Healed (Kindle Published)

Vivian

I stopped my car in front of a towering multi-story house that radiated prestige. Henry wasn't just a fashion designer; his fame extended into high glamor and interior design, making it obvious he had a beautiful home.

"Viv, I'll stay here for the day," Harley blurted out, eager to finally visit.

I unclasped my seatbelt and shot her a stern glare. "And what about me? If you think you're leaving me here to be alone while you have fun with your princess, you're wrong. I'll pick you up in an hour." I had to act like a child sometimes because of my little daughter. No one would guess I was the most hated person in this town: my cruelty was something far beyond words.

Harley quickly unclasped her seatbelt and climbed out of the car. "Viv, you promised I could take as much time as I wanted."

I sighed, watching her excited face. I did like Harley spending time with Alice, but I couldn't help feeling the weight of the situation. I ran my fingers through my hair and glanced at my daughter. "An hour isn't enough for you?"

"No," she snapped, not even looking back.

"Hey," I heard a soft voice, and Alice walked out of the house. "Harley, baby." She completely ignored my presence, kneeling to Harley's height.

The two started their lively chatter, completely absorbed in each other.

Suddenly, my phone rang. Leo's name flashed on the screen. What the hell was he calling for? I picked it up immediately. "Yes?" I answered, waiting for him to speak.

"Boss, the girl you rescued last night... she's awake," Leo reported.

I ran my hand through my hair, vaguely remembering the girl, but I clearly recalled the person following her. Eric Wilson.

"Leo, she wasn't dead, so it's no surprise she woke up," I said, glancing over at Harley, still lost in conversation with Alice. "Send her home. Find out where she's from and get her back there." I didn't want any strangers around, especially not ones I didn't know well. But when I saw someone in trouble, especially a woman, I couldn't ignore it. My wife had died from a drug overdose, and I swore I would never let another woman suffer like that.

"Boss, there's a problem," Leo stammered. "Her life is in danger. She doesn't want to go back home, and she's really concerned..."

Before Leo could finish, Alice interrupted me, her voice calm but direct.

"Leo, I'll call you back," I said, cutting him off and disconnecting the call.

Alice crossed her arms, observing me quietly. "You can't live without your work, can you?"

I shrugged, walking toward Harley. "It's how I make my living."

Alice's eyes narrowed. "How much more do you need to earn? You're already a billionaire, Vivian."

"As much as I can feed my sixth generation," I replied, half-smiling.

She rolled her eyes, unimpressed by my answer. "If you have time, I want to talk to you."

"Talk to me?" I raised an eyebrow, already suspecting what was coming. "I hope it's not about your beautiful friend Pearl, because I'm not discussing her. You know that, Alice."

She sighed. "No, it's not about her."

"Then what is it?" I pushed my hands into my pockets, following her as Harley and the others went off to the park. "Joseph's doing a great job," I said, half-listening to their conversation.

"Yeah, he helps me a lot," Alice said. "I don't know anything about babies. He handles everything about Kelvin, even feeding him sometimes. It's adorable." Kelvin was Alice's one-year-old son, and Joseph, their family butler, helped with him.