Chapter 238 Cross the Line
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Tess kept her gaze soft as she looked into Cissy’s eyes, her <i>tone </i>carrying a quiet request.
The rich scent of the meat sauce drifted up from the te. Cissy’s throat bobbed, and in the end, she gave a firm nod.
As Tess watched Cissy cat with desperate hunger, her expression cooled.
Without a word, Connor slid part of his meat sauce onto Tess’s te. Leaning close, he murmured in her ear, “I can’t finish this either, Ms. Ember. Mind helping me out?”
Tess gave a quietugh but didn’t refuse.
By the time the three of them stepped out of the cafeteria, the air outside had grown louder. She and Connor exchanged a nce, then, without speaking, headed toward the noise.
The sight that met them made them stop short.
At some point, arge crowd of reporters had gathered at the orphanage gate, and more were still arriving. Professional camera gear was set up in neat rows, all aimed at the entrance.
And in the middle of it, Tess spotted a familiar figure.
“Make sure we get the best shots. Once Finn arrives, we start!” Nadine’s voice rang out over themotion.
Suddenly, her words cut off, as if someone had reached out and closed a hand around her throat.
When Tess looked up, Nadine was staring back at her, wide–eyed and full of resentment.
“Tess? What are you doing here?”
Tess had no intention of getting involved and turned to leave, but Nadine’s voice rose to a shriek. She broke into a run toward her.
Tess sidestepped neatly, letting Nadine’s grab miss its mark.
With her hand hanging awkwardly in the air, Nadine drew it back, her re sharpening. “Tess, you’re so damn annoying!”
After the outburst, Tess’s initial surprise faded, and her face turned cold.
10:19 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Oct </b><b>9 </b>M…
Chapter 238 Cross the Line
“Ms. Nadine, this is a public ce. You might want to watch your manners.”
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Connor stepped in front of Tess, his tall frame casting a heavy shadow over Nadine. His voice carried a quiet warning.
Nadine’s bravado faltered, but she still sneered. “Maybe you’re the one who should be careful.”
Her gaze raked over Tess, this time tinged with envy.
If it weren’t for that face, Nadine thought, the rest of her could almost pass for some rich man’s pampered daughter.
“Tess, your dear Finn hasn’t even signed the divorce papers, and here you are visiting an orphanage with some older man? Can’t you wait a little longer?”
Her tone grew nastier with each word. Tess’s eyes narrowed.
That was when Cissy moved.
Like a small, wild animal, she barreled straight into Nadine’s stomach.
The woman let out a startled cry and stumbled backward, falling hard to the ground.
“Mr. Waite! Mr. Waite, there’s a maniac here!” she screeched, jabbing a manicured finger toward Cissy.
Hudson came hurrying over, belly bouncing with each step. When he saw the scene, he nearly had a stroke.
His face darkened. “Cissy, help Ms. Nadine up and apologize right now!”
But Cissy only lifted her eyes, silent as ever.
It was as good as ignoring himpletely.
Hudson’s temper red, and he was about to drag her off for a beating when Tess stepped in, blocking him.
“Really? She’s a child. And you’re going to hold a grudge?” Tess’s tone was light but edged with steel.
Nadine’s anger faltered under the words, and she stood there fuming in silence.
The longer she thought about it, the more it burned. With help from those nearby, she got to her feet and red at Tess. “Protecting her like that… People might think she’s your other
<b>10:19 </b>Thu, <b>Oct </b><b>9 </b>M
Chapter 238 Cross the Line
illegitimate daughter!”
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Tess’s hand cracked across her face, the sound sharp enough to silence the whole crowd.
Nadine swayed, her head ringing, too stunned to react. Hudson just stood there with his mouth open, unsure what to do.
“I warned you not to cross the line,” Tess said coldly.
“What the hell are you doing?”
The low, sharp voice cut through the air like an arrow.
To Nadine, Finn’s voice was like rain in a drought. Her eyes instantly filled with tears. “Finn!”
She threw herself into his arms.
Finn’s gaze flickered, but with Tess’s cool, distant eyes on him from a few feet away, he didn’t push Nadine away.
The crisp scent of his cologne wrapped around Nadine, filling her with smug satisfaction.
In his embrace, her small frame looked almost fragile next to his tall, imposing build.
Tess stood watching them–her legal husband holding her legal half–sister–and her face remained utterly calm.
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<strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.