Chantel was taken aback when she saw Andrew standing there. She couldn't believe it. "Wait, are you saying those kids are yours?" she asked, her voice shaky with confusion.
Henry, standing beside her, immediately turned to the nanny. "Take the kids away," he instructed firmly. He recognized Andrew Smith; they had been business partners years ago. As Andrew stepped closer, he glanced at the nanny escorting the kids away.
Chantel couldn't help but approach Andrew, her curiosity overtaking her surprise. "What did you say earlier?" she inquired.
Andrew straightened up, a smug smile on his face. "You heard me, but if you want, I can repeat it. I said the kids are mine," he replied confidently.
Chantel was taken aback, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. "What are you talking about? This doesn't make any sense," she said, frustration bubbling up inside her.
"Take back what you just said," she insisted, her voice rising slightly.
Andrew chuckled. "Pardon? What did you say again?"
"I said take that back! You heard me loud and clear. I don't want to repeat myself," she snapped, anger rising in her voice. She had no idea Andrew was, in fact, the biological father of her kids.
Andrew leaned in, a challenging look in his eyes. "I can see you've grown some confidence and are talking back to me now. Remember, I used to be your boss. I helped you when you needed it. Is this how you repay me, by trying to take my kids away?"
Chantel's mind raced. "What are you talking about? I ran away because I saw something shady between you and Claire. You both pretended you wanted kids!"
Andrew shook his head. "We weren't playing any games. The kids are mine, if you must know."
Chantel was still confused. "Can you just be clear?"
He turned to Henry, who was standing protectively next to Chantel. "Henry! You don't need to adopt the kids. They are mine," he said with certainty.
Henry frowned and replied, "Why should I trust you? How do I know those kids are yours?" He glanced at Chantel, who was already feeling nervous.
"Don't listen to him, Henry! The kids aren't his. They're ours! I don't even know who got me pregnant. Henry is ready to take responsibility and be their dad. I know you and Claire wanted kids, but this isn't how it's going to be," she said, trying to sound firm.
Andrew interrupted. "Henry! The kids are mine. You have to trust me!"
Henry crossed his arms, unyielding. "Give me a reason to trust you."
Chantel felt anxious, worried about what Andrew might say next.
"I got Chantel pregnant," Andrew declared boldly, and Chantel's heart sank.
"What do you mean? How could you get me pregnant and I wouldn't know about it?" she asked, her anger rising again.
Andrew took a deep breath. "I know this sounds crazy, but it was part of a plan between Claire and me. We wanted you to help us because Claire is barren. I know it was wrong, but I'm ready to pay whatever you want. Just name your price."
Chantel felt her blood boil. "How could you say that? You think I would just let you buy my kids?" she yelled, clenching her fists. She took a swing at Andrew, but he easily blocked it.
"Calm down, Chantel. Let him explain," Henry urged gently, trying to maintain peace.
Andrew, feeling ashamed, reluctantly continued, "Claire drugged your drink that night, and that's how I was able to... you know, get you pregnant."
At this revelation, Henry's face turned red with anger, and he stepped forward as if he wanted to hit Andrew. But Chantel grabbed his arm. "No, don't!" she shouted, wanting to keep the situation from escalating further. Frustrated, she hit Andrew again, tears now streaming down her cheeks.
"I deserve this," Andrew said, his voice low. "I know I've wronged you. But please, just tell me your price. Henry, you don't need to be angry. I'm here to make peace and relieve you of someone else's responsibility. I see you both are engaged," he added, attempting to placate Henry.
"After everything you and Claire did, why on earth would I give you my kids?" Henry said incredulously. "You had sex with her without her consent. You're a terrible man, and my kids are not for sale. You will never be their father. You'll have to get through me."
Chantel stood tall, anger burning in her. "Over my dead body will you take my kids! They are mine now, and Henry will be their legal father soon. You have no claim over them!"
Andrew's face hardened. "The kids are mine, and I will do whatever it takes to get them back," he said, his voice cold.
"Get out of here before I call security," Henry threatened. "You lost your rights when you and your wife decided to take what wasn't yours. Vivian and Vincent are now our kids, and there's nothing you can do about it."
Andrew's resolve faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "I will make sure to take what's mine," he said defiantly.
Henry, furious, called for security. But before they arrived, Andrew left, slamming the door behind him. Chantel stood there in disbelief, processing everything that had just happened. She couldn't comprehend how Andrew and Claire had manipulated her.
"Why am I not wise?" she asked, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Henry took her hand, offering comfort. "You are wise, Chantel. It's not your fault. You trusted them because you thought they wouldn't hurt you. But it's a lesson learned. They fooled you, but remember, I'm here for you. I will fight for you and protect you, no matter what. I promise you that."
Chantel felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Take me home, please. I'm not in the mood for anything anymore," she said, her voice soft.
She called for the nanny to bring the kids back so they could leave. As they headed home, Chantel couldn't shake off the thoughts of what Andrew had said. She was determined to protect her children and build a new life with Henry by her side.