Chapter 63: Testing Dad

“We already talked about this,” Mom said gently, ready to refuse again.

“I think Cora’s right,” came a low, steady voice behind them—Julian’s, calm as a harbor. He and Austin crossed the dining room, drawing a few curious glances just by existing.

“Mrs. Watson,” Austin said with a respectful dip. “The car’s ready.”

Julian lifted Cora’s bag. “Let’s go. We’ll talk at the hotel.”

Cora nodded. Right now, retreat felt like the only sane move. Until she figured out what to do, better not blow anything up. Maybe, if she spoke to her father first, there’d still be a way back.

Back at the Meridian, she walked Mom to her room.

“Tell me the truth,” Mom said at once, reading Cora’s face the way only mothers can. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it? Is it the baby—”

“Mom, no.” Cora cut in quickly. “We’re fine. I just… remembered some work stuff. You know I’m still technically on the payroll. It’s nothing.”

“Then don’t overwork yourself,” Mom murmured, clearly relieved. “You don’t even have to work, not with Jule around.”

“I know. Are you hungry? I’ll have the hotel send something up.”

“I’m fine. Go do what you need to do. And Cora—order whatever you want. Don’t save money on my account.”

Cora forced a smile and fled before the truth spilled out on its own. Outside the door, she sagged against the wall and scrubbed at her eyes. Protect Mom. That had always been the mission. Yet over and over, she’d watched Mom get hurt—and she couldn’t stop it. She’d thought if she just earned enough to move her parents to the city, they’d finally be safe. She hadn’t planned on her father becoming the sharpest knife.

Julian was on the phone when she slipped into their suite. He gestured for a moment’s patience, ended the call, and looked at her.

“Want me with you?”

She meant to say no. She nodded instead.

“Your father just finished one meetup and scheduled another,” Julian said evenly. “Half an hour from now. Starbucks on Oak.”

Cora’s stomach dropped. She called her father anyway, smoothing her voice flat. “Dad, where are you?”

“I—I’m picking something for your grandmother,” he stammered. “She needs it urgently.”

Still lying. Heat prickled Cora’s throat. “I need to see you. Can you come out?”

Julian slid his phone toward her. He’s already with the next date.

On the line, her father hesitated. “If it’s not urgent, later. I’m busy right now. I’ll call you.”

He hung up.

“Let’s see just how ‘busy’ he is,” Cora said tightly.