Serena Fox's voice cut through the air, her face twisted with smug triumph.
Several tall security guards flanked her, sizing up me and my nephew with open contempt.
"Well, well. I was wondering who'd be arrogant enough to cause trouble on Miss Fox's turf. Turns out it's a shameless homewrecker."
"What a pity. I'd advise you to read the room—Mr. Weiss only has eyes for Miss Fox."
"But Miss Fox is generous. Kneel and apologize right now, and maybe she'll forgive you."
The guards burst into raucous laughter, acting like they owned the place.
My nephew was young, but he wasn't stupid.
Furious, he lifted his head from my arms and waved his little fists at Serena. "You bad woman! My dad would never like you. I hate you!"
He squirmed, fighting to get down. In a moment of carelessness, I lost my grip—and watched him charge straight at her.
"Noah!"
He had no idea what was coming. Before he could even get close, a guard snatched him up like he weighed nothing.
"A little bastard throwing a tantrum at me?"
Serena sneered and slapped him hard. A handprint bloomed across his cheek, the skin already swelling red.
I rushed forward to grab him back, but she gave a sharp nod. The next second, several guards pinned me down. I couldn't move.
Serena looked my nephew up and down with disgust. Then her eyes locked onto something, and her expression shifted—first recognition, then fury.
She yanked something from his neck. Noah cried out in pain, and my heart shattered.
"Well, well. A big gold locket on a little brat like you. So vain—your mom must've been bleeding Jason dry."
Her face twisted with rage. "Jason told me everything he has will be mine. Don't think you'll ever see another cent!"
"You're lying! My dad would never abandon me! You witch!"
Serena laughed, high and mocking. "I own this kindergarten. I'm Jason's girlfriend. We're getting married."
"Jason's too kind—supporting a woman and child who have nothing to do with him. But soon enough, you'll both be kicked out."
Her gaze cut to me, sharp as a blade. "Don't think I don't know what you're plotting. Whatever happened between you and Jason before—starting today, stay away from him."
"You ugly freak! Put me down!"
Noah screamed and thrashed.
Smack.
Another slap. His whole face was swollen now, and panic clawed at my chest.
But worse was coming. Noah had asthma. Dangling from the guard's grip, he was already struggling to breathe. With his face swelling, his skin was turning bluish.
"Noah!"
"Let me go!"
I threw myself forward like a madwoman, but two guards held me fast. I fought with everything I had.
It was useless.
"Serena Fox! Stop! Noah is my brother's son!"
"If anything happens to him, I guarantee Jason Weiss won't let you off!"
