Chapter 2
The next day.
Alex's fever was gone, and he was feeling much better. He was sitting on the living room carpet, building with blocks.
The nanny had made him some millet porridge and was feeding him, one spoonful at a time.
I changed clothes and got ready to head out.
"Ms. Nolan, Everwell moved up the meeting. It's at ten now," Katie said over the phone.
"Got it. I'm heading out now," I replied.
I drove to the office and changed into my suit jacket.
The woman in the mirror looked nothing like the frazzled mom from last night, clutching her feverish child in the hospital.
Emma Nolan, founder of Nolan HealthTech, pulled in 40 million dollars last year.
No one at the company knew I had a son.
Even fewer people know that my ex-husband is from the Nolan Family.
Conference room.
Three representatives from Everwell Holdings showed up.
The leader was a man in his forties, Director Lewis.
"Ms. Nolan, I've heard a lot about you. Your smart diagnostic equipment has a great reputation in the market, and we're interested in becoming your exclusive distributor in the country east," Director Lewis said.
"Director Lewis, we can go over the details later. But for the exclusive deal, let's see how serious you are," I replied.
"We're willing to guarantee a minimum purchase of thirty million dollars in the first year," Director Lewis said.
Katie shot me a look.
That was five million dollars more than we'd expected.
"Deal. But the payment terms can't go past sixty days," I said.
"Ms. Nolan, I like how straightforward you are," Director Lewis said with a grin. "But there's something I should mention—our chairman is taking this partnership very seriously. He wants to meet you in person the day after tomorrow."
"Your chairman?" I asked.
"That's right. Mr. Nolan—Richard," Director Lewis replied.
My hand stayed frozen on the cup.
Richard.
Lucas's father.
The head of Nolan Group.
Everwell Holdings was part of the Nolan family's empire.
I had no idea about that.
Everwell had been independent three years ago, but I missed the news when they got bought out last year.
"Ms. Nolan?" Director Lewis gave me a questioning look.
I set my cup down.
"What time on the day after tomorrow?" I asked.
"Two in the afternoon, at Everwell Tower," Director Lewis replied.
"Alright, I'll be there," I said.
*****
Katie trailed after me as we left the conference room.
"You don't look so good," Katie said.
"I'm fine," I replied.
"Emma, I've been with you for four years. Whenever you get that look, I know something's wrong," Katie said.
I stood by the office window, watching the traffic below.
"Everwell got bought out by the Nolan family," I said.
Katie froze for a second.
"Wait, the Nolan family? You mean your ex-husband's family?" Katie asked.
"Yeah," I replied.
"So, what about the deal?" Katie asked.
"We're still doing it," I said.
"Are you sure?" Katie asked.
I turned around.
"Katie, I built Nolan HealthTech from scratch. I'm not giving up a good deal for anyone—no matter who they are," I said.
Katie watched me for a few seconds, then gave me a nod.
"Okay. Let me come with you the day after tomorrow," Katie offered.
"No need. Just stay at the office and keep an eye on the production line. I'll handle it myself," I replied.
Later that afternoon, I got a call from the kindergarten.
"Ms. Nolan, Alex didn't come to school today. Is he sick?" the teacher asked.
"Yeah, he had a fever last night, so he's resting at home. He should be back tomorrow," I replied.
"Alright. By the way, next Friday is Parents' Day—we'd love for you to join the activities. If possible, it'd be wonderful if both mom and dad could come," the teacher said.
"It'll just be me," I replied.
I hung up.
I've gotten used to this.
Parent-teacher meetings, family events, emergency contacts.
It's always just me.
When I got home that evening, Alex was already feeling much better, running around barefoot and full of energy.
"Mommy!" he called out.
He ran over and wrapped his arms around my leg.
I crouched down and felt his forehead—no more fever.
"Alex, were you good today?" I asked.
"I was! I built a castle with my blocks!" he said proudly.
He pulled me over to show me.
There was a lopsided pile of blocks, with a fork stuck in the middle as a makeshift flagpole.
"Wow, that's awesome," I said.
"Mommy, the teacher said we're making a craft next week and we need a saw. She said Daddy should help," Alex said.
His eyes sparkled—just like Lucas.
"I'll help you," I said.
"But the teacher said Daddy should help" Alex said.
"Mommy can use a saw too," I said.
He thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay," he said.
After his bath, he lay in bed, hugging his little dinosaur toy.
"Mommy, that doctor from yesterday was really gentle," Alex said.
My hand froze as I tucked him in.
"Yeah?" I said softly.
"He told me not to be scared. His hands weren't cold at all. Other doctors' hands are always icy," Alex said.
"Oh, really?" I replied.
"Mommy, is that doctor like Dad?" Alex whispered.
I turned off the lamp.
"Alex, time to sleep," I said softly.
"Okay," he mumbled.
In the darkness, his breathing quickly evened out.
I sat by his bed, not moving for a long time.
'Is he like him?' I wondered.
'He really is just like him,' I thought.