-Laila My phone buzzes . It's 7pm and I've just finished grading the last papers for the day . 55 vouchers Working overtime on my second official day of work wasn't really a part of the plan . But here I am ... one scandal later and back to an almost normal life . Almost . The screen lights up with a text that draws my attention . " Finally . " I murmur to myself as I check it , exhaling a deep sigh of relief . Grandfather Blackwood has just texted me . He'd be dropping Liam off soon . Liam's kindergarten closes by 4pm and it's a short walk from Thorneville University which makes my new role with the University a very convenient arrangement . But today , Grandfather Blackwood had suddenly insisted on picking Liam up after school for a play date before his upcoming business trip . Even now , the idea of having Liam out of my sight and with the Blackwoods always sends a chill of terror down my spine . But Kael consented to it and so I couldn't say no . A knock sounds from the door just as I begin organizing my desk . " Come in ." I call out , frowning . I'm not expecting anyone . A head pops in . It's Mr Trent , the course director . " Ms Laila , I know it's just been a few days but it's really an honour to have you here . " The course director of the law department says . " I mean , originally , you were insistent on refusing the position in favor of an out of office role . " He teases with a goodly smile . I return the smile . An out of office role was convenient . But that went out the window after Axis Loft became a lounge area for reporters hoping to catch a clearer glimpse of my face . It'd taken some effort to make sure the shot they got of Cameron blurred me . If I can't protect my reputation , I can at least keep my face out of the media and be something other than a Blackwood . The contract doesn't say I have to submit to all of Kael's arrangements . I've only just joined the university so not many people know who I am . Blackwood is a common enough last name to keep me from drawing too much attention to myself . 14:17 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 23 : 51 E55 vouchers After a brief exchange of pleasantries , I head out of the university to begin my walk to the intersection where Grandfather Blackwood's driver would be waiting . I've texted Kael the location as well . So Blake can pick us up . Kael and I have fallen into an unspoken routine . He drops Liam off in the morning when he leaves for work , while I pick him up since Kael works late . It's already been a few days since the boardroom and the incident at the Blue water department store . We've barely exchanged a few words since then , save for texts to let me know when Blake would be picking us up , or when he would be coming home . And if he would join us for dinner . It's the same routine as Ridgeway . The first few days of our return have been more dramatic than I anticipated , so this familiar cold distance is much welcome . I arrive at the intersection not long after , just as Grandfather Blackwood's SUV pulls up by the curb . " Mommy ! " My heart warms instantly . I reach for the door opening it , and my lips stretch into a smile as Liam dives into my arms . He's practically bubbling in his excitement . " I see you had loads of fun with the old man ." I tease , reaching out to wipe the crumbs of cookies still on his cheeks . Liam giggles , nodding his head in agreement . " Old man fun ... but Uncle better ! " He exclaims giddily . I freeze . A cold chill runs down my spine as Liam's words sink in . I turn just at the moment the door to the driver's side opens , It's not Grandfather Blackwood's driver ... it's Cameron ! My grip on Liam tightens protectively . Like holding him tightly enough would cover the truth . Cameron walks around the car to us while I'm just frozen in place , holding Liam and staring at him . I didn't think I'd be seeing him so soon after the boardroom . I'd made it clear then that I'm on Kael's side and Cameron had not looked pleased . " Laila . " ' He looks just as good as always ! An unwanted thought sneaks into my mind . My traitorous heart beats strangely at the thought , but I bite down on my bottom lip harshly enough to distract myself . 14:17 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 23 : 51 55 vouchers Cameron sounds different than he had in the boardroom . There is some exhaustion in his tone . But he still reveals a smile , winking to a grinning Liam like they shared a secret . I'm sure it's nothing to worry about , still , my heart drops . I don't allow the guilt blossom . His state has nothing to do with me . " Grandad had to attend an urgent meeting . " He explained , " I just happened to be visiting and he asked me to drop Liam off . " " I ... okay ... " I stutter , Get it together , Laila ! The mental reprimand does the trick because I immediately follow up with a proper sentence . " Thank you , Mr Blackwood . " Cameron frowns at the address but he doesn't comment . Instead he glances around , " Where's your car ? I got Liam a few things , if you don't mind ." I smile uncertainly , my heart is beating a mile per minute now and it's taking everything in me not to take my son and run as far away from Cameron as possible . " I don't think ... " " Mommy ... " Liam's pouting in my arms now , his eyes wide and teary . " It's not just me . " Cameron cuts in quickly , " Grandad did as well . So there's quite a few things to move out of the trunk . " " Where did you park , Laila ? " He asks again , I shake my head slowly . " I ... Blake will pick us up ." He glances around . " I don't see him anywhere . It's quite late to be standing by the curb on your own ." " I'll drive you ." He offers , an almost tender smile on his lips . " I don't think there's a need for that . " I decline politely . Laila , Liam's my nephew . " His tone is earnest , " I know you and Kael ... " Don't ... " I cut him off , my eyes narrowed into a glare . " Not in front of my son . " Cameron's expression turns apologetic and he nods . " You're right . I'm sorry . " I turn to leave but Cameron quickly stops me , " Get in Laila . The night is chilly . I'll drop you off at home . " " That won't be necessary . " I decline , gesturing to Kael's familiar Gray Camaro pulling up a short distance away , Cameron's expression falls . But he nods in understanding . " Then , I'll just have the items sent over to your address ." 14:17 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 23 " Hmmm . " I start heading over to Kael's car . : " Goodnight Laila . And you too Liam . " Cameron calls out . 55 vouchers I don't respond . I just keep walking and I pretend not to notice Liam waving back over my shoulder .