Give Me Back My Child

Bryce suddenly shot me a text after dinner. I thought he was calling me to question where I had taken the baby. To my surprise, I opened the chat to find two instructions.

"Selina and I won't be coming back tonight. Take good care of the baby."

The Newton family's annual banquet is tomorrow. Bring the baby here before 10 p.m. Don't forget that you're our nanny now. You can forget about ever seeing the child again if you're late or if you run your mouth."

I looked up at the antique furnishings and elegant décor of the estate around me before happily replying with a single word, "Okay."

'Don't worry. Not only would I not be late, but I would also arrive before either of you,' I thought inwardly.

I put on an elegant dress on the day of the Newton family's annual banquet. I dressed my child in a bright colour silk romper and stood on the second-floor balcony overlooking the grand hall below.

Today's gathering included not only members of the Newton family's extended branches but also many prominent figures from elite society.

Bryce and Selina had already arrived. One was dressed in a bespoke suit, while the other was in a long gown.

They moved through the crowd hand-in-hand, accepting compliments and congratulations.

"You must be Mrs. Newton! You two are truly a perfect match!"

Selina smiled gracefully and raised her glass.

"You're too kind. We're also grateful for everyone's support of Bryce's business. I hope we'll have many opportunities to work together in the future."

The guests eagerly echoed their agreement. Beside Selina, Bryce watched with pride and affection in his eyes.

Suddenly, someone asked loudly, "By the way, didn't Mrs. Newton give birth to the family's first grandson? Why didn't you bring him today?"

Bryce's smile didn't even waver the slightest as he replied, "The baby's still very young. He'd only cry in an environment like this. However, I did tell the nanny to bring him over. My father is always busy and rarely returns home.

"Since he's finally back, he should at least meet his grandson."

The crowd nodded approvingly upon hearing his answer.

A moment later, I got his message.

"Where are you? I told you not to be late. Why haven't you arrived yet?"

I shifted the baby to one arm and was about to reply when hurried footsteps suddenly echoed up the staircase.

Selina came rushing upstairs. Bryce followed close behind with an irritated look on his face.

Since there were so many people downstairs, he lowered his voice and said, "Good thing my dad isn't here yet. Otherwise, you'd have gotten us all killed. My dad hates tardiness."

Only then did he notice my dress. Then, his eyes lit up.

"When did you buy this dress? I've never seen you wear it before."

The expression on Selina's face immediately stiffened. She immediately stepped in between us.

"How can you wear something like that? You're our nanny, not the lady of the house."

Bryce snapped back to reality and frowned upon hearing her remark.

"Selina's right. This is the Newton family's annual banquet. People will think our family uncouth if they see a nanny dressed to the nines." Then, he extended his hands toward the baby. "Give the child to Selina and leave through the back entrance."

Selina reached forward to snatch the baby from my arms the second those words fell from his lips.

I tightened my grip and turned away.

"No one touches my child."

"Jessica!" Bryce barked sharply. "Did you forget what I told you? You'll never see this child again if you keep this up!" Then, he grabbed hold of the baby's blanket himself.

My expression turned cold as I yanked it back and turned toward the stairs.

I'd only taken a few steps when Bryce seized the back of my collar and dragged me backward. The fabric tightened around my throat, and pain shot through my neck. I could barely breathe.

I struggled to keep one arm around my son as I swung my free hand behind me, trying to pry Bryce off. At the same time, Selina rushed forward and grabbed the baby's arm.

"No... Let go of my baby..."

Just as they were seconds away from tearing him out of my arms, a nearby nanny noticed the commotion and cried out, "Mrs. Newton! Young Master!"

The title made Selina's eyes flash with malice, and her long nails dug cruelly into the baby's tender skin.

"Did she just call you Mrs. Newton? No wonder you dressed like this. You were actually trying to—"

"Bryce! Let go of your mother and your brother!" A furious command exploded from behind them.

My baby burst into tears at that exact moment.

Bryce froze and sucked in a sharp breath right after.