Cadence raised an eyebrow, then glanced at her husband.
The lights dimmed, and Cadence began the PowerPoint presentation of
the newest addition to the Adali luxury car fleet.
Ten minutes later, every person, except for Steven and the mystery
woman, were on their feet clapping.
Mike lifted a hand to settle the crowd. “Cadence Goldsmith has a bright
future with Adali, and we, along with the two most important people in
her life, would like to present her with the Outstanding Innovative Design
Award.”
“Yay, Mr. Goldsmith,” the little girl squealed, slapping her hands together.
Cadence’s attention was drawn to the child whose eyes matched the
woman she assumed to be her mother. High heels clicking across the stage
accompanied by Jackson’s signature fragrance snapped Cadence from the
trance.
Mike handed a plaque with the Adali emblem engraved on it to Cadence.
“Thank you.” She shook his hand trying to play it cool even though she
wanted to shatter the surrounding windows with a high-pitched scream.
“Congratulations.” Jackson beamed with cautionary excitement written
all over his face as he embraced his wife.
“Who the hell is that woman,” she whispered through a clenched-teeth
grin as her lips brushed the side of his ear.
Jackson’s dark-skin ashen. “Her name’s Braelyn,” he replied, planting a
timid kiss on her cheek. “We’ll talk later.”
Her mother stepped forward. “Your father would be so proud of you.”
Small feet galloping up the stairs onto the stage made everyone in the
audience gasp. Cadence peered over Phylicia’s shoulder at the lively little
girl sprinting forward, spotting a picture of Jackson splayed on the front of
her shirt.
Executive’s plucked phones from their purses and suit jacket pockets.
Security rushed in. “We’re going to have to ask you to get your child and
leave, ma’am.”
“I have a right to be here,” Braelyn exclaimed, throwing a glance at Steven
as she flashed the VIP badge.
After a thorough inspection, the guard said with a remorseful tone, “My
apologies, Ms. Nevels.” He glanced at Mike. “She has clearance.”
“Nevels,” Cadence whispered, wondering why that name sounded so
familiar.
“Show everyone your cute shirt, Jackie,” Braelyn instructed, smiling at
the pretty girl, before planting a menacing glare at Cadence and Jackson.
Jackie spread her arms wide, facing the audience. “Look, Mommy.” She
pointed jumping in place. Everybody’s taking my picture.” She put her hands
on her hips and said, “Cheeeeese.”
The lump in Cadence’s throat grew larger with every word she read on
the back of Jackie’s shirt.
Jackson Goldsmith Is My Daddy.
National bestselling author,
London St. Charles is a
Chicago native who pens
contemporary women’s fiction.
She wrote and published her
debut novel, The Husband
We Share in 2017 and is one
of nine authors in the Sugar
Anthology. She is currently
working on her second novel.
Visit London on the web and
stay connected on social
media. She loves to engage
with readers.
www.londonstcharles.com