Audrey's Pov:
"Rex?" I called in surprise, and he smiled.

"Hi, Audrey. Good morning," he greeted excitedly, and I scoffed.

"What're you....I mean, how did you get to know I live here?" I asked curiously, and he smiled and shrugged.

"Let's just say...it's a small world", he said, and I shook my head and opened the door wide for him, ushering him in.

He looked at the bags in the room and seemed confused.

"You...going somewhere?" He asked, but I didn't reply as I joined him in taking a seat.

"What do you want, Rex? I'm...kinda in a hurry," I inquired, and just then, I heard Ella's feet slapping down the stairs, holding her box of toys.

She paused, seeing me in the room with Rex.

"Um...honey, are you done?" I asked her, and she nodded. 

"Okay, dear. Just keep the box on the floor and go to your room, okay? I'll be done shortly".

"Okay, Mum," she replied and left.

Then, I turned back to look at Rex.

"Please, Rex. Like I told you, I'm in a hurry and would like to know why you're here. I have a feeling this isn't just small talk, so please, be honest," I said, sensing there was more beneath his calm exterior that I needed to uncover.

"I actually wanted to see you, Audrey. And like you said, it's important. But first, I'd want to start by asking who the father of your daughter is," he began, and I felt my stomach tighten, a mix of shock and anxiety flooding me, making it hard to breathe.

Gosh! Don't tell me.

I rubbed the back of my nape, feeling uneasy.

"Seriously, Rex, I wouldn't want to talk about that", I replied, and for a moment, he was speechless. 

I thought he was done talking, but not until I heard him say:
"It's Noah, right?"

What?

My heart leapt immediately as I became totally uncomfortable, a cold sweat breaking out as I realised how exposed I felt in this moment.

"Rex", I called and chuckled. 
"I...I don't know what you're talking about. Noah isn't the father of my child. So, please...."

"Audrey", he cut me off with a sigh.
"You can lie to others, but you can't lie to me. I can guess the age of this baby, and she's the exact age of the same time you've been away from Noah. Or...are you trying to tell me you were cheating on Noah, huh?"

Oh, God! How the hell did he come up with this?

I stared down at the floor and felt like chasing him out. I just didn't want to talk about it. 

"Audrey....tell me the truth: Noah is the father of your child, right?" He asked, and I looked up at him.

"Rex, please. Before you came in, I was already packing up my things because I was about to leave. So, there's no need to talk about that."I said.

"Of course, there's a need, Audrey...."

"Well, it isn't important!" I found myself half-yelling.

"It doesn't matter if Noah's the father of my child or not because in a few days from now, he'll be getting married and there's nothing anyone can do about it. 

"So, please, Rex. Just change that topic so I can leave," I concluded bitterly and stood up, tears threatening to drop from my eyes.

I tried walking away, but his words held me back.

"So, you'll just travel silently without letting him know of the seed you have for him?" 

I stopped walking as soon as he said that, but didn't turn to look at him.

Gosh! What's this guy doing to me?
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I stepped out of the car with Noah, and he held my hand and walked towards the station with me.

We got in and did all we needed to do with the policemen, and after which, we were taken to the visitor's room where we awaited the presence of the murderers.

After a while, they were brought in - the useless people I once called family.

A sense of satisfaction clouded me as I saw how pale they looked.

Obviously, they didn't want to be there, but had to because of the policemen.

They were made to sit in front of Noah and me.

"So... you're actually the visitors we had? I thought it was someone more important," Hannah said, and I chuckled and leaned forward.

"Seriously?" I asked.
"I'm not important? Well, I must say I'm surprised because, as it seems now, my life is having more value than yours".

"Maxine", Richard called.
"Why exactly are you here? Are you here to mock us in the face?"

"I think a mockery is too good for you", I scoffed.

"Damn it, Maxine! You completely lack manners, huh?? You think you've won by having us behind bars? You're only a fool," Hannah said, and immediately, I landed a heavy slap on her cheek.

She gasped as she held her cheek, while I only boiled more in anger. 

"It's unbelievable to know you still have the guts to spill trash at me. You're such a devil, aren't you?"

"Maxine!!" Richard shrieked.
"How dare you lay your hands on her?"

I looked at him and also had the urge to hit him as well, but restrained myself.

"Your daughters are at my mercy at the moment", I said after a brief pause, becoming calmer.

"Just in case you think everything will be fine, you're wrong. It'll never be fine for as long as you're at my mercy".

"What're you talking about?" Hannah asked angrily.
"What do you mean your daughters are at your mercy?"

I smirked and leaned closer. 

"Well, what do you think? I've taken possession of the house already and left your daughters homeless.
Last night, they had to sleep under the heavy rain, and this morning, they went on their knees, begging me to make them their maids".
I paused and chuckled.

"But I refused, and right now, only God knows where the hell they are", I added and stood up with Noah.

"You...you're joking, right?" Richard asked, and I laughed.

"Really? Do I look like I have time for jokes? Anyway, it's up to you to believe it or not. It's none of my business," I said and tried turning around to leave. 

"Maxine..." Hannah called and stood up.

"Please, tell me it isn't true. Tell me my daughters are safe".

I smiled and moved closer to her.

"Go on your knees in front of me, and I'll have mercy on them", I told her with a smirk, and her eyes dropped.

"What?" She exclaimed in shock.

"You...you want me to kneel in front of you?"

"Yes - both of you. Kneel in front of me and ask for my help, and I'll withdraw the charges I have against you. You can be free," I told her, and a little string of excitement built up in her eyes.

"Maxine...how can you ask for such a thing?" Richard asked.

"You have just ten seconds to do it, and after that, there'll be no more mercy. I'll make sure you rot and suffer in jail for the rest of your lives while your daughters beg on the streets," I stated sternly, filled with so many desires.

And I started the countdown to one.

"10...9...8...7....6..."

They looked at each other in confusion, but I didn't care as I continued the countdown.

"4...3....2...1....and...time up", I concluded with a sigh.

Hm.

"Nice choice. Now, I'll make sure you suffer for the rest of your lives," I told them and turned around to leave.

"Wait!" I heard Hannah call and stopped, but didn't turn to look at her.

I didn't hear a word from them, so I decided to have a look, and to my surprise, I found them both on their knees. 

Woahhhhh!

I guess it really worked.

Hmmm.

"We've done what you wanted, Maxine. Now keep to your word. Please," Hannah said bitterly, and I smiled and went closer. 

"Wow!" I hushed.
"I thought you were just murderers. I never knew you were foolish as well".

I paused and sniggered.
The sight of them kneeling in front of me was something I could kill for.

"You must be really stupid to think I'd ever help you at any cost. This is just the beginning of your doom," I added and finally walked out, leaving them in shock.