Chapter 88

“I know you feel terrible because she brought your mother into this. I never met her, but you’re enough to make me know she was an amazing woman. I know I probably shouldn’t say this now, but I’d love for us to visit her. I want to make some promises to her.”

“I honestly can’t stand seeing you like this. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to make you feel better.”

Hailey sniffled. “I spoke to my lawyer. We’re suing Vanessa. I hope to hear good news from him soon. We haven’t recorded any loss in company sales, which is good. But we have no idea what the future holds, but I’m hopeful.”

“It’s thoughtful of you to want to grant an interview, but I feel it would be better if Vanessa is successfully prosecuted. Then the world would have its answers.”

“I just want her to disappear from our lives forever.”

“She will, my love. And this time, it’s going to be for good. I promise you, babe.”

Hailey nodded. “I’m being hopeful.”

“Thank you for being civil with me despite everything. I’m still amazed by your kindness.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s unfortunate that we have someone who wants to ruin our lives. I know you love me. That feeling keeps me going.”

“It feels good to hear you say that, baby. I’m so blessed to have you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her palm. “Your food is going to get cold. You should eat.”

Hailey shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

“Do you still feel sick?”

Hailey nodded.

“Do you want me to call the doctor?”

Hailey sighed deeply.

“Your well-being means so much to me, my love. It’s obvious you’re not okay. I can see it on your face.”

“I’m fine. I just need to rest and stop crying.”

“Are you sure?”

Hailey nodded, sniffling. “I don’t know why I’ve been such an emotional mess lately.”

“It’s probably because you’re sick. I wish you’d let me call the doctor.”

“No. You won’t understand.” She looked away from his eyes.

He raised her chin. “Talk to me, honey. I’m your biggest cheerleader. I’m always here to listen.”

“You saw me throw up when you picked me up at the office.”

Cole nodded, encouraging her.

“Your ex said something when she came to meet me in the bathroom.”

“That bitch! I’m going to find her and murder her,” Cole mumbled, then focused on Hailey. “Tell me, what did she say?”

Hailey hesitated, so Cole said, “I swear I had no idea she was going to cause trouble. She’s a nurse; I thought she’d be helpful.” Cole looked worried. “I promise nothing is going on between her and me. The last time I saw her was years ago. Please trust me, babe.”

“She heard our conversation about the wine I didn’t like, so she said I could have dysgeusia.”

Cole frowned. “What does that mean?”

“I…I…know…she’s a nurse, but that doesn’t give her the right to frighten you,” Cole stammered.

Hailey fiddled with her fingers, staring at Cole. “Dysgeusia means signs of early pregnancy.”

“Please, Mom, talk to Dad!” Vanessa cried, standing behind her mother. Hours later, she still refused to leave her father’s mansion.

“You both have five minutes to get her out, or you’re fired,” Eric told the two security guards.

The two men approached Vanessa, but Connie glared at them, shielding her daughter. “I’ll make sure you and your family end up in jail if you touch my daughter.”

The security men looked at each other, confused.

“I don’t care! Get her out of my house. Her mother can leave with her,” Eric commanded, returning to his phone.

“What’s come over you, Eric? Why would you let these people humiliate me and my daughter? You’ll have to do your worst because we’re not moving.”

Eric was about to speak when Mary, a housemaid, interrupted. “You have a visitor, sir.”

“Who is it?”

“He said his name is Ludacris.”

Eric frowned. “Never heard of him. Let him in.”

Mary nodded, bowed, and left. Eric ignored his wife’s glare and returned to his phone.

They heard footsteps. It was Mary and Ludacris. He was tall, handsome, in a well-tailored suit, neatly styled hair, and in his early forties. He carried a large brown envelope.

Eric smiled, putting down his phone. “Your face seems familiar. You’re a lawyer, right?”

Vanessa mumbled incoherently, crying harder.

“Yes, I’m here for Vanessa Summers.” He stopped a few steps away.

“What do you want?” Connie glared at him.

Ludacris ignored Connie and turned to Vanessa.

“Ground one: You defamed my client, Hailey Riley. You called her a slut, accused her of bullying you, and accused her late mother of mistreating you. That’s unacceptable, and we’re suing you for $500 billion.”

Connie’s eyes widened; Vanessa sobbed.

“Ground two: You defamed my client’s company, ENROL Incorporation, by accusing my client of sleeping around to fund it. We’re seeking $200 billion in damages. General damages for emotional trauma: $100 billion. Total: $800 billion.”

“This envelope contains more details of our claim,” Ludacris said, slamming the envelope on a table. “Including account details for payment. You have until 11:59 p.m. to pay, or appear in court at 9 a.m. tomorrow.”

“No…no…no…” Vanessa gasped, clutching her chest. She fell to the floor.