Chapter 4 - The Shadows of Suspicion
The fallout from Nathan's sudden departure from the Vance merger was catastrophic in the business press. Headlines screamed: "The Concrete King Cracks," and "Is Nathan Harrison Losing His Grip?" Stock in Harrison Development dipped, but Nathan remained unfazed. He spent his days in his office, not looking at financial tickers, but coordinating with pediatric pulmonologists.
He knew Emma would never accept direct financial help from him. Her pride was a shield she had forged in the fires of his abandonment. If he wanted to save his sons, he had to be smarter than a simple bank transfer.
One afternoon, Emma was leaving the school after a long day of setting up her new science lab. Though she wanted to hate the lab because of its benefactor, seeing her students' eyes light up when they saw the high-powered microscopes and interactive star maps made it impossible.
As she walked toward the bus stop, a sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down to reveal Victoria Harrison—Nathan’s formidable, aristocratic mother.
"Get in, Emma," Victoria said, her voice cool and commanding. "We need to discuss my grandsons."
Emma’s heart leaped into her throat. "How do you know about them?"
"Nathan isn't the only one who can hire researchers," Victoria replied, opening the door. "Please. It's raining, and I have no desire to make a scene in front of your school."
Emma reluctantly got into the leather-scented interior. The door closed, shutting out the noise of the city.
"What do you want, Victoria?" Emma asked, gripping her purse tightly. "If you think you are going to take my children from me—"
"Quiet your mind, child," Victoria interrupted, though her eyes softened slightly as she looked at Emma’s tired face. "I may be traditional, but I am not a monster. I spent the last three days reviewing the medical files of those boys. Nathan has been acting like a madman, destroying his career over a real estate deal. Now I see why. He is trying to protect them, albeit clumsily."
"He walked away from us," Emma said, her voice shaking.
"He did," Victoria agreed. "And it is the greatest mistake he has ever made. But Nathan is my son, and I know him. He is currently dismantling his own empire to build a perimeter of protection around you and those boys. But there are others who aren't so sentimental. Marcus Vance is furious. He is looking for leverage against Nathan to force him back to the table. If Vance finds out about the twins, he will use them to destroy Nathan's reputation and force a hostile takeover."
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Emma felt a cold dread settle in her stomach. "What are you saying?"
"I am saying that you cannot stay in that moldy apartment anymore, Emma," Victoria said, placing a manicured hand over Emma’s worn fingers. "Not because Nathan wants to buy your love, but because your sons are in danger of becoming collateral damage in a corporate war. Let me help you. Not Nathan. Me."
