Chapter 1342 Threat
"That woman refused to leave Thaddeus behind?" Skylar's eyes bore into Azalea's.
Azalea's voice was unwavering. "Even if she disagrees, I'm not letting her take Thaddeus away from the Fields Mansion. Thaddeus is part of the Fields family. I can't let him end up out there alone."
"And what about Daryl? What's his take on this?" Skylar asked, frowning.
"When it comes to Thaddeus, Daryl listens to me," Azalea said firmly. She suddenly grabbed Skylar's hand. "Skylar, just hang in there a little longer. Once that woman gives up and leaves the Fields Mansion, I'll make sure Daryl marries you. Then you'll be Thaddeus's mom, and we'll raise him together."
"Me, a stepmom?" Skylar frowned.
"What? You don't agree? Thaddeus is our Fields family grandson. I won't disown him. Whoever Daryl marries has to accept Thaddeus," Azalea said firmly, noticing Skylar's hesitation.
Seeing Azalea's deep affection for Thaddeus, Skylar clenched her hand slightly but quickly smiled. "Godmother, how could I not accept Thaddeus? I just didn't expect things to turn out this way."
"Neither did I, but here we are. We have to deal with it, right? But don't worry, you'll only be Thaddeus's mom in name. I'll take care of him myself. He'll inherit my estate, so he won't take any resources from your future children. Rest assured," Azalea said, patting Skylar's hand.
Skylar nodded with a smile, but her eyes were filled with malice.
That afternoon, Skylar arranged to meet Anya Volkova, a maid from the Fields Mansion, at a secluded café.
"Ms. Tate, what was so urgent that you had to see me?" Anya asked nervously, glancing around as she sat down.
"Calm down. Your nervousness makes it obvious we're up to no good," Skylar scolded in a low voice.
"Got it," Anya nodded, lowering her head and avoiding eye contact, looking guilty.
Skylar knew Anya was unreliable but continued, "I need you to take Thaddeus from the Fields Mansion."
Anya was terrified. "What? Ms. Tate, are you serious? That's illegal! I can't do that!"
Anya tried to leave, but Skylar sneered. "Do you think you have a choice?"
Anya sat back down, trembling. "What do you mean?"
"How much money have you taken from me over the years? At least two hundred thousand dollars, right? If I expose this, do you think the Fields family will keep you?" Skylar threatened.
Anya pleaded, "Ms. Tate, I need this job. I have no other skills. The Fields Mansion pays well. Without this job, I can't afford my mother's treatment. Please, have mercy!"
Skylar smiled. "Help me this one last time. There's fifty thousand dollars on this card. After this, you won't need to work at the Fields Mansion anymore. I know you've been anxious about being found out. With this money, you can cover your mother's treatment and have enough left for a few years. You can learn a new skill or start a small business."
"But kidnapping a child is illegal," Anya said, eyeing the card with hesitation.
Skylar smiled. "Why would I pay you so much if it wasn't risky? But don't worry, I'll find Thaddeus a good home. I just don't want to be his stepmother. Think about your situation. Without this money, your mother's treatment will stop, and losing your job will make things worse."
Anya was desperate. "I can't let my mother's treatment stop. It would waste all the previous efforts and shorten her life."
"Exactly. Help me, and your mother can continue her treatment. You and your mother can live comfortably. Why not?" Skylar coaxed.
"Ms. Tate, promise me you won't harm the child. Find him a good home," Anya insisted, eyes fixed on Skylar.
"Of course, I promise," Skylar said, pushing the card towards Anya.
On a warm early summer afternoon, Cecilia woke up lazily, realizing she had fallen asleep while putting Thaddeus to sleep.
She looked down and noticed Thaddeus was no longer beside her. Cecilia frowned but didn't worry, assuming Freya had moved him to his crib.
Cecilia slipped on her shoes and walked to the crib, only to find it empty.
She thought Azalea must have taken Thaddeus to her room, as Azalea adored spending time with him.
Cecilia left her room and went downstairs, finding the living room quiet.
Assuming Azalea was napping, she walked quietly to the bathroom and heard noises inside.
Peeking in, she saw Freya washing Thaddeus's clothes.
"Freya, did you take Thaddeus earlier?" Cecilia asked.
Freya paused and shook her head. "No, I've been here washing clothes."
Cecilia was puzzled. If Freya didn't take Thaddeus, did the butler Finn or Azalea herself?
Cecilia quickly headed to Azalea's room, with Freya following, sensing something was wrong.
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