“How’s Aiden?” Breanna asks. Her tone is anything but motherly, and I don’t have time to play games.
“Don’t pretend like you actually give a shit.Myson is doing well, no thanks to you.”
“I couldn’t provide for us. I didn’t have any help from my parents, as you well know. So, I found a man who was willing to give me everything I needed.”
“Everythingyouneeded? What about Aiden?”
A brief look of pain flickers across her face, but it’s gone so fast I think I made it up. “He didn’t want kids. I had to make a choice. Don’t act like you wouldn't have done the same thing.”
“I’m not like you. I would never sacrifice my son for any amount of money.”
“You sure about that? What if Ruby said she didn’t want kids?”
“That’s the difference between you and me. I would choose Aiden every fucking time. But, for the record, Ruby loves Aiden. She would never make me choose. Everything I do, every choice I make is for him—to make sure he’s happy and cared for. Including this.” I slap the paperwork on the table with a loud thwack. “Sign over your rights and you’ll get your money. Refuse, and we’ll take our chances with the media.”
Adam warned us to tread lightly, but he didn’t advise me against recording the conversation. It’s mutually assured destruction. If Breanna tries to claim I paid her off, I can prove she blackmailed us first. If I go down, she’s coming down with me.
She opens the folder and scans through the paperwork. “How doI know you’ll hold up your end of the bargain? Two million, remember?”
“I remember. Ruby will transfer the money to your account as soon as you sign the papers and delete the evidence from your phone. Rosie will witness and notarize everything for us.”
“Call her. Right now.”
I stop the recording, hoping like hell I have enough to nail her ass later if necessary. Ruby picks up on the first ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey Goldie. I have Breanna with me. You ready to do this?”
“Did she sign?”
“Not yet. We’re gonna do everything at the same time.”
Rosie returns with Breanna’s water and places it on the table with the to-go box of pumpkin pie. She glances down at the papers, then back at me. “Are y’all ready?”
I look at Breanna expectantly.
She nods curtly. “Fine. Where do I sign?”
I point out all of the places to sign, including every single waiver and affidavit Adam sent over. Rosie pulls out her stamp and notarizes each signature with one of her own. Ruby stays on the line the whole time.
“You’re all set,” Rosie says. “Signed and sealed. Just need to file it with the courthouse.”
“Thanks, Ro. I appreciate you.”
She gives my shoulder a light squeeze and returns to the kitchen.
“Delete the photos and video,” I say. “Now.”
Her jaw clenches but she complies. I watch the evidence disappear right before my eyes. She could have copies, so it does nothing to ease my worries.
“Is it done?” Ruby asks.
“It’s done. Authorize the transfer.”
I read off Bree’s banking information, and Ruby confirms it. Minutes later, Breanna’s phone chimes, confirming the transfer has been authorized and the funds are pending in her account.
“Pleasure doing business with you, Liam.” She stands to leave, but I step into her path.
