The Quadruplets Are Mine?

“How dare you hit me!” Janie shrieked in outrage, clasping a hand to her stinging cheek. “I’m going to have Mr. Faughn fire you right now!”

“You can try, missy…” Emmeline retorted, smiling grimly.

“Oh, I’m certainly going to try. Do you think I’m afraid of you?” Janie turned, about to flounce off in search of Simon. Abruptly, she froze in her tracks as a voice came from outside the costume tent.

“Who’s spewing all that arrogant crap?”

Emmeline turned as Adrien came in, smartly dressed in an impeccably tailored business suit and polished leather shoes.

Janie recognized Adrien immediately. There were very few people indeed who would not recognize the suave, flirtatious playboy; he was part of the wealthy Ryker family after all, and a very eligible catch.

“Mr. Adrien Ryker?” Janie had never expected to encounter Adrien here, of all places. Putting on her most charming smile, she hurried over to welcome him. “What a pleasure! Why are you here, though?”

“Why can’t I show up if I like?” Adrien shot back, eyeing Janie coldly. “I seem to recall someone was spouting some really outrageous nonsense just now too.”

“Exactly!” Janie whirled around

and pointed straight at Emmeline. “This insignificant stunt girl here had the nerve to challenge me! She doesn’t know her place!”

“I’m talking about you, woman!” Adrien strode over to Emmeline and slipped his arm protectively around her shoulders, glaring at Janie. “Who the hell do you think you are, taking that tone with our Emma?”

“Mr. Ryker…” Janie was startled. “What do you mean, our Emma?”

I distinctly seem to remember hearing someone having the gall to say that they’re going to get

Ryker,” Janie stammered,

would a member of your family be reduced to

with

would

Emmeline. “Ignore this ignorant floozy; she’s just jealous, that’s all. I have a present for you;

Emmeline blinked, completely

Adrien had a present for her? What scheme was he hatching

I’ve neglected you and the kids,” Adrien continued

utmo

from today on and work really hard. I won’t go back

she stared at Adrien fixedly, weighing him up

Adrien extremely uncomfortable. He hemmed and hawed for a little, then pleaded, “What’s wrong, Emma? You’ve got to

shock, listening to

Emmeline already had children? Did this mean that

was Adrien’s wife, of course

along quite well.

consent to help Janie get closer to Benjamin if

and took hold of Emmeline’s arm. “My goodness,

together, my goodness!”