Loving DAD 1088

Johanna couldn’t help thinking, if only Thomas had been by her side back then, how different everything might have been. She wouldn’t have lived through those nightmare days. 

A dark thought flickered through Johanna’s mind. 

If Sharon were gone… would Thomas finally belong to her and her alone? 

Sharon was about to head upstairs when a small figure suddenly barreled into her arms. 

“Mom!” 

She quickly caught Theo, startled but smiling. “Theo, what are you doing down here?” 

Theo clung to her tightly. “I missed you.” 

“Didn’t Mommy say I’d come up to see you once I was done here?” 

Theo’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ll be going back with Dad soon. I don’t know when I’ll see you again. I just … wanted to spend a little more time with you.” 

Sharon’s expression softened, but her tone remained firm. “There are so many people at this party. It’s not safe for you to wander off alone.” 

“I asked Julliard to bring me down,” Theo admitted. 

Only then did Sharon notice Julliard standing a short distance away. 

Julliard smiled faintly. “I went to check on Theo earlier, and he wouldn’t stop saying he missed you. So I brought him down for a bit. Sharon, I hope I haven’t caused any trouble?” 

Since Julliard had only just arrived in Marcentine, it wasn’t strange for him to want to see the boy. Sharon didn’t think much of it. 

“Not at all,” she said. “I was just about to go see Theo myself.” 

Julliard looked around. “Where’s Carter?” 

Sharon gave a small laugh. “Carter’s being hounded by Samantha right now. Who knows where he’s hiding.” 

He had left Samantha behind to find her, but Samantha wasn’t one to give up easily–she had followed as well. Samantha had even admitted her interest in Carter outright and asked Sharon what Carter’s preferences were. 

Not wanting Samantha to make a scene in front of Sharon, Carter had no choice but to step away and deal with 

her first. 

Holding Theo’s hand, Sharon led him toward the buffet table. 

They had just reached the dessert section when Rick appeared, striding over. 

“Sharon, come with me. There’s something I need to discuss with you.” 

Theo greeted him politely. “Uncle Rick.” 

Rick’s usually stern face softened with a rare smile. 

“Theo, stay here and grab something to eat. I need to talk to your mom for a bit.” 

Compared to Silas and Scott, Rick had spent the most time with Theo. Back in Zachemaine, Richard often brought Theo home, so Rick had grown familiar with him. 

“Okay, Uncle Rick,” Theo replied obediently. 

Thomas followed quietly behind Sharon, prepared to accompany her, when Rick added, “Thomas, stay here and watch over Theo. I want to speak with Sharon alone.” 

Thomas’s expression didn’t change. “I’ll wait right outside. You two can talk.” 

Sharon hesitated, then turned to him. “Thomas, stay here and take care of Theo for now.” 

Thomas frowned, his brows drawing tight. “No. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone—” 

Before he could finish, Julliard interjected, “Thomas, don’t you think you’re being a little too paranoid? Rick is Sharon’s brother. You really think he’d harm her?” 3 

Rick’s face darkened instantly. 

He’d already found Thomas insufferable, and Julliard’s words only deepened his irritation. His tone turned sharp, cold. 

“Thomas, are you truly trying to protect Sharon, or are you using that excuse to snoop for information? As a bodyguard, don’t you think you’re meddling too much? Sharon is your employer, not your wife.” 2 

Chapte