The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 209

Aveline

The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the penthouse windows as I sat cross-legged on the carpet, watching Ryan wage an epic battle against his toy collection. He gripped a gleaming plastic sword in both hands, swinging it with the fierce determination of a seasoned warrior facing his greatest enemy—a massive dragon figurine that was easily three times his size.

"Ryan," I laughed, "are you slaying dragons over there?"

He paused mid-swing, his face lighting up with excitement. "Miss Aveline! This isn't just any dragon—this is the monster that bullies you! Anyone who hurts my godmother becomes the sworn enemy of Sir Ryan the Fearless!" He resumed his attack with renewed vigor. "I'm using my newly mastered Thunder Blade technique to chop him into tiny pieces!"

The way he said it with such serious conviction made my heart swell with unexpected warmth. This little boy was ready to fight imaginary dragons to defend me.

"That's very brave of you," I said gently. "But promise me you won't use your Thunder Blade technique on the kids at kindergarten, okay?"

Before he could respond, my phone rang. Orion's name flashed on the screen.

"Keep playing, sweetheart," I told Ryan. "I'll be right back to watch you finish off that dragon."

I stepped into the hallway and answered the call.

"We found Vivian," Orion said without preamble. "She's safe. Minor injuries, but she's at the hospital now."

A wave of relief washed over me so powerfully that I had to lean against the wall. "Thank God. Which hospital? We need to—"

"St. Catherine's Private Medical Center," he interrupted. "It's discreet, and my people are maintaining security. She's sleeping right now, recovering. I'm heading back to you."

"No," I said firmly. "Stay there. I'm coming to see her."

"Are you sure? The situation isn't completely resolved yet. It might not be safe."

"I have things I need to say to her."

I heard Orion sigh. "I figured you'd want to rush over there. Fine, but I'm sending a full security detail with you."

After hanging up, I noticed several missed calls from Grandmother. She was probably wondering when we'd be home, but right now I had more pressing matters to deal with. I'd call her back later.

I found Mitchell in the kitchen and quickly explained that I needed to go out.

"Of course, Miss Aveline. I'll make sure Master Ryan gets to bed at his usual time." He paused, his expression concerned. "Please be careful tonight."

I glanced out the window at the layers of security personnel positioned around the building. "With all those bodyguards, I don't think anything could happen to me."

*****

My Porsche purred through the evening traffic as I navigated toward the medical center, hyperaware of the convoy of black vehicles trailing behind me. In my rearview mirror, I could see three large vans struggling to maintain my pace as I wove between slower cars with practiced precision.

The sight was almost comical—like a high-speed chase scene except I was being chased by my own protection detail. Despite everything, I felt a smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in days, I actually appreciated having so many people dedicated to keeping me safe.

I pressed harder on the accelerator, watching my speedometer climb. The vans fell further behind, and I found myself oddly proud of losing them. By the time I pulled into the medical center's underground parking garage, I was fairly certain I'd left half my escort team somewhere on the highway.

Orion was waiting for me in the lobby, leaning against a marble pillar with his arms crossed and an expression that was equal parts admiration and exasperation.

"I'm seriously considering hiring a helicopter pilot for your security detail," he said as I approached. "My guys radioed to say they've never seen anyone drive like that outside of a movie."

"They need to learn to keep up," I replied, though I was touched by the concern in his voice. "Where is she?"

"Third floor, room 314. Private wing, very secure." He studied my face carefully. "Are you sure you want to do this alone? I could come with you."

"You should probably head home," I said, studying his tired features. "Tomorrow's the biggest day of your career. You need to rest and prepare."

His grin was boyish and unrepentant. "But I don't want to miss this touching sisterly reconciliation scene. This could be better than any soap opera."

"We're not sisters," I said with mock annoyance, though my heart wasn't really in the protest. "And there won't be any reconciliation."

"Sure, sure," he said, clearly not believing me for a second. "That's why you're practically vibrating with nervous energy to see her."

But as we walked down the hushed hospital corridor, I found my stomach churning with genuine nervousness. What exactly was I going to say to her?