Chapter 131
Mia’s POV
I considered showing the message to my mother but decided against it. She had enough to worry about without adding Taylor’s threats to her burden. Instead, I blocked the unknown number and tried once more to sleep, Gas’s warm presence beside me providing some comfort.
Morning came too quickly, pale NoveChapter 153 Braxton Hicks contractionsmber sunlight filtering through my blinds.
I went out of the room.
“You look terrible,” mom said bluntly. “Did you sleep at all p>
“Not really.” I eased myself onto a kitchen stool, wincing as my back protested. “Taylor texted me last night p>
Mom’s face hardened. “What? How did she get your number p>
“I don’t know. But I forwarded it to Robert. He’s contacting the DA this morning p>
“What did she say?” Mom asked, already reaching for her phone as if ready to make calls of her own.
I hesitated, not wanting to repeat Taylor’s exact words. “Just threats. Nothing specific. But it’s a clear violation of the restraining order p>
Mom’s jaw tightened as she set down her phone. “This ends today. I’m tired of her thinking she can get away with this behavior.
Mom and I were disgusted by the haunting Taylor.
“Robert will handle it,” I said, accepting the glass of orange juice she pushed toward me. “Let’s just focus on what we can control p>
My phone rang before she could respond-Robert’s name flashing on the screen.
“I’m putting you on speaker,” I said after answering. “Mom’s here with me p>
“Good morning,” Robert greeted, his voice crisp and professional. “I’ve already spoken with the DA about the text message. They’re filing a motion to revoke Taylor’s bail based on the violation of the restraining order. There should be a hearing scheduled within the next 48 hours p>
“That fast?” I asked, surprised.
“The judge who issued the restraining order takes violations very seriously,” Robert explained. “And given the nature of the case, they’re expediting the process p>
“Will I need to testify p>
“No, not for this hearing. The text message and phone records should be sufficient evidence p>
Relief washed over me. “Good. That’s good p>
“Is the DA pursuing charges against Porter?” Mom asked.
“They’re building a case,” Robert said. “But given that he’s in France, extradition could be complicated. They’re proceeding carefully to ensure they have ironclad evidence before making any moves p>
After discussing a few more details and confirming our next steps, we ended the call. Mom sat in silence for a moment, her expression unreadable.
“Are you okay?” I asked gently.
She looked up, a small, bitter smile playing at her lips. “It’s strange. I always knew Richard couldn’t have planned everything alone. He wasn’t that clever. But to hear confirmation that others actively participated in plotting my death… it’s still shocking p>
I reached across the table to squeeze her hand. “We’ll get justice. For both of us p>
“I know.” She squared her shoulders, her momentary vulnerability disappearing. “Now eat your breakfast. The twins need their strength p>
I managed a few bites of toast and eggs, though my appetite remained subdued. The knowledge that Taylor had violated the restraining order so blatantly kept nagging at me. Was she that confident in her uncle’s protection? Or was she simply becoming desperate, lashing out as the evidence against her mounted?
My phone buzzed with a text from Kyle:
Security team reported increased media presence near your building. Everything okay?
I typed back:
Taylor violated the restraining order. Robert’s filing to have her bail revoked. Hearing in the next 48 hours.
His response came immediately:
What did she do?
Sent threatening text to my personal number.
There was a longer pause before his next message:
I’m having the security detail doubled. No arguments.
I pondered for a while, then typed out:
Thank you.
As I set my phone down, a sharp pain lanced through my lower abdomen, making me gasp. Mom looked up from her tablet immediately, concern etched across her face.
“What is it? The babies p>
“Just a twinge,” I assured her, rubbing the spot. “Dr. Matthews said Braxton Hicks contractions would be more frequent as I get closer to the due date p>
She didn’t look convinced. “If they continue, we’re calling the doctor p>
“Agreed,” I nodded, knowing better than to argue with that tone. Gas nudged my leg, looking up at me with worried eyes. “I’m okay, buddy,” I told him, scratching behind his ears.
The morning passed quietly. I worked remotely on some final design adjustments for the children’s center, the familiar routine of architectural problem-solving providing a welcome distraction from the chaos of Taylor’s case.
Around noon, my phone rang again-Scarlett this time.
“Morton found something,” she said without preamble. “About Edward Porter p>
I set aside my tablet. “What is it p>
“He had business dealings with Kyle’s father. Like, substantial ones. Right before Alexander Branson died p>
My breath caught. “What kind of dealings p>
“Some joint venture in South America,” Scarlett explained.
“So Porter has a history with the Bransons,” I murmured, trying to process this new connection. “Does Kyle know p>
“Morton’s telling him now,” Scarlett replied.
“Could that be why Porter is helping Taylor? Some kind of revenge against Kyle p>
“It’s possible,” Scarlett admitted. “Though it seems like a stretch. More likely it’s just about protecting his own interests in Richard’s business ventures. But the Branson connection is weird, right p>
“Very,” I agreed. “Keep me posted if Morton finds anything else p>
“Of course. And Mia? Be careful. This whole thing is getting more complicated by the hour p>
After we hung up, I sat in thought, considering the implications of this new information. Edward Porter had some kind of connection with Kyle’s father in the past.
Before I could pursue that train of thought further, another pain gripped my abdomen-sharper thatt before, lasting longer. I gripped the edge of the table, trying to breathe through it.
“Mia?” Mom was at my side instantly. “That’s it. I’m calling Dr. Matthews p>