Chapter 23
The boy’s father didn’t even realize his own words had been thrown right back at him. Staring at Bradley’s unyielding expression, he shot back angrily, “You’re just twisting shit around! What kind of nonsense is this?”
Bradley gave a short, cold laugh, his voice razor–sharp. “Fine. Let’s call a lawyer and see how this nonsense plays out”
The man’s jar tightened as he ground his teeth. “Alright, you wanna play that game? Let’s do it You think I can’t afford some damm medical bills?”
Bradley raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp and calculating, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You left a four–year–old kid alone by a pool. What kind of father does that? Are you sure he’s even yours!”
That hit home. The man’s face turned crimson, and he yelled, “What the fuck are you trying to say??
Melissa, standing nearby, could tell Bradley was deliberately pressing the man’s buttons. Part of her felt touched–Bradley was sticking up for her- but another part couldn’t help finding his relentless attitude amusing and, oddly enough, charming
Normally, she wasn’t one to provoke conflict, but after the mess of a day she’d had, watching this obnoxious man squirm gave her a surprising sense of satisfaction.
At the hospital. Melissa underwent a full check–up Aside from some swelling around her eye, she was fine. She mentally joked about it being a free health screening.
Meanwhile, the man had to foot the hefty medical bill, his face sour and stormy, But under Bradley’s icy glare, he didn’t dare say a word.
When the check–up was done, Bradley handed him a piece of paper. The man’s hands shook with rage as he wrote and read the apology aloud in from of Melissa.
Only when the nodded in satisfaction did Bradley let the guy go, his cold stare ensuring no further protests, Finally, the ordeal was over,
By
time they left the hospital, the night was deep and silent, the streets almost empty.
On the drive home, Curtis sat in the middle seat wedged between Melissa and Bradley. Melissa couldn’t help stealing glances at Bradley, her curiosity piqued by his stem but oddly magnetic demeactor,
After a few minutes, Curtis tilted his head, breaking the silence with his usual innocent bluntness. “Mom, if you wanna sit next to Dad. I can switch
scats.
Mellissa’s face turned red, and she quickly looked away, coughing awkwardly. “What? No, that’s not necessary. I’m fine
Curtis squinted at her, clearly not buying it. Then why do you keep staring at him?”
Before Melissa could explain, Bradley turned his head slightly, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. She froze, her face burning, and silently prayed for the ground to swallow her whole.
Curtis, meanwhile, clapped his hands like he’d figured it all out. “Oh! I get it You missed Dad, didn’t you? That’s why you re sneaking looks at him!”
Melissa groaned, reaching out to cover Curtis’s mouth. “Alright, that’s enough, lide chatterbox. Let’s have some peace and quiet, okay?”
Trying to change the subject, she cleared her throat and turned to Bradley. Thanks for stepping in tonight. Sorry for dragging you into all this so
Bradley raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Only you could turn something so small into a police muller. That takes real talent.
Melissa huffed, feeling defensive. “It’s not like I had a choice! That guy wouldn’t listen to anything laid”
Bradley didn’t let up. “And it didn’t cross your mind to check the security cameras? Or handle it yourself?
Melissa pouted, feeling a little wronged. “He was so aggressive! I couldn’t even get a word in. I thought the police would be quicker and more effective.”
Bradley stared at her for a moment, then sighed, hirexpression a mix of frustration and reluctant amusement. “How much shit have you let people walk all over you with in your lifett,
She lowered her head, replying in her head. Too much!
After a moment of silence, Bradley muttered under his breath, “Next time, just throw the asshole back into the pool.”
Melissa blinked in surprise, then nodded quickly. “Noted.”
And just like that, she found herself back at the Moore family home. For her, maybe this counted as a blessing in disguise.
1/2
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2.02
Chapter 23
After a long shower and a change of clothes, she finally managed to get a very energetic Curtis to bed. But instead of sleeping, she lingered outside Bradley’s study, hesitating.
Finally, she knocked lightly on the door. “Am I bothering you?”
Bradley glanced up from his desk, his voice cool and detached, “What is it”
Melissa stepped inside, her hands nervously clasped together. “About today it was all an accident. I’ll figure out an excuse to leave tomorrow.
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