Chapter 156

"Let go!"

Susan Thompson looked up into Andrew Lucas's burning eyes.

She found the situation utterly absurd. Being dragged into a car and pinned down—she was the one who should be furious.

"Susan, is playing with me amusing?"

"Mr. Lucas, I don't understand what you're talking about!" She pushed against him, but he didn't budge.

"Susan, you didn't die in that fire!"

Dark fury swirled in Andrew's gaze. "Was faking your death fun? Did you enjoy watching me suffer like a fool?"

"You're being unreasonable!" She struggled, but his grip on her wrist tightened.

"First you fake your death to haunt me, then you seduce Alexander Grant. You're quite skilled, Susan."

She scoffed. "Mr. Lucas, who do you think you are? I can be with whoever I want. It's none of your business."

"Get out of my life! Never let me see you again!"

The words "never again" stabbed at Andrew. He remembered clutching that charred body a month ago, his heart tearing apart.

Grief and rage collided. He seized her and crushed his lips against hers.

"You're insane!" Susan paled.

They were outside a kindergarten. Daniel would be out soon.

Though the car windows were tinted, shame burned through her.

"Andrew, Daniel is coming!"

The name made him freeze.

He turned toward the school entrance. A line of children filed out, Daniel's limping figure painfully conspicuous.

Seeing the scratches on the boy's face, Andrew's chest ached.

This child had survived—but as a cripple. And it was all because he had chosen Nicole Capra.

Seizing his distraction, Susan shoved him away, straightened her clothes, and bolted from the car.

As she turned, her eyes stung.

She hadn't expected their reunion to nearly repeat the past.

But this Susan was different. She took a deep breath, forcing back tears.

Andrew, dying once taught me that loving you was my greatest weakness. Now, I'll cut that weakness away myself.

She forced a smile and opened her arms for Daniel—only to freeze at the sight of his injuries.

"Daniel, what happened to your face?"

Holding his hand, she saw the vicious cuts and bite marks. Lifting his sleeve revealed bruises covering his arm.

Tears finally fell.

"Tell me, who hurt you?"

Daniel managed a weak smile. "Mom, I'm okay..."

"Mrs. Almond!" A shrill voice interrupted. "Make your son apologize to mine!"