Chapter 85
Adam's POV:
Ethan leaned back in the leather chair, shaking his head with a grin. "She's got balls, I'll give her that. Chasing after you."
I said nothing. Just stared at the amber liquid in my glass.
"I mean, she didn't even know who you were back then," Ethan continued. "If she had, we probably wouldn't be sitting here watching you lose your shit over a woman who won't take you back."
Parker kicked his shin under the table. "Be nice."
"I'm being honest." Ethan turned to me, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So how did she chase you? Give us the full story."
I shot him a look. "She didn't chase me. Not really."
"Bullshit," Parker said, brown curls bouncing as he leaned forward. "You literally just told us she pursued you in Cleveland."
"We were both interested," I said flatly. "It was mutual."
"Mutual attraction, natural progression," Parker said with a smile. "That's actually sweet."
Ethan scooted closer, slinging an arm around my shoulders. "Come on. Details. How did Maya Bennett get the great Adam Sterling to fall for her?"
I shoved him off. "Why the hell would I tell you?"
He pouted. "Fine. Don't share. But listen—I'm gonna help you out here. I've got moves."
I raised an eyebrow.
"First," Ethan said, ticking off on his fingers, "flowers. Every single day. Send them to her office. Make everyone jealous."
"Second—pick her up after work. In the flashiest car you've got. Let everyone see."
"Third—shopping. Take her to Newbury Street, buy her whatever she wants. Women love designer shit."
"Fourth—if she's out with friends, pick up the tab. Shows you're generous and loaded."
He sat back, looking pleased with himself. "So? You taking notes?"
I stared at him. "You just described every generic rich asshole move in the book."
Parker snorted into his drink.
"What?" Ethan spread his hands. "It works!"
"It's basic," I said coldly. "You can find that advice on Reddit."
Ethan's face fell. "Whatever, man. Your loss."
Parker changed the subject smoothly. "So who leaked Maya's info online?"
My jaw tightened. "Claire."
"What?" Ethan's voice shot up. "Claire Ashford? Are you fucking serious?"
"Dead serious."
"Jesus Christ." He ran a hand through his hair. "I actually thought she was decent. Turns out she's a psycho."
Parker shot him a look. "Maybe this'll teach you to stop chasing sketchy women."
"I don't chase—"
"You absolutely do," Parker interrupted. "Find someone stable for once. Someone who won't set your life on fire."
Ethan smirked. "Speaking of—what's going on with you and Maya's friend? Chloe?"
Parker's expression didn't change. "None of your business."
"Come on—"
"Nope." Parker stood. "I'm out. Adam, good luck. You're gonna need it."
I waved them off. "Leave. I've got work."
---
After they left, I buzzed James.
He appeared within seconds. "Yes, Mr. Sterling?"
"I need you to handle something." I pulled up the address on my phone. "The Marlborough Street property. Transfer it into Maya Bennett's name. Immediately."
James didn't even blink. "Understood. Anything else?"
"Get a team in there. Full renovation if needed. Master bedroom—make it warm. Comfortable."
"Of course."
"And a second bedroom. For a little girl. Four years old. Pink, probably. Or purple. Whatever kids like." I paused. "Actually—ask someone who knows. Just make it… nice."
"I'll consult with an interior designer," James said smoothly.
"Good. And James?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Make sure Maya moves in. I don't care how you do it. Just get her out of that Somerville apartment and into the brownstone."
James allowed himself a small smile. "I'll handle it, Mr. Sterling."
---
Mrs. Sterling's POV:
I didn't want to leave.
The Bennett apartment was small and worn, but it had something the Beacon Hill estate hadn't felt in years: life. Amy's laughter. Maya's quiet warmth.
But duty called.
Robert was pacing in the foyer when I finally arrived.
"Mom." He rushed over to help me with my coat. "Finally. I've been going crazy here."
"I told you I'd be back," I said calmly.
"You were gone for a day." His voice was tight with worry. "I couldn't focus on anything."
Margaret appeared immediately, eyes bright with curiosity. "Mom! Is it true? Is the child really Adam's?"
"Obviously," I said. "She looks exactly like him."
"But—have you done a paternity test? Just to be safe? These days, women will do anything to marry into money—"
"Enough." My voice cut like ice. "That little girl is a Sterling. I know it in my bones. And if you ever question her legitimacy again, we're going to have a serious problem."
Margaret opened her mouth, but Gregory pulled her back.
She tried again. "Fine. But what about the mother? Are you really going to let Adam marry that woman?"
"I'd love for him to," I said. "Unfortunately, Maya doesn't want to marry him."
"Impossible." Margaret's laugh was sharp. "She's playing hard to get. Probably already made her list of demands. Money? Property? Shares in Sterling Global?"
Heat flooded my chest. "Is that all you think about? Money?"
"I'm being realistic—"
"You're being cruel." I glared at my daughter. "Maya hasn't asked for a single thing. Not one demand. Not one dollar. If anything, I'm the one trying to give her things, and she keeps refusing."
Margaret's mouth twisted. "She's playing you, Mom. Waiting for you to offer first so she looks noble—"
"Enough!" I pressed a hand to my chest, breathing hard. "I can't listen to this anymore. You're going to give me a heart attack."
Justin stepped forward quickly. "Mom, stop. I've met Maya. She's a good person. Not like you're making her out to be."
Jenna nodded. "She even saved Grandma's life. You don't know anything about her."
Margaret's face darkened. "I'm looking out for your cousin—"
"Don't."
Adam's voice cut through the room.
I looked up. He stood in the doorway, jaw tight, eyes cold.
"Don't," he repeated, "say another word about Maya."
Margaret bristled. "I'm just being cautious. You're the heir to Sterling Global. Your wife needs to be from the right kind of family—someone who understands our world. This Maya person—she's from nowhere. No connections. And now suddenly she has a child? It's suspicious, Adam."
"Aunt Margaret," Adam said quietly, dangerously, "if you finish that sentence, I will never speak to you again."
Silence.
He stepped into the room. "Maya isn't my girlfriend. Not yet. But I want her to be. And whether or not she agrees, I expect every single person in this family to treat her with respect."
Margaret started to protest.
Adam's eyes flashed. "If I hear one more word questioning her character, her motives, or her daughter's legitimacy, you will regret it. Am I clear?"