Chapter 68

Archie's laughter rang out through the phone. "Come.on, Kayla, I just asked how you and Jeremy bumped into each other last night. Why so jittery? You're family, after all. It's not like you're strangers."

Forcing a chuckle, Kayla responded, "You're right."

"Take it easy and don't rush back. Focus on getting better first," Archie said before hanging up.

Kayla slumped onto the couch, flipping through her contacts until she spotted Jeremy's office number-the one Edwin had slipped her during her last visit to North Investment, supposedly to make work calls easier.

Since Jeremy had gone out of his way to bring her home last night, the least she could do was say thank you.

She hesitated for a moment, nerves prickling beneath her skin, then took a deep breath and pressed dial.

Jeremy picked up on the first ring.

Suddenly nervous, Kayla twisted a loose thread on her sleeve and tried to steady her voice. "Jeremy? It's Kayla." A pause,then Jeremy's voice came through, unruffled."What is it?"

Kayla hurried to get the words out. "I just wanted to thank you for helping me last night."

Jeremy sounded almost amused. "You jumped in front of that guy for me. This was the least I could do.Don't mention it."

Heat crept up Kayla's cheeks. She fumbled for an exit."Alright, I'll let you get back to work."

Jeremy's clipped tone broke in before Kayla could hang up. "Seven-thirty tonight. Sunshine Garden Restaurant."

She froze, caught off guard by the abrupt invitation.

"Consider it a thank-you, Kayla. You saved my life last night. Dinner's on me," Jeremy added.

The line went dead before she could muster a reply.

Kayla stared at the phone, her thoughts swirling.Jeremy had just invited her to dinner. Was it really just gratitude, or something more complicated? Regret nipped at her-maybe making that call was a mistake.

"He's just returning the favor," she muttered, trying to convince herself it was nothing more.

Restless, she straightened up her tiny apartment,forcing herself to stay busy. When her energy flagged,she took a short nap. Later, feeling steadier,she pulled on a jacket that concealed her bandaged arm,then hailed a cab to the care facility.

She ducked into a pharmacy along the way and bought a bottle of prenatal vitamins, stashing them deep in her bag.

As the cab rattled through city traffic, Kayla's hand drifted to her stomach, her thoughts drifting to the fragile life growing inside her.

Once she divorced Liam, she was determined to leave this city behind-she, her baby, and Marsha,starting over somewhere new.

The cab finally rolled up to the entrance.

Kayla paid the driver and headed inside, weaving past quiet nurses until she reached Marsha's door.

Laughter spilled into the hallway. Kayla peeked in and saw Liam perched on the edge of the bed, grinning as he waved two plush toys in the air.

Kayla stepped inside,greeted by the dizzying scent of fresh blooms. The table nearly disappeared beneath a mountain of extravagant gifts, each one bearing Liam's unmistakable touch.

"Kayla!" Marsha called out, clapping her hands in delight.

Liam flashed a gentle smile. "Perfect timing, Kayla. I was just keeping Marsha company. Why don't you sit with us?" Ignoring his invitation, Kayla set down her bag of fruit with a stiff, deliberate motion, her gaze icy as it locked onto Liam. "Let's step into the hallway."

The corridor outside was silent as Kayla squared her shoulders, facing Liam with barely disguised irritation.

Liam tried to hold on to his easygoing smile, but it faltered. "What's with the long face? You show up looking like you've swallowed a lemon-Marsha's worried about you."

Kayla let out a short, bitter laugh. "I told you before -leave my grandmother out of this. How many times do I have to say it? I'm not in the mood to repeat myself."

Trying to soften the mood, Liam lowered his voice,offering a placating look. "Kayla, Marsha enjoys my visits. I plan to keep coming. I called you last night,but you didn't answer. Maybe you were tied up.Anyway, there's something I need to tell you."

Before Kayla could get a word in, Liam whipped a folded sheet of paper from his pocket and thrust it toward her, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"Here-Tricia's resignation. I've signed it. She's out of the picture for good. You'll never have to see her again. I promise."

Kayla's gaze flicked over the letter, her lips curling into a taunting,ice-cold smile that made Liam falter for a heartbeat, transfixed despite himself. She plucked the letter from his hand, arching a brow with cool disdain. "You think firing Tricia is all it takes to win me back? Keep dreaming, Liam. I don't recycle old mistakes."

With that, she smacked the letter across his cheek and stalked back into the room, slamming the door so hard it rattled the frame.

Left alone in the hallway, Liam's face darkened, his fists clenching in silent frustration. "I've already said I'm sorry, Kayla. Why can't you just meet me halfway?"

From behind the closed door, Kayla's voice rang out,razor-sharp."I said-get lost!"