Chapter 78

Click!

The sharp sound of a camera shutter echoed from beyond the door, sending Vivian into instant panic. Her head snapped up.

The door stood slightly ajar.

No. She'd been photographed.

Vivian gritted her teeth, hastily straightened her dress, and stormed outside. Who dared take pictures of her?

She'd finally managed to slip something into Nathan's drink. She'd been so close to claiming him when someone ruined everything!

A faint rustling came from the stairwell. Got you now.

She burst through the emergency exit but found the corridor empty. Then—thwack—something hard struck the back of her neck. She crumpled to the floor.

Caleb lowered the wooden rod, dusting off his hands. "You're not worthy of Daddy."

A wicked grin spread across his face as he recalled how this woman had framed his mother years ago. Spotting a waiter with a tray, he sprinted over. "Sir! My aunt fainted from low blood sugar. Could you help me get her to a room?"

The server assisted Caleb in carrying Vivian to a guest suite. "Thank you," Caleb said sweetly as the man left.

Alone, Caleb rifled through Vivian's purse, extracting a stack of business cards. Using her phone, he dialed a number and deepened his voice: "Grand Imperial Room V3033. Hurry."

Caleb smirked. Payback time—this was exactly how she'd set up his mother six years ago.

Next, he called Liam about their father's situation. When Liam hung up, his gaze locked onto Sophia, who was happily devouring dessert.

Sophia froze under his intense stare. "Liam...why are you looking at me like that?"

Liam's smile turned devious. "We need your help." Sophia's fork clattered onto her plate. That smile never meant anything good.

At Beach Villa—

Sophia directed two bodyguards to haul the unconscious Nathan into the house.

Oh God. Zoe would murder her for this.

She'd become an accomplice to kidnapping! These three little demons had roped her into abducting their father!

Daisy swayed cheerfully. "Don't worry, we won't rat you out!"

Sophia laughed nervously. "What have I gotten myself into?"

She should never have crossed Zoe.

Checking her watch, Sophia bolted up. "Your mom's due home soon. I'm out."

"Bye!" the children chorused.

"Don't you dare snitch!" Sophia hissed while backing toward the door.

"Scout's honor!" Caleb gave a thumbs-up.

Nathan lay in the ice-filled bathtub, his skin frighteningly hot. Liam added more ice while Daisy pressed a small hand to his forehead. "He's still burning up. What now?"

"That witch did this to him," Caleb growled.

Liam stood abruptly. "Take Daisy out. I'll help Dad change."

"Hey! Why can't I watch?" Daisy pouted.

Caleb facepalmed. "Good girls don't stare at naked men. Out!" He herded her out the door.

Together, the brothers stripped their father down to his boxers, the icy water lapping at his feverish skin.