The Officer's Runaway Wife and Secret Son novel Chapter 469

Before dinner, Rhys’s phone, which was sitting on the coffee table, buzzed again. It was a short text from his apprentice.

*Margot left Rosewood Court and went straight back to the Johnson family estate. Nothing unusual on the way. Owen never showed.*

Rhys texted back: [Understood.]

Over the past few nights, Felix had occasionally padded out of his room, hugging his little pillow and standing between the two bedroom doors. The little guy wouldn't make a fuss, just stand there barefoot, looking back and forth between them with hopeful eyes.

Clara was always the first to give in, leading him back into the master bedroom with her. Felix would then sleep soundly in the middle, rolling to his left to cuddle his mom, then to his right to press against his dad.

Rhys would lie on his side, his arm stretched over Felix’s head to rest loosely on Clara’s waist. Sometimes, when Clara pulled the blanket up for Felix, Rhys would gently catch her hand and hold it in his own until morning.

Before they knew it, it was New Year’s Day.

After breakfast on the first day of the new year, Clara was helping Felix into his down jacket in the entryway. Rhys had to go to the Huntington estate that day. After the patriarch’s passing, there was a mountain of paperwork related to the inheritance and family business that required signatures, and today it was his turn. It was also a good opportunity to visit Aunt Mia.

“I’ll drop you two off at Oakridge Avenue first, then I’ll head over,” Rhys said, adjusting Felix’s hat.

Clara nodded. “Try to finish up early this afternoon, and take care of yourself.”

Rhys lowered his eyes and murmured his agreement.

He dropped them off downstairs at the Oakridge Avenue apartment building. Without going up, he waited until he saw them enter the building before driving away.

Clara’s mom was busy in the kitchen. Seeing only Clara and Felix walk in, she glanced past them toward the door. “Where’s Rhys?”

“He went to the Huntington estate,” Clara explained. “He has to sign some papers today, and he’s also going to see his Aunt Mia.”

Clara’s mom rinsed the vegetables in her hands and let out a sigh. “It’s New Year’s Day, after all. With the funeral just over, their house must feel so cold and empty.” After a moment’s thought, she said, “Let Felix stay here with us today. You should go over to the Huntington estate later and see him. Don’t let him face all that unpleasantness alone on a holiday.”

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