Julians expression darkened, his grip on Claire loosening just as she caught his arm. Julian, I still dont feel well. Could you come with me to get my medicine?

He frowned, his gaze lingering on the figure disappearing into the distance before he gave a reluctant nod.

Julian accompanied Claire to the pharmacy, watching absently as she retrieved her medication. Turning back to him, she smiled, stepping closer. Julian, Xavier wants to enroll in a private preschool, but he doesnt have a residence registration. Do you think it could be temporarily listed under you?

Anticipating his rejection, Claire rushed to add, Dont worry, it would just be temporaryno one would ever find out.

Julians eyes pinned her in place, dissecting her intent.

Claire resisted the urge to look away, her fingers tightening into silent fists. Julian are you upset with me?

It wouldnt be appropriate to put him under my name, Julian replied, his tone flat and controlled. But I can arrange for my mother to recognize him as her stepson.

Claire froze.

The Hawthorne familys stepson

That would make him Julians peer.

Her own son, reduced to being his younger brother in namewhat would that make her?

Julians gaze deepened, sensing her tension. Youre not agreeable to that?

Claire swallowed hard, schooling her expression. No Whatever you decide is fine.

He gave a curt nod and left it at that.

Claires nails bit into her palm.

Humiliation simmered in her chest, but she forced herself to quell it. These things couldnt be rushed. Once her son became a part of the Hawthorne familyonce he earned the approval of its eldersher own position could rise accordingly.

...

Julian didnt return that night.

There was a time when Charlotte would leave the light on for him, waiting. Now, she didnt bother.

Whether he came back or not had ceased to matter.

As she prepared to leave for the hospital the next morning, she found herself crossing paths with Claire and her son in the lobby. She made to walk past them, but Claire called out, Dr. Sheridan.

Charlotte stopped, pivoting reluctantly. Is there something you need?

Dr. Sheridan, do you dislike me? Claire asked, studying her face.

Youre overthinking it, Ms. Winslow.

There was no question of like or dislike. They werent close enough for that.

Claire approached with her son, her voice light. Im glad to hear that. Oh, are you heading to the hospital? Ill be going there after dropping off Xavier. We might even cross paths with Julianhe could give you a lift.

Charlottes expression shifted, a flicker of understanding hardening her features.

So that was where Julian had spent the night.

Married, and yet no hesitation in sliding into someone elses bed.

She quelled the bile rising in her throat and replied coolly, Theres no need. I have my own car.

Claire reached for her arm. Dont be so politewere all colleagues, and Julian will be here soon anyway.

Charlotte lowered her gaze, hiding the ember of fury igniting behind her eyes. It was almost laughable. Was Claire doing this on purpose? Had she guessed the truth about her and Julian? Was all this just a ploy to flaunt her dominance?

She yanked her arm free. I said, no need.

Claire suddenly screamed, crumpling theatrically to the floor.

Her son, Xavier, rushed forward, his small hands shoving against Charlotte. You wicked woman! How dare you push my mom!

Charlottes phone slipped from her grasp, hitting the ground with a sharp crack. Without hesitation, Xavier stomped on it, his little foot coming down hard, then harder, until the screen spiderwebbed with fractures.

Charlottes temper snapped. Do you have no manners? she spat, pulling Xavier aside with enough force to send him toppling into a seated heap. At once, he burst into loud, wailing sobs.

Julian had arrived just in time to witness the scene. Parking his car abruptly at the curb, he stepped out, his long strides cutting across the pavement. Charlotte!

In his urgency, he let her name slip, no thought for Claire overhearing.

Daddy! That wicked woman pushed me!

Xavier pointed accusingly, his tear-streaked face a mask of devastated innocence.

Claire bent over him, her voice clipped as she checked him for injuries. Then, looking up at Charlotte, she seethed, Dr. Sheridan, if you have a problem with me, take it out on me. Theres no need to lay hands on a child.

Charlotte inhaled deeply, her teeth grinding to keep her voice steady. And do you have nothing to say about your son deliberately stomping my phone into pieces, Ms. Winslow?

Claire averted her eyes. Xavier he didnt mean to!

One accidental step could be forgiven. Stomping it repeatedly? Thats deliberate.

Charlotte. Julians voice cut through, laced with a sharp undercurrent of anger.

Her head snapped toward him, her expression unyielding even as she trembled inside.