"Let's not jump to conclusions, Mally," Heidi cautioned, knowing her friend's instinct to protect her daughter could sometimes cloud her judgment. "We don't know for sure if it was Harris who told Marian about Harriet. But right now, we need to focus on keeping Harriet safe."
"Of course, you're right," Mallory agreed after a moment, her voice steadier. "What do you suggest?"
"First things first, we should get a restraining order against Marian," Heidi proposed, her mind racing with possibilities. "And maybe install a security system at the house. That way, if she tries anything, we'll have evidence to back us up."
"Good thinking, Heidi. I'll start looking into it right away," Mallory said, her determination clear. "I won't let that woman anywhere near my daughter. And when I get home, we need to have a serious talk with Harris – we can't afford any more surprises like this."
"Agreed," Heidi replied, glancing towards Harriet's room and steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. "We've got your back, Mally. No matter what Marian tries, she won't get past us."
"Thank you, Heidi," Mallory said, her gratitude palpable. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Hey, don't mention it," Heidi replied, her resolve unwavering. "Now go do your thing, and we'll handle things here. We'll keep Harriet safe, no matter what."
"Thank you," Mallory whispered again before ending the call, leaving Heidi to reflect on their plan and the uncertainty of the days to come. She knew they were up against a formidable opponent in Marian, but she refused to be intimidated. For Harriet, for Mallory, and their family's future, she would stand her ground – and with any luck, they would emerge stronger for it.
Mallory's home right after her work, as she pulled into the driveway her heart raced, her thoughts still consumed by Marian's unexpected visit and the looming threat it posed to Harriet's safety. As she stepped out of the car, she took a deep breath, determined to confront the situation head-on.
"Mally!" Heidi called as she opened the door, relief washing over her face. "You're back."
"Hey," Mallory replied, forcing a smile. "How's Harriet?"
"Safe and sound, don't worry," Heidi assured her before stepping aside to let Mallory in. "I've been watching her like a hawk."
"Thank you, Heidi," Mallory said, her eyes welling up with gratitude. She brushed away a stray tear before continuing, her voice resolute. "We need to talk about our plan. I've already started looking into getting a restraining order against Marian and found a company that can install a security system at the house."
"Good," Heidi nodded, her expression mirroring Mallory's determination. "We're going to do everything in our power to protect Harriet."
"I just... I can't believe it's come to this," Mallory confessed, her voice cracking. "I'm scared, Heidi. What if we can't keep her away? They're so powerful."
"Hey," Heidi said gently, placing a comforting hand on Mallory's shoulder. "Remember who you are, Mallory Phillips. You're the strongest person I know – and together, we can handle anything that comes our way."
"Even Marian?" Mallory asked, her voice wavering.
"Especially Marian," Heidi affirmed, her eyes burning with conviction. "Look, I won't lie – it won't be easy. But we'll stand our ground, no matter what. We have to, for Harriet's sake."
"Right," Mallory nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. We can do this."
"Damn straight we can," Heidi agreed, her smile returning. "Now come on, let's go check on our girl."
As they made their way toward Harriet's room, Mallory couldn't help but feel a sense of resolution building within her. With Heidi by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead – even if it meant standing up to the powerful Marian Thompson.
But as she looked at Harriet, sleeping peacefully in her bed, Mallory's heart clenched with fear. The uncertainty of what would come next lingered like a dark cloud, threatening to overshadow their small victories. For now, though, she clung to the hope that, no matter how challenging the days ahead might be, they could protect Harriet and keep their family together.
Mallory couldn't wait any longer. She came to visit Harris in his office, which was unfamiliar to her. The Thompson tower is a landmark nobody can miss because of the elegant exterior and the height towering the building around it.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" The receptionist greeted as she entered the lobby of Thompson's Tower.
Mallory hesitated momentarily but regained her composure immediately. "I'm here to see Harris Thompson."
The lady receptionist and her co-worker exchanged looks. Mallory wasn't familiar to them as someone Harris used to meet for business meetings. "Do you have an appointment with Mr. Thompson?" The receptionist asked.
"Uh, no," she said hesitantly. "But can you just tell Harris it's Mallory Phillips."
"I'm sorry, miss, I can't disturb Mr. Thompson if you don't have an appointment earlier. That's the protocol we follow. You can make an appointment today or..." she was cut by the familiar voice behind Mallory.
"Mallory? Is that you?"
Mallory shifted in her right to check if she was right. There he is, standing tall and handsome. "Harris, I need to talk to you."
"Of course, come with me to the office," Harris said, reaching out a hand for Mallory to take. Mallory took Harris's hand while he was beaming with happiness.
"But sir, we have an appointment scheduled in 15 minutes," Ruby said, Harris's secretary.
"Cancel it, Ruby. Something more important came up." Harris led Mallory to the elevator, leaving the receptionist and Ruby in awe.
Mallory's heart pounded as she stood before Harris, her hands shaking with anger and fear. The opulent office seemed to close in on her as the weight of her daughter's future bore down upon her.
"Mally, take a seat. Can I offer you something?"
"How could you break your promise?" she demanded, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "You swore you wouldn't tell your mother about Harriet!"
"Mally, I didn't—" Harris began, but Mallory cut him off.
"Your mother is like a shark smelling blood, and now she knows about our daughter!" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she gritted her teeth, trying to hold them back. "She'll do anything to take Harriet away from me, and we both know how influential she can be."
Harris looked pained, his jaw clenched as he searched for words. "I'm sorry," he finally said, his voice heavy with guilt. "I didn't tell her, but... it might still be my fault that she found out. And I will fix this, I promise."
"You'd better," Mallory snapped, trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "Because if I lose Harriet, Harris... I don't know what I'll do."
"I promise you won't. Okay?" Harris reassured.
"So, what's your plan now? Heidi suggested for me to get a temporary restraining order."
"That won't be necessary," he raised his hand dismissively. "Mom will only use her influence with that. Let me do this for you and Harriet. Mally, trust me." Harris said, pleading.