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“I’m so sorry I’m late. I know I messed up, sweetie,” Carly said—loud enough for every parent, nanny, and bystander to hear. She descended the aisle with Beau on her hip and all the poise of royalty. I wasn’t sure I’d ever hated anyone more than I did this woman as she came to a stop in front of our birthday girl. Ollie was right behind her. Carly set Beau down and tapped Mattie’s nose with one perfectly manicured finger. “So, I grabbed something extra special to make it up to you.”
She scowled at a staffer. “I said,let’s get the party started. Turn up. Themusic.” The poor girl bolted like she’d spotted a bear.
“Wait,” Ollie warned, and I caught Greyson trailing the girl toward the exit.
People around us awkwardly resumed their conversations, doing their best not to openly stare. Carly extended the pink and purple gift bag toward Mattie. Her eyes sharpened when Tillie shied back, moving a step behind me. She crouched to eye level.
“I’ve gone through a lot to get here, baby. I worked so hard to pick the perfect present. Take it, Matilda.”
“We didn’t do presents this year,” I said, arching a brow. “She doesn’t like being the center of attention. It was in the e-vite. Or can’t you read?”
“Go make yourself useful, Leighton,” she snapped, just as Ollie stepped up, his arm settling around my waist.
“Leighton planned the entire event,” Ollie said, voice low and biting. “How did you contribute?”
“Party planning too? Some people really can’t help inserting themselves where they don’t belong.” Her gaze dropped to Ollie’s hand on my waist. “Planning a wedding next, Leighton?”
“Maybe,” I said, tone flat, smiling when her eyes narrowed.
Dismissed, but not deterred, Carly turned back to Tillie. “After everything I’ve gone through to be here, you’re really going to embarrass me like this? Take the bag.”
“I’m just amazed you can see her when your bar’s in hell,” I muttered, yanking the bag from her hands to stop her from shoving it at the birthday girl. “Refreshments are in the corner. I’m sure you’ll make the rounds.”
She straightened like she’d just been slapped. The music switched to something peppy and poppy, the volume rising, and I cursed under my breath.
“Matilda Hart. Imadeyou.Igave birth to you. You will treat me with the respect I deserve as yourmother.” Her voice dropped into a hiss. “You can’t humiliate me just because your nanny likes to play pretend. She only cares about you because your daddy signs her paycheck.”
Tillie stiffened, eyes flicking to me, her face crumpling. I tightened my grip on her hand as Ollie barked, “Enough, Carly. For fuck’s sake.”
“You use that language in front ofmykids?” she gasped, offended. “Well, then I’m even happier to share my second present, baby.” She yanked the bag from my hands and pulled out an envelope, shoving it at Ollie. “I’ve filed a petition to modify our custody order.”
“What!?” Ollie thundered.
“This isnotthe time or place,” I snapped, nausea coiling in my gut.
“Oh, it’s all right there. I think it’s past time my children got to know their mother. Don’t you?” Then, to Tillie: “We’re going to have such fun once you come live with me.”
“You won’t get away with this,” I growled—but Tillie suddenly launched forward, slamming both hands into Carly’s ribs.
“Go away!” she screamed, her voice shrill and broken. “I don’t want you!”
Carly flinched, then tried to recover, placing a hand on Tillie’s shoulder. “Matilda, darling, I’m trying.I miss you?—”
“Ihateyou!”Shove. “Youleft me!”
“Baby,” she cooed, a convincing edge of hurt in her lowered voice. “I’m trying to be better.”
“Thenleave!” she shrieked, her little voice breaking and tears pouring down her face. Beau started crying, but Alice scooped him up, taking calm steps away and toward the cupcake tower. “Just like you always do!”
“Matilda Hart,” Carly snapped, her veneer cracking.
“No!” Tillie screamed. “I don’twantto see you! Life would be better if you weredead!”
Carly stumbled back like she’d been struck. Tillie didn’t wait—she turned and ran, sprinting up the aisle. Ollie hesitated, eyes flicking between Carly and our daughter.
“Go,” I told him, already stepping between Carly and the rest of the room.
“It’s time for you to leave,” I added, voice like steel.