Chapter 152
Richard's POV
I was reviewing documents in my office when Ethan burst in without knocking.
"Sir," he began, his normally composed face tense with alarm, "I just received word—"
"What is it?" I asked, irritated by the interruption.
"It's Elena, Alpha. She's back in Moonhaven."
My body went rigid, the pen in my hand snapping in two. "What did you say?"
"Elena has returned. She's with the children at the villa right now."
A roar of rage built in my chest, threatening to explode. "Who let her in?" I growled, each word dripping with barely contained fury.
"Get her out of there!" I commanded.
Ethan swallowed visibly. "Yes, Alpha."
As Ethan hurried to comply, I braced my hands against my desk, fighting the anger threatening to overtake me.
I hadn't slept properly for days. For the sake of the children and the company, I felt a deep exhaustion.
And that woman had the audacity to show up after a month without so much as a call, without showing any concern for her children. She hadn't fulfilled any of her responsibilities as a mother. Now she thought she could just come back?
Elena's POV
While I was still basking in the joy of reuniting with my children, Anna stepped forward to interrupt us.
"Ms. Winter, Max and Kathy need to go to school today, and they'll be late if they don't leave soon."
"Oh, I almost forgot," I said, composing myself as I looked at her. "Let me take them to school today."
Anna hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Mommy, are you really taking us to school?" Max asked, his eyes following my every movement as if afraid I might disappear in the blink of an eye.
"Of course, dear," I said, ruffling his hair.
"Baby, can you wait for me at home? I'll come back right after I drop your brother and sister at school," I said gently to Lily.
"Then Mommy, you have to come back quickly," Lily looked at me expectantly, afraid I might leave and not return.
"Mommy will be back soon," I promised her.
On the drive to Starlight Royale Preschool, Max excitedly chattered non-stop about what had happened during this time. It seemed like he had endless things to tell me. When we arrived at the entrance, I couldn't help but notice all the unfamiliar faces.
"They changed all the teachers," Kathy explained, noticing my confused expression. "Daddy said the old ones weren't good enough for us."
As we approached the school entrance, the children suddenly became clingy. Max wrapped his arms around my waist, while Kathy slipped her small hand into mine.
"Mommy, you'll come pick us up, right?" Max asked.
The fear in his eyes cut me to the core. Of course, they were afraid I would disappear again.
I knelt down to their level, looking them in the eyes. "I promise I'll be here when school ends."
Kathy tightened her grip on my hand. "You promise?" she asked softly.
"I promise," I assured her. "And I'll bring those blueberry muffins you love." I turned to Kathy with a special smile. "And your almond cookies. How does that sound?"
Kathy pressed her lips together, suppressing a smile, but she nodded. "Good," she said softly.
After watching them walk inside, I turned the car around to go back and take care of Lily.
---
As I drove back to the villa, I was stopped by several men in black uniforms at the door.
I parked and approached cautiously.
The tallest guard stepped forward, his face expressionless. "Ms. Winter, Mr. Blackwood has given specific instructions. You are not permitted to enter here."
"This is ridiculous!" My voice rose with panic and anger. "I'm her mother! You can't keep me from seeing my own child!"
The guard's expression hardened. "Mr. Blackwood said you would understand why. He suggested you think about it yourself. He also requested that you leave immediately, or we'll be forced to escort you off the property."
My mind raced frantically. Why would Richard do this? Then it dawned on me—the things I'd said during our argument, those terrible words that had slipped out in anger.
"No, you don't understand," I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion. "Those were just angry words. I didn't mean any of it. I was upset and—"
"Your personal matters with Mr. Blackwood are none of our concern," the guard interrupted me. "Our instructions are clear. Please leave now."
I stood there, feeling the blood drain from my face. With legs that felt like lead, I turned and walked back to my car.
Inside the vehicle, I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. "Damn you, Richard," I whispered, slamming my palm against the wheel. If I couldn't get to Lily through Highland Estate, I'd confront Richard directly at his office.
---
Half an hour later, I arrived at his company.
I walked through the gleaming lobby and at the reception desk, I straightened my shoulders. "I need to see Richard Blackwood. It's urgent."
The receptionist's eyes widened slightly. "Do you have an appointment, ma'am?"
"No, but he will see me. I'm Elena Winter."
She picked up her phone, lowering her voice to a whisper. I could hear Ethan's voice through the receiver, though I couldn't make out what he was saying. The receptionist's expression subtly changed.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Winter, company policy requires appointments for all visitors. Mr. Blackwood is not available right now."
I stood my ground. "I'll wait."
And so I waited. Hours passed as I sat in the lobby, watching people come and go. Some recognized me and whispered behind my back.
By mid-afternoon, my determination began to waver. Richard clearly had no intention of seeing me. As the clock approached school pickup time, I remembered my promise to the children. I couldn't break it again, especially when they were just beginning to trust me again.
With a heavy heart, I rose from my seat and headed for the exit, noticing the relief on the receptionist's face.