“Wonderful!” She claps her hands together. “I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to his mother since she’s on a safari currently. They’re supposed to be back in the country by tomorrow.”
“That isn’t wonderful, Mother. I sent him away.”
“What? Why?” She sets her fork down and studies me. “You aren’t as stupid as I thought you were, are you? That was a power play. Make him work to get you back. Good. Just be careful. Men like him aren’t used to working that hard.”
“This isn’t a power play. I don’t want to get back together with him.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course, you do. Your child needs a father. What will people think? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure his mother understands what’s on the line here. Darrel will come crawling back to you soon. Then you’ll have his ring back on your finger…and maybe a diamond necklace to go with it. Once I tell them about their heir—“
“Don’t. My baby isn’t his heir. He signed away all his rights.”
“You’re being dramatic. Of course, that baby is his heir.”
“Mother, I’m serious. If you do this, I will never speak to you again.” For the first time in my life I actually have the strength to say the words I’ve dreamed of saying.
“I am your mother. I will do whatever I think is best for you and your child.”
No.
No, you won’t. “This has nothing to do with me or my child and everything to do with what you want.” I take my napkin off my lap and set it down beside my untouched plate. “Why am I waiting? You never listen to me or care about what I need. Goodbye, Mother.”
“Sit down, Greer. You’re making a scene.”
I walk out without looking back.
That game is over.
But before I go back to Silent Valley and figure out how to tell Havoc that I’m pregnant, I need to make sure that Darrel has no chance at ever getting near our child.
***
Almost as soon as I step into Rothswyler’s offices, I’m ushered back to see him.
“Miss Greer, what a lovely surprise.” He walks over to greet me. “What problem can I fix for you today?”
I wish I could say my mother, but that isn’t an option. “Darrel.”
“Has he made a problem of himself? I was worried about that. I will acquire a restraining order immediately.” Rothswyler pulls a seat out for me.
“My concern isn’t for myself. It’s for the baby.” I really want to pace around, but I sink down into the chair.
“Ahhh.” He sits down across from me. “Your divorce decree is ironclad, but with any legal document, there is always room to litigate.”
That’s exactly what I’m worried about.
“Your ex-husband was fully aware of the possibility that you could be pregnant at the time or at any time in the future when he signed away his rights, which makes his position even more challenging. I have to say, with as eager as he was to get divorced, I didn’t expect this. But you don’t need to worry. I will take care of any issues that might arise.”
Knowing Rothswyler has the situation under control is comforting. “There’s one more detail I would appreciate you taking care of.”
“Name it.”
“I will no longer be available to my parents under any circumstances. Family events need to be kept to a minimum and only at Grandfather’s request or residence.”
He doesn’t even blink. “Understood. I’ll take care of the details immediately.”
No questions. No hesitation.
“Thank you, Rothswyler.”
