Miller and Barnes, sensing the shift in their employer’s tone, subtly closed the distance standing rigidly 10 ft away. The man turned back, his brow furrowing. « Can I help you, Mom? » Victoria took a slow, measured step forward positioning herself slightly in front of Harrison, shielding the boy.
« Who are you? » she asked, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. « How much is Whittaker paying you? Or did you track us down yourself to try and secure a payout?
Because I promise you, I have lawyers who will tie you up in litigation until you don’t have a cent left to your name. » The man blinked, genuinely baffled. He looked at her, then at the two imposing men in suits hovering nearby.
« Whittaker? » « Look, lady, I don’t know what you’re talking about or who you think I am. My name is Thomas Hayes. I teach AP English at a high school in Queens.
I’m just here with my daughter. » « Don’t play games with me. » Victoria snapped, losing her legendary composure. She pointed a trembling finger at his face. « Why does my son look exactly like you? » Thomas Hayes let out a dry, incredulous laugh, but it died in his throat as his gaze shifted past the furious billionaire and landed squarely on the 7-year-old boy holding the wooden boat.
Until this moment, Thomas had only looked at the boy fleetingly. Now, he truly looked. The color drained from Thomas’s face so fast he looked as though he might faint. The cardboard cup of coffee he was holding slipped from his fingers hitting the concrete with a wet slap, splashing hot liquid across his boots.
He didn’t even flinch. Thomas’s breathing hitched. His heterochromic eyes widened locking onto Harrison’s identical pair. He saw the hair. He saw the subtle, familiar tilt of the boy’s nose. A nose that looked exactly like the one his daughter, Chloe, had when she was that age.
« Oh my god. » Thomas whispered, his voice cracking. He took a stumbling step forward. Miller and Barnes instantly stepped between Thomas and the boy, their hands resting subtly over the concealed weapons beneath their jackets.
« Step back, sir. » Miller warned, his voice low and threatening. « Don’t touch him. » Victoria barked, pulling Harrison firmly behind her. « I knew it. You are the donor. You violated the contract. » « I Thomas stammered, ignoring the guards, his eyes still frantically scanning the boy’s terrified face.
« I didn’t donate anything. I swear to you. I’ve never been to a sperm bank in my life. » « Then explain this. » Victoria hissed, gesturing to the undeniable, living proof of their shared DNA.
