Chapter 103 Jaxson’s Attack
A million different theories were racing through Abigail’s mind, making her stomach churn.
She dropped into a seat in the private room and downed a cup of water in one go, like she needed the liquid courage before finally meeting Marcus‘ eyes.
“Don’t
t you have something you want to tell me?” she asked.
Marcus had picked up on Abigail’s weird vibe from the start.
The moment she brought it up, he knew she’d probably figured out who he really was.
He hadn’t planned on keeping up the charade much longer anyway. Today was actually perfect for coming clean.
Just as Marcus was about to explain, a jarring ringtone shattered the moment of silence.
Glancing at his phone, he saw Jade from Veridon was calling- definitely not something he could ignore.
Still, he looked to Abigail first. “Mind if I take this real quick?”
Not wanting to get in the way of anything important, Abigail gave him a quick nod.
Chapter 103 Jaxson’s Attack
Marcus stepped away, making his way to the windows before picking up.
The second he answered, Jade’s panicked voice hit his ear. “Marcus, something’s wrong with Jaxson.”
His heart jumped into his throat at the tremor in his mom’s voice. “What’s going on with Jaxson?”
Abigail’s head snapped toward him instantly.
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It had to be about his son Jaxson. It seemed like something had happened to the kid.
Jade let out a heavy sigh, her voice rough with exhaustion. “We don’t know what set him off at school, but when he got home, he just locked himself in his room. It’s been hours now, and he won’t answer no matter who knocks.
“We’re scared of making things worse, so we haven’t tried breaking down the door or anything.”
The situation was extra delicate because Jaxson didn’t just have autism–he also suffered from acute stress disorder. Even the slightest sharp noise could trigger him.
Marcus‘ forehead creased with worry. “What about the room cameras?” At least they could check if the kid was hurting himself or something.
“That’s the thing,” Jade said helplessly. “The cameras are dead- just showing black screens. Pretty sure Jaxson figured out how
Chapter 103 Jaxson’s Attack
to turn them off. Look, Marcus, you need to come home.”
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“I’m on my way.” Marcus was already moving. After hanging up, he turned to look at Abigail. He didn’t say a word, but Abigail could read the struggle written all over his face.
Whatever was going on between them was way too complicated for a quick explanation.
Abigail flashed him a soft smile. “Go ahead. I’ll be here when you get back.”
Hopefully, by then, she thought, he’d finally come clean about everything.
Just those four words-“when you get back“-and Marcus felt his whole world steady.
At least she hadn’t written him off completely for keeping
secrets.
He’d barely let out that breath of relief when she asked, “Want me to come with?”
Her words sent a small tremor through his heart. Of course, he wanted to bring her home with him. Once his family met her, she wouldn’t have any chance to change her mind.
In the end, logic won out over his heart. He shook his head and said, “Better not. Jaxson gets pretty intense during his episodes. and might accidentally hurt someone nearby. I’ll take you with
me next time.”
Chapter 103 Jaxson’s Attack
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Abigail knew how dangerous an autistic child could be during at meltdown, so she didn’t push it.
But Marcus didn’t rush off right away. Instead, he stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. “Look, I’ll sort everything out over there as fast as I can, then come back and explain everything properly.”
He ruffled her hair gently, his voice going soft and serious. “Just… don’t let your mind run wild while I’m gone, okay? Take care of yourself. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Okay.” Abigail nodded against his chest, soaking in the warmth of his concern. His genuine worry helped ease the knot of anxiety and disappointment in her chest, if only a little.
As soon as Marcus left, the emptiness hit her hard. It felt like someone had carved out a piece of her heart and taken it with them.
Not wanting to wallow in solitude, she made her way back to the banquet hall.
People noticed her coming in alone and, while curious, they mostly saw it as their chance to get on her good side.
Rowen Scott, CEO of the Scott Group, practically dragged his daughter Rene over to make amends with Abigail.
“Ms. Winchester,” he said, all apologetic, “I heard my daughter caused trouble when she arrived. I’ve already given her a proper
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scolding. She’s here to apologize. I hope you can be the bigger person and let this one slide.”
Rene, clearly being pushed into this by her dad, looked like
she’d rather be anywhere else. Still, she managed to force out a reluctant, “Sorry, Abigail.”
Abigail took in the scene with an ice–cold stare, completely unbothered by all the drama.
Rowen was still trying to play nice, hovering nearby with a fake smile. “Come on, Ms. Winchester, let’s put the past behind us! I mean, I even held you when you were just a baby…”
“Sorry, I’ve got somewhere to be,” Abigail cut him off, her voice flat as she walked away.
Finally ditching Rowen should’ve been a win, but nope–she just ran straight into a whole new crowd of brown–nosers dying to get in her good graces.
Even when Abigail hit them with her signature death glare and major attitude, these people just wouldn’t take the hint. They kept coming at her like moths to a flame.
Abigail knew exactly what was up. These people weren’t kissing up to her–they were trying to get close to Mr. Fitzgerald through her.
Just thinking about Mr. Fitzgerald made her blood boil.
