You held my hand while I was pushing. You told me you loved me. That was the adrenaline talking. Beatrice interrupted, stepping between them. Let’s be realistic, Evelyn. You were a barista when Richard found you. You have no pedigree, no family name. You were a fun little rebellion for him, a [clears throat] phase.
But now that there is a child involved, we cannot have the Thornton bloodline tainted by your mediocrity. Mediocrity? Evelyn stared at them. [clears throat] A strange heat began to rise in her chest, replacing the shock. I have supported Richard for 2 years. I organized his schedule. I proof read his proposals. I cooked his meals.
I made him look competent. And you were paid with a roof over your head and clothes on your back. Beatric spat. But the ride is over. Richard is engaged to be married to Sophia Kensington next month. The merger between our companies depends on it. Evelyn felt like she had been punched in the gut. Sophia, that venomous socialite, you’ve been cheating on me. Richard flinched.
It’s not cheating, Eve. It’s business. The Kensington merger will save the company. We’re in debt, Eve. Deep debt. You wouldn’t understand. You don’t know how money works. Evelyn almost laughed. The irony was so sharp it could cut glass. She looked down at little Leo, who was sleeping soundly, unaware that his father was selling them out for a merger.
So that’sit, Evelyn whispered, her voice dangerously calm. I signed this and you just discard us. You sign it, Beatrice hissed, leaning in close. The smell of expensive cloying perfume filling Evelyn’s nose. And we give you a check for $10,000. Enough to get a trailer somewhere in the Midwest and disappear. If you refuse, we will use our legal team to prove you are an unfit mother.
We will bury you in litigation until you are homeless, and we will take the child anyway. Beatric pulled a gold Mont Blanc pen from her purse and uncapped it. Sign. Now, before I change my mind about the 10,000, Evelyn looked at Richard one last time. Rick, look at your son. If you let her do this, you will never see him again.
I promise you that. Richard looked at the baby. For a second, his mask slipped. He looked pained, but then he looked at his mother, standing there like a general, and his spine collapsed. Just sign it, Eve. Don’t make this harder than it has to be. Evelyn closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of her newborn.
When she opened her eyes, the tears were gone. In their place was a cold, hard steel that Richard had never seen before. Give me the pen,” she said quietly. Beatatrice smirked triumphantly. “Smart girl.” Evelyn took the heavy gold pen. She didn’t hesitate. She flipped to the signature page and signed her name with a flourish. Evelyn Sterling.
“There,” Evelyn said, handing the papers back. “Now get out. We’ll be taking the baby for the DNA test now,” Beatatrice reached out. Touch him,” Evelyn said, her voice dropping an octave. “And I will scream so loud. The police will be here in 3 minutes. You have your papers. You have your divorce. The custody hearing is pending the test, according to your own document.
Until then, he stays with me. Get out.” Beatric pulled her hand back, looking slightly unnerved by the sudden shift in Evelyn’s demeanor. Fine. Enjoy your few hours with him. Security will escort you out of the building in an hour. Don’t expect a ride home. Beatrice turned on her heel and marched out.
