Chapter 62

Shocked by his son's abrupt departure, Moore hurried to the office window. He saw Cole speaking on the phone, smiling broadly, then excitedly jumping into his car and driving away.

Moore took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and dialed Jessica.

"Hi, Uncle," came her cheerful voice.

"What's going on with my son, Jessica?"

"What do you mean?" Jessica asked, confused. "Please don't tell me you two fought again?"

"Cole wouldn't tell me anything, that's why I called you. No, we didn't argue. But he's acting so weird."

"How?" Jessica asked cautiously.

"He disappeared for a week. We were in a meeting all morning, and once it ended, he vanished from the conference room. I followed him to his office, but he said he had an important meeting."

"You know Cole would never disrespect you, Uncle. He must have been so late for the meeting that he left you in the office in a hurry."

"That's not the point, Jess. He's been acting strangely. I may not be an active member of the company, but I know when he attends important overseas meetings. He disappeared for a week, to God knows where, and returned happier than I've ever seen him."

"You don't want him to be happy?"

"Don't get me wrong. I'll always choose my children's happiness above all else. But Cole is beginning to freak me out. He's being suspicious. It's as though something exciting is going on in his life, and he doesn't want to share it with me."

"You're his best friend. I'm sure he tells you everything. That's why I called. What the hell is going on with Cole?"

Jessica said nothing.

"And don't you dare change the subject! You're a lawyer; that can make you tricky."

"I thought Cole would be upset about Vanessa's recent troubles, but he doesn't seem bothered. Is he seeing someone? Who is she? Is it Hailey?"

"Why would you think his behavior has to do with a girl?"

"Eric told me Vanessa hired someone to spy on him. The detective said he saw Cole leaving the airport with Hailey and some children."

"You told Cole that?"

"I did. But he didn't respond. He shrugged me off and ran away."

"I really don't know what to say. Yes, Cole and I are close, but sometimes he's secretive. I guess him being happy is a good thing. And if there's an important reason, I'm sure he'll share it with us soon."

"In the meantime, I don't think you should worry about anything Vanessa says. If she's sane, she won't be stalking a grown man who's declared he doesn't love her and wants nothing to do with her. Cole also has a restraining order against her; she's an eyesore. I honestly don't know why you're still friends with Eric."

16:19 Sat, 27 Apr Chapter 62

"Don't try to manipulate me into feeling guilty. Eric and I have been friends for a very long time."

"I'm not trying to make you feel bad. But Eric made terrible choices in his life. His wife and daughter are the most toxic people you'll ever meet. I'd avoid him if I were you."

"Don't talk that way about my friend. He's made mistakes he isn't proud of. No doubt he's paying for them now."

Jessica rolled her eyes, though Moore couldn't see her. "A friend whose daughter keeps stalking your son? I'd keep him at arm's length if I were you."

"I told you Eric means well. He was just shocked when Vanessa mentioned seeing children with Hailey, and that conversation gave me sleepless nights. I know Cole and I don't have the best father-son relationship, but I don't think things are so bad that he wouldn't tell me he has a child. The thought alone makes me feel like a monster."

"You're overthinking, Uncle. I don't know why you think Cole tells me everything."

"Come on, you two are close. I know you have to protect his confidentiality as his client and friend. But I'm having this conversation with you because I see you as my daughter."

"I know, and I promise I'm not judging you or your actions. Your son is an amazing man, and he respects you a lot. Even if Cole is hiding something, he can't hide it forever. We'll know soon. There's nothing to worry about."

"I think I'm going to call him. It's been ages since I've heard from him."

Cole stared in confusion as a police car pulled up. His frown deepened when three officers got out and approached him.

He lowered the driver's-side window as an officer reached for the door.

"How may I help you?" His voice was filled with confusion. He hadn't broken any laws and was sure he was driving within the speed limit.

"Please step out of the car, Mr. Matthis."

Confused, Cole obeyed. He faced the three officers.

"You are under arrest for assault and attempted murder of a pregnant Vanessa Summers."

"Vanessa? What the hell?" Cole exclaimed, disbelieving.

He shook his head. "This has to be a joke."

"You heard us, Mr. Matthis. Please come with us," another officer said, gesturing toward the police car.

"I'm sure there's a mix-up. I have an important engagement. My kids are waiting for me. I need to pick them up from school. They'll be scared if they don't see me." Tears welled in Cole's eyes.

He'd been looking forward to his first school pickup, and Vanessa had robbed him of that moment.

16:19 Sat, 27 Apr Chapter 62

During their recent vacation, Offie and Enzo told Cole they wanted to introduce him to their friends at school, including Enzo's crush, Aubrey.

Cole didn't want to disappoint his children; he was finally earning their trust. He'd missed so much of their lives and was trying to make it up to them. He didn't want to lose their trust by seeming inconsistent.

Cole's heart shattered at the thought of Hailey's reaction. His reputation was ruined, and he feared Hailey wouldn't want anything to do with him.

"Please, my kids need me," he said sincerely, hoping for leniency as a public figure.

"You need to come with us now, or we'll force you," an officer said.

Cole was trying to think of a way to prove his innocence when his phone rang. He answered it.

"You are not" an officer began, but Cole interrupted. "That's my lawyer. I'm allowed to talk to my lawyer, right?"

He didn't wait for a response but answered the call, ignoring the stares from onlookers.

"Dude, you wouldn't believe your father almost got me to spill the truth," Jessica's cheerful voice said.

"Jess, I just got arrested."

"What? Why?"

"Hit someone? Speeding?"

"No. Bitchy Vanessa is suing me for assault and attempted murder."

"I've never wanted someone dead so bad. I wish you had ended her life that day," Jessica said angrily.

"Where are you? At the station?"

"Not yet. They want me to come with them. I was thinking I could report later because I have to pick up the twins. Hailey will be so disappointed."

Cole sighed.

"Try to stay calm, dude. I'll do what I can to get you out. Follow them and don't say anything until I get there."

"And please don't worry about Hailey and the kids. Everything will be sorted."

Cole nodded, forgetting Jessica couldn't see him.

"Please reach out to Hailey and tell her what's happening so she can get the kids. I'll forward her number. Please let her understand this is beyond my control," Cole said sadly.

"I'll make her understand. Don't feel bad. I'll be there soon."

"Thank you." Cole ended the call, sent Hailey's number to Jessica, and then surrendered to the officers. Two officers escorted him into the police vehicle while another drove away in Cole's car.

16:20 Sat, 27 Apr