Regret Came Too Late

Anthony bent down beside the bed, gently adjusting the blanket over Grace before attempting to lift her into his arms.

But just as he reached for her, Liam stepped forward. "How do I know you're not lying? How do I know you're really Grace's friend?"

Anthony raised a brow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Call her boyfriend with her phone and ask him. But Ms. Lambert can't wait any longer."

Liam didn't like the idea of calling Ed, and his expression darkened. "Then I'm going with you."

Anthony's polite demeanor shifted slightly. His voice was sharper now. "I'm afraid that's a no."

"Why not?"

Liam instantly became alert, stepping in front of Grace with his arms outstretched to shield her. He said, "If you won't let me go with her, then you're not taking her anywhere."

Anthony pinched the bridge of his nose and stepped aside, pulling out his phone to make a call. His voice dropped so low that Liam couldn't hear what he was saying, and it made him even more suspicious.

He watched Anthony's face twist in surprise mid-call, his tone rising slightly. "Are you sure this is how you want to do it?"

Liam didn't know who he was talking to, but whoever it was clearly gave some sort of instruction. Anthony let out a sigh. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. This could end up being a trigger for a future argument."

up, he turned back to Liam. "You can come, but you'll have to wait

didn't want Grace suffering any longer,

was wrapped in a blanket, he knew she only had

was.

a respectful nod, gesturing toward the door. "After

Liam carried Grace downstairs.

before they reached the bottom, Andrea came chasing after them. "Liam! Why won't you just listen

didn't break stride. He said, "We'll talk when I

Grace-nothing Andrea did would ever

phone and dialed Joanne, desperate for advice. But when Joanne heard what Andrea had

dumped cold water on her? You think being pregnant solves everything? What if Liam turns around and tells

into a sneer. She was

his dad taught him, and his dad raised him to take responsibility for his actions. He's too

her head-Andrea was a walking disaster. She deeply regretted ever sending her on this mission. She'd

where boys were favored and girls were treated as if they didn't exist. She never

a

temper exploded. "What, you all think you're better