The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 88

Chapter 88: Confronting the Jones

Emma's fingers trembled slightly as she turned the key in the front door. The joy from Anya's wedding felt distant now, replaced by a familiar heaviness as she stepped into the house. The lingering scent of her sister's wedding flowers still clung to her dress, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere inside. The silence in the house was deafening until Charles's voice shattered it. "Where the hell have you been?" he demanded from his position in the living room armchair, the evening shadows making his expression even darker.

"At Anya's wedding," Emma said, keeping her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I told you about it last week."

"Last week?" Charles let out a harsh laugh, the sound echoing off the walls. "And you didn't

think to invite me?"

"It was a small ceremony." Emma remained by the doorway, her hand still on her purse.

"Small ceremony?" He leaned forward, his knuckles white against the armrest. "Or are you just hiding something from me? You've been acting strange lately, Emma. Very strange."

"What would I be hiding, Charles?" Emma set her purse down carefully, her movements deliberate. "My sister got married. I went to support her. That's all there is to it."

"And my mother called today," Charles said, changing tactics, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. "She was quite upset.

Emma's jaw tightened. "I'm sure she was.

"She says you were rude to her again. Disrespectful After everything she's done for this

family."

Goetending the Jones.

"Disrespectful?" Emma turned to face him fully. "Is that what she calls it when someone stands up for their child?"

"Don't start this again."

gaining strength. "Let me make myself perfectly clear. Henry is my son. The same way your mother acts like you're her whole world? He is

a hand through his hair. "Emma, she's his grandmother. What harm could she possibly do?

recorder before facing Charles again. You need to learn to get along with

along?" Emma's voice was quiet but firm. "I won't let anyone mistreat our son. If they

him!" Charles stopped pacing, turning to face her. "That's what grandmothers do. Do you even

bitter smile crossed Emma's face. "This has been a business arrangement from the start, and you know it. Someone's getting something out of it, though it certainly isn't me. But I've held up my end of the bargain. "What are

(8) Bontanna the

filth? My only concern is

his hands, his voice rising. "What

control snapped. "She tied him with fishing line and hung him on his bunk! She locked our son in a dark room and wouldn't tell me where he was

is my son. If any of you touch him again, we will all die together in this house. That's not a threat, Charles.

were you when he was crying in that dark room? Where were

even closer, his breath hot on

ever committed was choosing a father like you for my son. Henry deserves

shot up, ready to strike. Emma

she said calmly, "and I'll call the police. How would you like our family name in the headlines for domestic abuse? What would your precious mother say

air between them, the tension thick

challenged. "Show me exactly who you are.

his face dark with rage. "This isn't over, Emma. You will learn your place very

walked out of the living room, her steps measured until she reached the front door. The cool evening air hit her face as she stepped outside, and only then did she allow her hands to

Her sister's voice was warm with concern. "You just left the

Emma's voice cracked as she sank onto a nearby bench. "I had to stand up to the again. It's

Don't leave anything

the evening air cool her heated skin. "Charles was waiting when I got home. He and his mother... they still