Take My Breath Away

Wesley went to the bathroom, leaving the couple and the baby in the room.

Matthew walked up to Erica and said, "You're still a kid, running home every time you throw a tantrum."

"What did I do this time?"

"Nothing. I said I was the one in the wrong."

Erica looked at him suspiciously. "You almost never apologize. I'm surprised. How can I be sure you're not trying to trick me?"

"Really? You think I'd do that?"

"Not really. But as I said. You never say anything's your fault. So I have to think you're up to something."

Just then, Wesley came out of the bathroom.

He happened to hear Erica telling Matthew, "My dad told me to stay away from a guy if I don't love him. What you did—"

Hearing that, Wesley quickened his pace and cleared his throat. "Matthew, I never said that. She just made that up!"

Erica was too frustrated to fire back. Wesley was always on her case about something. And he never took her side.

Matthew was amused as he watched Erica lower her head to avoid eye contact.

Wesley returned home that same day. He told Erica that he would be by to pick up Ethan three days later.

Before dusk, two or three more servants reported for work in the villa. Later that day, Erica discovered they were all hired by Matthew to take care of Ethan.

At dinner, Erica tried her best to be a mother. Since she brought Ethan back home, she had never taken care of him. Blair did all the work for her. So at dinner, Erica dismissed the housemaid and tried to feed the baby herself. They had just started him on solid food, so he had iron-fortified baby cereal mixed with formula to thin it out.

But after feeding the baby a few bites, she got lost. She didn't even have time to clean the food dropped on the baby's bib. Ethan wasn't able to control the food spooned into his mouth yet.

He was a good boy, too. He didn't cry, but waited quietly when he had no food to eat.

At last, the servant couldn't stand it anymore and offered, "Mrs. Huo, please let me do it! I brought up two kids, and have been through this before."

Sweat dripping from her forehead, Erica nodded and said, "Okay. Thank you!"

"My dear lady, you are welcome!"

The maid sat where Erica had, and began to offer Ethan spoonfuls of baby food. She was a natural at it. Seeing that, Erica breathed

down..."

"Where? Have you nailed down a time yet?"

"Like an hour from now. I don't really know where to meet, though. Any ideas?" Erica raised her head to look at him.

Matthew didn't know about Ethan's true identity. He was taken aback by her question. She was going to meet her old lover and asking him to choose a spot for them to do that? "You think I'm a fool, Erica?"

"What?" Erica wondered where that came from.

"Nothing." He looked at Erica and thought for a bit. Then he began to set a trap for her. "Aren't you afraid that he'll take your son away?"

"Yeah, why didn't I think of that? What if he pushes me over and runs off with Ethan?" Erica's face twisted in anger as she thought about it.

"I'm off work tonight," Matthew announced. He was waiting, waiting for her to ask him for help.

"Okay. When did that happen? You're always working and never come back till late," she said.

"I got done early today."

Erica hesitated and reminded him, "Remember what you said to me?"

"I said a lot of things. What are you talking about?"

Erica said blushing, "You said you'd protect me and Ethan."

"Yeah, I remember."

"How about you go with me? You can meet Tam." Erica figured no matter how powerful Tam was, he wouldn't mess with Matthew. Besides, Matthew was a black belt. He was the best person to protect her and Ethan.

But Matthew wasn't done playing. He got what he wanted, but he still needed to hammer it home. He cast her a scornful glance and said, "What do you think I am? Your bodyguard?"