Gemma quickly found Nn in Zoey''s office. Kids often seek their mothers first when upset, but with Zoey absent, Nn sat alone, lost in thought in a corner. Gemma exhaled in relief, her face breaking into a smile.


    "Nn, why are you sitting here all by yourself?" she asked, walking over. She noticed the swelling on Nn''s cheeks, a clear testament to Mr. Jones''s full-force p. Her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately cupped his face in her hands.


    A look of disgust flickered through Nn''s eyes as he stepped back.


    Truth be told, Gemma didn''t genuinely care for Nn; her attempt to appease him was only to get into Fitch''s good graces. Deep down, she despised the boy.


    After all, she was set to marry Fitch, and Nn would merely be a stepson. His current plight was a consequence of his disobedience.


    "If he keeps up this behavior, could he cause more issues once I''m married to Fitch?" she pondered, her expression cooling.


    "Nn, you need to behave, understand? You can''t tell your daddy about getting hit. He''s swamped with work, and bothering him with something so trivial would only make him resent you. And remember, your daddy''s going to marry me. I''ll be the one setting the rules, including how much money you get to spend. So, you better start learning to listen," she sternly grabbed Nn, examining his swollen cheek.


    The swelling was severe, unlikely to subside quickly, and with Fitch due to pick up Nnter, she needed a quick solution.


    Her eyes darted around before a mischievous smile formed.


    "Or, when your daddyes to pick you up, you could say Zoey pped you. That woman is up to no good, eyeing the role of your stepmom, but she''s not fit for your daddy. If you want to please me, and ensure a good life once I marry your daddy, you''ll do as I say. Or else, once I''m married to your daddy, expect a daily dose of ps."


    Her face twisted in malice, and seeing Nn on the verge of tears, she sneered, convinced she had intimidated the child.


    "Got it? Tell your daddy it was Zoey, make him despise her. This is all for your own good."


    Thinking she had the upper hand, her tone softened.


    "Alright, go on now. Who knows if that wench Zoey will even make it back alive. Serving my father, she''s getting off easy; I''m starting to regret it." én.swnovels


    Muttering thesest words under her breath, assuming Nn too young to understand, Nn''s eyshes trembled, but he remained silent, walking out.


    en.swhovels


    Back in ss, he pulled out thetest smartphone hanging around his neck and dialed Fitch.


    Fitch had been working from home, engulfed in meetings all day, trying to clear his schedule to spend more time with Zoey.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Hearing Nn''s call, Fitch''s heart melted, pushing aside hisputer to answer in a gentle tone.


    "Nn, what''s wrong?"


    Nn''s sobbing voice came through.


    "Daddy, it was Gemma... she... Mommy''s in danger."


    Fitch''s pupils dted, his expression turning grave.


    He immediately called his and


    Zalerted all the police forces i


    his demeanor terrifying as


    he stormed out. Content out.