Chapter 3

Noticing how Henry looked just like Edward, I couldn't help but feel a jolt of fear.

But when I remembered how Edward always treated me so well, my thoughts were all over the place.

I called Edward like crazy, over a dozen times, but he didn't answer a single one.

I yelled into the phone, "Are you out of your mind? How can you just stand by and let someone bully me? Do you have a death wish?

"Show yourself and set the record straight, or I swear I'll make you pay."

My blood was boiling, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Edward looked totally worn out just a few hours ago; he was probably catching some sleep right now.

He always kept his phone on silent whenever he rested, so it wasn't a wonder he wasn't answering.

So, I called Xavier. He was Edward's best friend; they'd been inseparable since they were kids.

Xavier picked up right away, and I put him on speaker. His voice was unusually hoarse, rougher than I'd ever heard before.

I asked, "Xavier, does Edward have someone else on the side?"

Xavier must've been sleeping in, but my question snapped him wide awake.

Xavier blurted out, "Sophia, who told you Edward was cheating? Who's making up this crap?

"I swear to God, Edward would never cheat. Sophia, you're the only wife he's got, period."

Hearing that, I finally let out a sigh of relief.

I put the call on speaker for everyone to hear. Xavier was a top actor in showbiz; he'd never cover for me with a lie.

The live chat blew up, with people taking sides.

One commented: [That's Xavier we're talking about. Why would he even bother lying? Maybe this woman really is Mr. Carter's wife after all.]

Another commented: [No way. Nancy's kid is a dead ringer for Mr. Carter. Anyone can see they're related.]

I arched an eyebrow and said, "There are tons of people who look alike out there, and let's be real: people can be pretty shady.

"For all we know, that kid could've had some work done. Just because he looks like Edward doesn't mean he's his son."

Nancy frowned, a hint of mockery curling at her lips.

She pulled out her phone and video-called Edward, and surprisingly, he answered instantly.

Nancy projected the call onto the big screen at the press conference, and the next moment, Edward's face appeared right in front of me.

That face was the one I saw every single day; I could recognize it in my sleep.

Edward wouldn't answer my calls, but he answered Nancy's call instantly.

My blood was boiling, and my head was spinning. I felt like I could pass out from the rush.

I was still thinking about giving him a chance to explain himself properly; otherwise, this wasn't over.

Little did I know, the very next second, Edward's words left me completely stunned.

Edward's voice was gentle as he asked Nancy, "Honey, what are you doing?"

Henry ran over, shouting, "Daddy!"

Edward's smile widened.

He asked, "Have you been listening to Mommy at home?"

Henry nodded, but then his little face scrunched up, like something just hit him.

He said, "Yeah, but there are always people outside who make Mommy mad. Today, a lady kept calling Mommy a homewrecker and made her look bad in front of everyone."

Edward's eyes widened in surprise, but it was quickly replaced by anger.

He said, "Who the hell do these nobodies think they are, coming to the Carter Group to stir up trouble? Nancy is my only wife.

"Nancy, don't hold back. I'll stand up for you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Nancy marched right up to me, raised her hand, and slapped me hard across the face.

Nancy said, "I've put up with you over and over, but you just keep crossing the line. Now that I've proven myself, it's time you faced the truth."

I was frozen in shock, my face pale as a ghost.

I mumbled, "No way. That can't be Edward. He would never do this to me.

"Give me the phone. I have to ask him myself what the hell is going on."

I reached out, desperate to snatch the phone and confront Edward face-to-face.

But Nancy wouldn't let me get close. The moment she saw me coming, panic flashed across her face.

She scrambled backward, then snapped at me.

She shouted, "What do you think you're doing? This is my husband. So now that you can't argue, you're just going to get physical, huh?

"Where are the security guards? Is there anyone here at all? Get this bitch out of here."