Page 71 of Last Wish Wedding

Noah tensed in Kelsey’s arms but dutifully extracted himself to approach Margaret. The older woman bent stiffly to embrace him, her movements formal rather than affectionate.

“Remember what we discussed,” she murmured, just loud enough for Kelsey to hear. “About your future and responsibilities.”

Kelsey’s jaw tightened, but Harrison’s warning echoed in her mind. Stay calm. Focus on Noah.

“Time to go, Noah,” she said gently, extending her hand.

Noah had just reached for it when the sound of a door slamming echoed through the foyer. Heavy footsteps approached from a side hallway, and then Jason Prescott appeared, his face flushed with barely contained anger.

“What is this circus?” he demanded, glaring at the assembled group before his eyes landed on Mac. His expression shifted from anger to surprise. “MacCormack. What are you doing here?”

“Jason,” Margaret warned, but her son ignored her.

“You think you’ve won?” Jason stepped closer to Kelsey and dropped his voice into a menacing growl. “This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

Mac slid smoothly between Jason and Kelsey. His posture was relaxed but imposing all the same. “Careful, Jason. There’s a child present.”

Noah pressed against Kelsey’s side, his small body tense. She hugged him protectively to her.

“My nephew,” Jason spat, “who you’re manipulating for your own ends.”

“That’s enough, Mr. Prescott,” the sheriff interjected, stepping forward. “We’re here to execute a court order, not engage in family disputes.”

Jason’s eyes narrowed as he took in Kelsey’s hand on Noah’s shoulder and the gold band glinting on her finger. “So that’s your play?” He laughed, a harsh sound devoid of humor. “A convenient marriage to the richest man on that godforsaken island?”

Kelsey felt Noah looking up at her, confusion evident in his expression. Before she could respond, Mac spoke, his voice dangerously soft.

“I’d choose your words very carefully, Jason.”

Something in Mac’s tone must have penetrated Jason’s anger. He stepped back, straightening his tie with a jerky motion.

“This isn’t over,” he repeated, but the threat sounded hollow now. “We’re just getting started.”

“No, Jason,” Mac said. “It is over. Noah is going home with his mother and me. If you value what’s left of your assets, you’ll accept that reality.”

Comprehension slowly flickered across Jason’s face, followed by a flash of fear.

He knew, Kelsey realized. He knew now that it was Mac looking into his finances, and not her. And with Mac’s wealth, that was a much scarier prospect. The tables had just turned on him.

The knowledge that this man who had caused her and her son pain and stress for no reason except for his own personal gain was now afraid of what they may do to him in retaliation made her feel powerful. She held the cards now.

“We’re leaving now,” Kelsey said, giving Noah’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Noah, do you have everything you need, honey?”

Noah nodded, pressing closer to her side. “Can we go home?”

“Yes, sweet pea. We’re going home.”

Jennifer stepped forward, offering the suitcase to Mac, who took it with a polite nod. “Take care, Noah,” she said softly, tears in her eyes as she waved her hand to the child.

“Bye, Aunt Jennifer,” Noah replied. He hesitated, then added, “Bye, Grandmother.”

Margaret remained rigid by the staircase, her expression unreadable. She inclined her head slightly but said nothing as the sheriff ushered their group toward the door.

Outside, the morning air felt cleansing after the stifling atmosphere of the Prescott mansion. Noah walked between Kelsey and Mac, one hand clutching Kelsey’s, the other Mac’s. His gaze moving between them as if reassuring himself they were both real.

“I’ll follow up with the court to confirm completion of the order,” Harrison said as they reached the cars. “You should head home, get settled.”

Kelsey nodded, gratitude welling within her. “Thank you, Harrison. For everything.”