Focus on Revenge A Photographer’s Killer Shot novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

It was well past midnight when Vincent stood at the studio entrance. His sharply defined face looked colder than the December air.

“I’m going on a business trip,” he said calmly. “Doris can’t manage him alone. I’ll have to trouble you to take care of Rowan for the next few days.”

Isolde wasn’t feeling well-and she certainly wasn’t in the mood for him.

“Fine. But when you come back to pick him up-” her voice was cold, “-bring the divorce papers.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked inside, Rowan clinging to her arms.

Vincent remained there for a moment, staring at the closed door.

Then he turned and left without a word.

Inside the rest room, Isolde laid Rowan gently onto the bed and let out a long sigh.

“Take off your coat. Time for sleep.”

Rowan was unusually well-behaved tonight.

He slipped off the puffy jacket and handed it to her.

Mommy, can you hang this up for me? Thank you!”

Sweet as always.

solde smiled faintly and hung it up before joining him on the bed.

Rowan wrapped his arms around hers.

Mommy… are you mad that I went to see that lady?”

solde blinked, then sighed and hugged him gently.

She’s the one who gave birth to you. I know it’s hard to accept, but without her, there wouldn’t be you. So… don’t call her ‘that lady,’ okay?”

towan’s small frown eased.

He had been worried-terrified-that she’d abandoned him.

But hearing that?

learing her say it calmly?

lis fears melted away.

le closed his eyes with a contented smile.

Mommy, no matter who gave birth to me… I’ll always love you the most.”

solde’s heart softened. She brushed a hand over his soft cheek.

And Mommy promises……… if you ever need me, I’ll always be here.”

You said it, okay?” Rowan yawned. “You can’t lie. Lying makes your nose grow!”

solde chuckled, her irritation fading.

She kissed his forehead.

Monumy never lies. Sleep well.”

His only response was a soft, even breath.

It was winter break. Rowan didn’t have to go to school.

Isolde had taken on a high-paying restoration job. The deadline was tight.

For two straight days, Rowan stayed with her at the studio.

When she was too busy, Betty and the team helped watch him. Rowan had been coming around for years-everyone adored him.

By the third afternoon, around 2 PM, Isolde finally finished the restoration.

She stepped out of the lab and sent a message to Karina, her friend who worked in OB-GYN.

Isolde: [Are you working this afternoon?]

Karina: [Yep! Why?]

[solde: [Can you hold me a slot? I’ll be there around 3:30.]

Karina: [Wait-WHAT? Are you… pregnant??]

solde: [Not sure. I’m about ten days late, and my stomach’s been off.]

Karina: [Ten DAYS and you haven’t tested yet?!]

solde: [I bought a test, just… forgot.]

Karina: [Isolde!! You forgot?? You’re always working yourself to death. I wouldn’t be surprised if you collapsed in the restoration room one day.]

solde: [I get it, I get it…]

Back in the office, Rowan was asleep on the sofa. The little blanket had fallen to the floor.

An unfinished meal sat on the table.

solde picked up the blanket, tucked it around him, cleaned up the leftovers, and wiped the table.

he sank into the opposite couch, wiping sweat from her brow.

he discomfort in her belly returned. She remembered the pregnancy test in her bag.

ust as she was about to get up, Betty walked in.

Isolde, someone downstairs wants to see you.”

he café on the ground floor was warm and quiet.

solde walked in and immediately saw the woman seated in the far corner.

Doris.

She wore dark sunglasses, her gaze following Isolde’s every step.

solde wore a soft beige dress with a muted blush coat wrapped around her. Her long hair fell smoothly down her back. She wasn’t striking in the conventional sense-but her pale skin and quiet elegance gave her an untouchable air.

There was a stillness to her.

Like water.

Doris stood with a gentle smile.

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