“For now, let’s put our differences aside, so I can tell you what my team of accountants discovered after going over the books. It’s something that needs your immediate attention.”
“You brought in your own accountants?” He raised an unimpressed brow.
“I wanted to be thorough in my assessment of the company.”
“And what did you find that is so urgent?”
“Someone has been stealing from you, sir. They’ve been skimming money from a private fund. I have everything here,” I said, pulling one of the papers of numbers from my jacket pocket and unfolding it on his desk. His eyes barely skimmed over it before he put his hand up dismissively.
“What happens at this company is none of your concern,” he said.
I was taken aback by his response. Rather than being grateful, he seemed irritated. I took the paper back and quickly folded it back up, unsure of what to make of him. I could feel my own irritation bubbling up inside me. I owed this man nothing, but I had come to him trying to help.
“Actually, what happens hereismy concern,” I said firmly.
He looked at me sharply. “And why the hell is that?”
“Because I’m in love with your daughter, and she’s going to have my baby.Yourgrandchild. I want to keep them safe from the blowback of whatever scandal is happening here.”
He grew tense as he studied me, not saying a word.
“I apologize for everything that’s happened. I take full responsibility for the mess that was caused, but that mess turned out to be a blessing. I know you can’t see that right now, but it’s become clear to me. And I want to do the right thing.”
Mr. Harold brought his hands together on the desk, clasping his fingers as he watched me carefully. His expression was unreadable. After a moment, he took a deep breath.
“I will take what you said into consideration, Mr. White. I will contact you, but for now, you should leave.”
I nodded and stood from my chair, thinking it could have gone worse. Without another word, I slipped out the door, not wanting to press my luck. I knew there was still one more person to talk to. The most important one yet.
Chapter 37
Gabriella
“You sure you don’t want to come out for a little shopping? There’s a new boutique that opened just around the corner,” said Juliet as I held my hand up for a taxi.
“As tempting as some retail therapy sounds, I should probably be smart with my money now that I don’t have a job. Idohave a baby on the way.”
“That you do,” she said with a warm smile, glancing down at my stomach.
A yellow cab pulled up to the curb then. Before opening the door, I turned and gave Juliet a big hug. “Thank you for coming this morning,” I said.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” She winked before stepping back on the sidewalk. “I’ll see you later.”
I gave her a wave and slid into the cab. Settling into the seat, I let out a comfortable sigh. This morning had been so much more than I expected. It just reaffirmed how much I wanted this baby. Yes, I was still overwhelmed with the huge shift in my life and all the drama with my father and Chandler, but hearing the baby’s heartbeat assured me that there was no other choice. I was already so in love.
I reached in my purse and pulled out the ultrasound photos, looking at each one as if there was anything besides a little white blob. It was still a really cute blob. The doctor had told me that everything was right on track in terms of the baby’s growth, and that it was a healthy pregnancy so far. Of course, I was only eight weeks and had a long way to go, but she was optimistic.
Carefully, I slid the ultrasound photos in my purse and opened the window of the cab, letting in the early fall breeze. I breathed it in and closed my eyes, resting the back of my head against the headrest of the cab. Life was messy, but it was also beautiful. I kept reminding myself of that, especially on days when I was hunched over the toilet wondering if I was making a mistake. Sitting in the back of the cab with the sound of my baby’s heartbeat still echoing through my ears, I was more at peace than before.
Until the cab pulled up to my brownstone and I saw who was sitting on the steps. I swallowed hard, trying to calm my stomach that was doing backflip after backflip. Absent-mindedly paying the driver, I stepped out of the car, clutching my purse tightlyas I walked to the entrance of my building where Chandler sat looking miserable. He looked as bad as I felt, and for a moment I wondered if he was sleeping, but then his green eyes landed on me. He quickly stood up from the concrete steps.
I braced myself for whatever he was going to say or do. I didn’t know why he was here. The only time he ever showed up here unannounced was when he was feeling insatiable and we ended up in a pile of tangled sheets, if we ever made it to the bed. That was over now though, and I felt foolish for the yearning in my heart. I pushed it down, and lifted my chin stoically, waiting for him to probably blame me for getting fired, which I assumed was what my father did after he left my apartment last.
“Hello,” I said coolly.
“Gabriella…” he started and the tone in his voice was pleading, no biting sharpness to it.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” I stammered slightly.
