When Ridley arrived to collect Hughes, Ana was absent.
His brow furrowed. "Where's your mother?"
Hughes's head dropped, his words barely audible. "She's having dinner with her boyfriend."
The term "boyfriend" hit Ridley like a punch—jealousy flared through him instantly.
He fixed Hughes with a harsh stare, his frustration obvious.
"Boyfriend?" Ridley's weary features contorted with rage. "So now you want to replace me with some new father figure?"
Clearly, he was venting his anger on Hughes.
Hughes cowered before his father's fury. At Ridley's explosion, he pulled back, tears welling in his eyes.
"I don't want that!" Hughes protested, his voice quivering.
The boy straightened his spine, determined not to yield.
Ridley continued his assault. "Who gave you permission to wander off alone? Didn't I forbid you from leaving the hotel by yourself?"
