Chapter 31

It happened so fast, too fast for everyone. One moment, the living room was tense but quiet; I didn’t even see Stephany coming. One second, Emerald was leaning against the couch, brushing her baby bump and relaxing. The next, Stephany was there, eyes wild, a gleam of steel in her hand.

“Emerald!” I shouted, already moving, but she was faster than I expected. The knife flashed under the living room light, and the knife sank into her before I could reach them. Her gasp was sharp, choked, like the air had been stolen from her. She stumbled back, eyes wide, her hands instinctively flying to her stomach. “What the hell?!” Dan’s voice broke in anger and disbelief. Stephany didn’t answer. She just… smirked, like she’d accomplished something, and bolted for the door. Stephany has always had a creepy vibe to her. I don't know how many times I have warned my brother about this woman. I caught Emerald before she hit the floor, my arms wrapping around her shaking frame. “I’ve got you. Stay with me.” Her blood was warm and thick against my hands as I pressed hard on the wound. My heart was pounding so loudly it drowned out everything else.

“Dan! Call for help!”He was already fumbling for his phone, muttering curses under his breath. The front door opened again, and this time, it wasn’t Stephany. Victoria Cross, I didn't even hear her knock. I hadn’t seen her in years. Her hair was streaked with more silver than I remembered, her eyes still sharp as glass. She stepped into the room like she owned it, her gaze locking instantly on her son.

“Daniel.” Her voice carried that same clipped authority I remembered from the few brief encounters we’d had. “It’s been too long. We need to talk—” Dan turned on her, his tone cutting. “Not now, Mother.”

Her brow arched. “I’ve waited years to speak to you. I won’t be brushed off like that...”

“Not. Now.” His voice dropped lower, colder. His eyes flicked to me, then to Emerald, pale and trembling in my arms. “Can’t you see what’s happening?” For a second, Victoria looked ready to push the issue. Then her gaze shifted to Emerald. She took in the blood, the strain on my face, the way Emerald’s breaths were coming shallow and quick. "The only thing that will free you is telling the truth, whose baby are you carrying?" I focused back on Emerald, my hands still clamped over hers. “Breathe, Emmy. Just breathe.” What the fuck did this woman just say to us?

Her head lolled slightly toward me. “Ty…” It was barely a whisper.

“I’m here,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re gonna be fine.” But my chest was tight; not just from fear for her life, but from something deeper, something I couldn’t admit out loud. Ever since I found out, a question has been consuming me. The timing and the way she wouldn’t meet my eyes when it came up made it possible. It could be mine, I don't think I want it to be, I'm not ready for the responsibilities.

My stomach knotted in fear. I didn’t even have time to finish the thought before the sirens wailed outside. Paramedics rushed in, their commands sharp and efficient, pushing me aside to work on her. I stepped back, my hands sticky with her blood, my pulse still hammering in my ears. Dan hovered close, his attention fixed entirely on her. Victoria stood a few feet away, silent, her expression unreadable, but her presence heavy in the room. As they lifted Emerald onto the stretcher, she reached weakly in my direction, her fingers brushing mine for the briefest moment. I squeezed back before they carried her out. I followed, because I couldn’t do anything else. I was terrified for her, and terrified of the truth I might have to face.

The hospital smell always got to me, that mix of antiseptic and stale air that clung to your clothes even after you left. I’d barely slept, my head pounding from replaying the night over and over. Stephany’s knife. Emerald’s blood on my hands. Dan’s face when he saw her collapse, how angry he looked as his mother continued feeding him wrong information about her.

I badly wanted her to wake up so she could stand for herself, be her own advocate. I’d told myself I was just coming to check on her. Make sure she was okay. But the real reason sat like a stone in my stomach. Everyone at the mansion probably knew about her pregnancy now, but the bad thing is that they think her baby might not be Dan's. And if he started digging a lot of lives would be lost…I stopped at her door, hand hovering over the handle for a second before I pushed it open.

She was sitting up in bed, the morning light through the blinds washing her face pale. Her hair was a mess, her hospital gown hanging loosely around her shoulders, but she was awake, and when she saw me, the corners of her mouth twitched into the smallest smile.

“You look like hell,” she said softly.

“You should see yourself,” I tried to joke, but my voice came out rougher than I wanted. I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. “How’s the pain?” She shrugged one shoulder. “Manageable.” Her hand drifted instinctively toward her stomach, almost protectively. That sight tightened something in my chest. I didn't know whether to confront her for not saying anything or just keep it cool.  I moved closer, lowering my voice. “Emerald… Dan knows.”

Her eyes snapped to mine in shock. She definitely has something to hide, and it's not a good thing for me. “Knows what?” I hesitated, unable to find the right words. “About the baby.” She froze, her fingers curling over the blanket. “How?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he put things together, maybe someone told him. But I’m telling you now because…” I let out a slow breath. “Because he’s not going to take it well.”

Her gaze dropped, avoiding mine. I hated that she felt like she couldn't be emotional in front of me. I wanted to reach out, to lift her chin and make her look at me, to say the words I’d been choking on for weeks. I wanted to persist and ask her about the paternity of the baby, if that baby is mine, I need to protect both of them from him. But I couldn't, the least I could do is try, and warn her.

Instead, I leaned on the edge of her bed, trying to keep my voice steady. “You need to be careful around him. Until we know what he’s planning.” She nodded slowly, but I could see her mind racing. And all I could think about was how, in a matter of weeks, everything could come crashing down; not just for her, but for me too.

Because if Dan knew the truth… there’d be no going back.