Chapter 2 - The Silent Watcher
Hadley spun around so fast she nearly lost her balance, clutching Mae tightly against her chest.
A tall man in a dark, expensive wool coat stepped out of the shadows of the conference room. He was in his mid-thirties, with sharp features and cold, exhausted eyes. Hadley instantly recognized his face from the massive framed portrait in the lobby.
It was Jude Tolbert. The CEO.
He had been sitting in the dark since 4:52 PM, ignoring the holiday parties, ignoring his mother waiting in Sequoyah Hills. He had watched Hadley wipe down his desk, softly singing off-key Christmas carols to her baby. He had watched the music box fall. He had watched her write the honest, self-incriminating note.
Hadley’s face drained of all color. She fully expected him to call security. She fully expected to be thrown out into the freezing street on Christmas Eve.
"I'm sorry!" Hadley pleaded, her voice cracking. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Tolbert. I'll finish the floor. I swear I won't bring her back! I just—"
"Which hospital?" Jude interrupted, his voice low, completely ignoring her apology.
Hadley stared at him, stunned.
Mae took another breath. The thin, frightening whistle echoed in the quiet office. The baby was turning pale.
"Children's Hospital," Hadley gasped, panic completely taking over. "East Tennessee Children's."
"My car is downstairs," Jude said immediately, stepping toward the door.
Hadley hesitated for a fraction of a second. A taxi would cost three times the normal fare on a holiday, money she absolutely didn't have. And the man offering her a ride was the billionaire boss whose rules she had just broken.
"Come on," Jude commanded, his tone leaving absolutely no room for debate.
May you like
Hadley grabbed her faded diaper bag, abandoning her cleaning cart, and followed the silent CEO out the door.
👉 What terrifying threat is waiting for Hadley in the lobby?
