Chapter 6 - Cracks in the Armor
Sydney turned immediately, shielding Xavier from Darwin’s view as she stepped back inside. "Go back to the playroom, sweetie. Mommy will be right there."
Xavier hesitated, giving Darwin one last suspicious look before running back down the hall.
Sydney turned back to Darwin, her jaw tight. "If you ever come to my house uninvited again, I will get a restraining order. I don't care how many lawyers you have."
"Sydney, I'm not here to take them from you," Darwin said desperately, stepping closer to the screen. "I swear on my life, I will never try to separate you from Xavier and Alicia. I just want to protect you. Decker is cornered now. He knows I am filing criminal charges against him and Dr. Harrison. When he realizes my entire estate will go to my children, he might try to use them against us."
Sydney stopped, her hand hovering over the door handle. A cold chill ran down her spine. She knew Decker Worthington’s ruthless nature better than anyone. Six years ago, Decker had threatened to destroy her parents' small business if she didn't sign the non-disclosure agreement during the divorce.
"Decker knows about the kids?" Sydney asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"He knows," Darwin confirmed. "I have full security teams stationed on your street right now, but you need to be careful. Let me handle Decker, but please... let me stay in contact enough to ensure you and the children are safe."
Sydney looked at the man in front of her. The arrogant, untouchable Worthington heir she had seen in the media was gone. In his place stood a man hollowed out by grief and shame.
"You clean up your family's mess, Darwin," Sydney said quietly. "Until Decker Worthington is behind bars and Phoebe is out of your life, stay away from my children."
She closed the door and locked it.
May you like
Darwin stood on the porch for a long moment, rain beginning to drizzle down around him again. He took a deep breath, turned around, and pulled out his phone.
"Mark," Darwin said to his security chief. "Execute the asset freeze on Decker Worthington’s accounts immediately. And tell the District Attorney’s office we are ready to submit the bribery evidence."
