Chapter 10

Andrew had just gotten home when he got a call from James. The guy only said two words—“Night Palace.” Given how long they’d been friends, Andrew knew that was James-speak for “I'm in a bad mood.” No questions asked, he headed out. They’d barely sat down and ordered drinks when Maria walked in with someone else. “So,” Andrew started, raising an eyebrow, “you gonna tell me what’s up with you and Maria today?” Then added with a smirk, “She’s back—you should be thrilled, no?” James completely ignored that last part and gave him a quick rundown of everything that’d gone down today. “She has kids?” Andrew frowned slightly. “With David,” James replied through gritted teeth, practically chewing on that name. Andrew had heard of David, but he didn’t know all the drama between him and Maria. Judging by James’s face turning forty shades of green, though, this was just the beginning of a mess. Despite his own complicated love life, Andrew could see things more clearly than most—James included. “She’s back. Maybe think about not screwing it up again,” he threw in casually. “There’s nothing to screw up. I’m not into her,” James muttered, staring into his drink. “Then why insist she stays as your assistant?” “She vanished abroad without a word and came back flaunting her kid like nothing happened. Now she's pushing back? You think I’d let that slide?” Andrew chuckled. His eyes had seen stuff—too much, probably. “You heard her just now,” James said. “She wants to take me to court. I’m putting that in your hands.” “Hard pass,” Andrew shut him down immediately. “Honestly? I don’t think she did anything wrong. I’m not about to be part of your revenge squad. You’ve got a whole legal team—go ask them.” James’s lips twitched, maybe from annoyance, maybe something else, but he didn’t argue. Meanwhile, Maria had just spotted Daniel Lewis at the front. She instinctively glanced over to where Richard Lewis and his wife had been earlier. “They gone yet?” she asked. “Haven’t seen them since I stepped out. Must’ve left already. Let’s bounce too.” She nodded and looped her arm through his. “Come stay at home tonight, okay? Hotels are lame, and Ethan and Ella won’t shut up about missing you.” Hearing the kids’ names softened Daniel’s expression a little. “Alright. I miss them too.” On their way home, the siblings spotted a little bakery and made a quick stop for some cake. Back when Maria was in the final months of her pregnancy in Seryndal, she could barely keep anything down—whatever she ate just came right back up. They were strapped for cash and couldn’t afford help, so everything was on their own shoulders. She didn’t dare tell Daniel Lewis how bad it was; she worried he’d get too stressed and drop out of school altogether. But she had no choice—she had two babies to feed. So every day, she’d rack her brain trying to cook something she could stomach. The only thing that went down okay was soft, fluffy cake—and she just so happened to like it too. She ended up baking it every other day. After the twins were born, it was too early to tell what traits they’d inherited, but their love for cake? Totally passed down. Just one piece would quiet any tantrum. Didn’t matter if they were crying or fussing—give 'em cake, problem solved. Daniel used to joke that these two were way too easy to please. Now, years later, whenever they looked back, all the rough parts were kind of blurry. The sweet memories were what stuck. When they pulled into the driveway, Ethan and Ella ran out beaming. The second they spotted Daniel, their excitement shot through the roof, and they basically launched themselves at him. He scooped them up, one in each arm, like it was nothing. "Go wash your hands, then you can eat cake," Maria said, shaking the bag in her hand. The four of them sat down together, watching TV and munching away. Warm, peaceful, and full of simple joy. As night fell, Maria gave the twins a bath and tucked them in with a bedtime story. Once they were fast asleep, she kissed each of them on the forehead and went back to her room. Sleep wasn’t coming anytime soon. She picked up her phone and dialed. "Find out everything you can about the new company Richard Lewis and his wife just started. The more detailed the better. Let me know the second you get something." Those two had been absolutely ruthless back then. Well, she could play that game too. Next, she made another call. "Mr. Smith, go to Bennett Group tomorrow. I’ve sent you the info. Just get me out of the contract, no matter what it takes—sue, pay, whatever." There was no way she was going to keep working in the same place as James. Just seeing him made her sick. The next morning, Maria woke up to the smell of breakfast. Ethan and Ella were already seated and eating in the dining room. Daniel was nowhere to be seen—probably off chasing down more leads on Richard and his wife’s whereabouts. He’d picked up breakfast. That was typical of him—he might seem easygoing and a bit careless, but he was super thoughtful. He could even braid hair. Ella often said her uncle’s braids were way better than her mom’s, which always made Maria laugh and roll her eyes. While they ate, Maria let the kids know she had something to handle today, and that Isabella would be coming over to hang out with them. Even though Isabella seemed unreliable, she showed up in less than an hour. Grabbing a piece of the cake Maria had bought the day before, Isabella mumbled through a mouthful, "Seriously, I’m like your live-in nanny. It’s always me watching the kids. And when it’s not me... it’s still me."