Chapter 16 The License Plate Why did that car look so familiar? 68 Finished Lewis squinted, trying to catch the license plate, but the vehicle had already disappeared down the road. He clenched his jaw and headed straight to the hospital's security room to pull up surveillance footage. Inside, the security guard treated him with extra respect because of who he was. "Mr. Belmont, one of the cameras was broken, so we only caught part of it." Lewis leaned closer to the monitor. The plate number came into view. His eyes narrowed. It looked like it belonged to the Storms. Is that Zaden's car? the A self-deprecating laugh slipped from Lewis. Athena, a divorced woman with a child, catching Zaden's attention? Impossible. It had to be a coincidence. Word was, Zaden's daughter was in poor health. Him running to the hospital often made sense. It was nightfall by then; maybe his eyes had played tricks on him. That woman might not have been Athena at all. He'd asked Athena to wait at the house anyway. Most likely, she was still there, sulking and pretending she wouldn't give in. Women always made a fuss like that-wanting to give in but too proud to say it. They stirred up trouble out of jealousy. Fine. If that was how she wanted it, she needed a lesson. He wasn't the one desperate here. Sunny Kindergarten. By now, most parents had already picked up their children. Only Teri and a few others were still waiting. Carmen Hum, the kindergarten teacher, crouched beside Teri with a gentle smile. "Teri, what does your dad like to do in his spare time?" 14:37 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 16 The License Plate : 468 68 Finished "Ms. Hum, my dad likes to work." "Well, he certainly does work a lot. You're always the last one picked up." "Does your dad have a girlfriend?" the teacher asked carefully, like she was fishing for answers. Everyone at the school knew Teri came from a single-parent home. They also knew Zaden wasn't just anyone-he was the sole heir of the wealthy family, one of the most eligible bachelors in town. Even with a daughter, plenty of women still had their eyes on him. And with Teri being such a sweet, well-mannered girl, the pull was even stronger. Before Carmen could say more, another teacher called out, "Teri, your dad's here! Hurry up." Teri grabbed her little backpack and skipped toward the door. Carmen quickly stood and walked her out. At the school gate, Athena sat in the car, waiting with Zaden to pick up Teri. She couldn't help comparing it to Dion's school. That boy attended the best private academy in the city. Yet Zaden, with all his status, sent Teri to a regular school and even picked her up himself. Athena's view of him shifted. Her eyes drifted to where Zaden stood. Broad shoulders, lean waist, nearly six-foot-three. He didn't even need to try-just standing there, he carried a strong, magnetic presence. "Mr. Storm," the teacher greeted warmly as she handed Teri over. Her eyes glimmered with admiration. Athena suddenly remembered overhearing earlier when a teacher offered to drive Teri home. At the time, she thought it was kindness. Now she understood; it was Zaden's pull. Even with a child, he was the kind of man women went crazy for. While she was lost in thought, Athena's phone rang again. An unknown number flashed on the screen. She knew it was Lewis. 2/3 14:37 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 16 The License Plate : A 68 Finished She had ignored his first call. The phone kept ringing. Lewis sounded unusually patient, which was strange. He was always quick-tempered. Normally, if she didn't pick up right away, he would snap and never call again. Athena thought for a moment, then finally swiped to answer. Lewis's voice was cold. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me at the house? Where did you go? Was that you at the hospital just now? And who was the man with you?" No greeting. Just sharp questions. He had expected Athena to be at the villa. But when he made up an excuse to go back, she wasn't there. Then he remembered the woman he'd seen at the hospital earlier. Athena's eyes narrowed at his questions. Lewis had spotted me? "You need to get over here to the hospital right now," he barked. "Nina fainted because of you, and she still hasn't woken up!" His tone only grew harsher. "Are you really that petty? You even broke her necklace. I won't hold those little things against you, but I'm giving you twenty minutes. You better show up in front of me right away." Lewis acted high and mighty. He was certain Athena would come running, grateful for the chance. In his mind, she was always jealous, always doing things just to catch his attention. Now that he gave her a way out, how could she possibly refuse? He gives me twenty minutes to show up before him? Athena couldn't help it-she laughed.