Chapter 9 - THE PRICE OF A GRANDSON
The police found Noah at Eleanor's house.
He was sitting in a formal living room beside a plate of untouched cookies.
He looked frightened.
When he saw me, he ran.
“Mom!”
I dropped to my knees.
He crashed into my arms.
I held him so tightly he squeaked.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered.
I pulled back.
“Noah, you didn't do anything wrong.”
He shook his head.
“She said you knew.”
I looked up.
Eleanor stood beside the fireplace.
Adrian entered behind the officers.
His face was terrifyingly calm.
“Mother.”
She lifted her chin.
“I only wanted to spend time with my grandson.”
Adrian stared.
“You took him without permission.”
She waved a hand.
“He came willingly.”
Noah pressed against me.
“She said Mom would be happy.”
My heart broke.
Adrian looked at Eleanor.
“Do you understand what you've done?”
She frowned.
“Don't be dramatic.”
His voice dropped.
“You frightened my son.”
Eleanor's expression changed.
“Adrian—”
“You frightened Claire.”
She looked away.
“And you ignored every boundary I gave you.”
For the first time, Eleanor seemed uncertain.
Adrian turned toward the officers.
“I'll cooperate fully.”
Eleanor stared.
“You're going to let them arrest your mother?”
Adrian looked at her.
“You made your choice.”
Then he turned toward me.
“Claire, take Noah home.”
I looked at him.
“What about you?”
His eyes filled.
“I have some things to finish.”
I wanted to ask what he meant.
But Noah was trembling.
So I took my son home.
May you like
And for the first time, I saw Adrian choose his children over his mother.
Without hesitation.
