailey and Cole smiled shyly.

"Yeah, that's the look I want to see on your face from now on."

A knock came at the door. Cole answered it, spoke for a while, then returned to Hailey's bedside.

"A police officer wants to take your statement. If he can take it now, Connie and Vanessa will go on trial tomorrow."

"But if you feel too weak for a long conversation, I can tell them to come back later."

"No. It's fine. Let's end these witches now!"