Six Years Later, He's My Boss

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

She stayed with him for another hour, reading from his favorite book and helping him with the puzzle the nurses had brought. When visiting hours ended, she kissed him goodbye and promised to return first thing in the morning with news about the dinner.

The drive to the Blackwood estate took her two hours to get there. Ambelyn noticed Thomas's Mercedes was already there, along with a smaller car she didn't recognize.

She soon realized what this meant—Veronica and Lucas were already here, already settled in like they belonged.

The front door opened before she could knock, revealing Henderson, the elderly butler who had served the family for over thirty years. His expression was carefully polite, although she could catch the look of sympathy in his eyes.

"Good evening, Mrs. Blackwood," he said formally. "The family is gathered in the dining room."

She followed him through the foyer, walking past oil paintings of stern-faced Blackwood ancestors who seemed to judge her with their painted eyes.

The scene that greeted her was exactly what she had expected and dreaded. Thomas sat at the head of the table, looking relaxed and Veronica was beside him in what should have been Ambelyn's seat.

Lucas sat across from his mother, already in his pajamas and looking remarkably healthy for a child who had supposedly needed emergency heart surgery.

Eleanor who was seated at the foot of the table, presiding over dinner looked up as Ambelyn entered, her blue eyes scanning her and wrinkling her nose in disgust at her appearance as always.

"Ambelyn, dear," she said with false warmth. "How lovely that you could join us. Please, sit."

The only empty chair was at the far end of the table, as far from Thomas as possible—a deliberate slight that everyone present would understand.

Ambelyn took her seat without comment, placing her purse carefully beside her chair. The divorce papers rustled softly inside, their presence giving her strength.

"We were just discussing the wonderful news about Lucas's surgery," Eleanor continued speaking "Such a blessing that he's recovered so quickly. The doctors say he'll be back to full activities within weeks."

How fortunate," Ambelyn managed, her voice steady despite the rage building in her chest.

"Indeed," Veronica purred, reaching over to squeeze Thomas's hand in a gesture of intimate possession.

"We're so grateful that Thomas was able to arrange everything so quickly. It's amazing what can be accomplished when you have the right connections."

The implication hung heavy in the air. Everyone at the table knew that Lucas had received the heart meant for Iniko. Everyone knew it had been orchestrated deliberately. And everyone seemed to find it amusing.

"Speaking of arrangements," Eleanor said, cutting delicately into her prime rib, "we've made some decisions about the family structure moving forward."

Ambelyn's grip tightened on her fork. "What kind of decisions?"

"Well, given Iniko's... condition... we feel it would be inappropriate for him to continue bearing the burden of being the heir apparent," Eleanor explained with the casual cruelty that was her trademark. "The boy is clearly not suited for the responsibilities that come with the Blackwood name."

The words hit like physical blows, but Ambelyn forced herself to remain seated, to keep her expression neutral. Around the table, she could see the satisfaction on their faces—Thomas's approval, Veronica's triumphant smile, even four-year-old Lucas's smug satisfaction.

"What are you saying?" she asked quietly.

"We're saying that Lucas will be recognized as Thomas's primary heir," Eleanor continued. "He's strong, healthy, intelligent—everything the family needs in its next generation. Iniko, poor child, simply doesn't have the constitution for such demands."

"He's five years old," Ambelyn said, her voice rising despite trying to keep calm and poised.

"He's sick, not weak. There's a difference."

"Is there?" Thomas spoke for the first time since she'd arrived, his voice carrying the dismissive tone she knew so well.

"The boy can barely manage a flight of stairs without getting winded. He spends more time in hospitals than in school. What kind of leader does that make?"

"The kind who understands suffering," she shot back. "The kind who might actually care about people less fortunate than himself."

Veronica laughed,her laugh mocking Amberlyn, filled with pity and contempt.

"How noble. Unfortunately, nobility doesn't run a billion-dollar corporation."

"I think Mama Ambelyn should step aside," Lucas spoke suddenly.

"Mama Veronica should be Daddy's real wife now. Everyone knows she's better at everything."

Ambelyn reached into her purse pulling out the divorce papers. She placed it on the table with a soft thud that somehow managed to stop all ongoing conversation.

"Since you've all made your feelings so clear," she said, her voice steady as ever, "perhaps it's time to make this official."

Thomas stared at the folder as if it might contain a snake. "What is that?"

"Divorce papers." She opened the folder and slid the documents toward him. "Already signed by me. They just need your signature to make it final."