Chapter 22

Even though Julia had decided not to recognize Xavier as her son anymore, she still hoped he would grow up safe and healthy. She couldn't lie to herself. Her hand slammed the pen down as she stood up, ready to find him. At the very least, she had to make sure he was okay. Just then, Haley walked in carrying coffee. "Here, take a break. You need it." "Haley, something happened with Xavier. I need to go take care of it." Julia grabbed her car keys and moved to leave, not having time to explain. Before she reached the door, the office landline rang. She picked it up without thinking. It was the receptionist. "Ms. Summers, there's a little boy here asking for you." Julia exhaled sharply, all the tension drained from her body in an instant. "Send him up right away." At that moment, she realized her worry for Xavier came from something instinctual, deeper than what she thought—even if she'd tried to emotionally cut ties, her body still reacted like a mother's would. A few minutes l