Chapter 116

Chapter 116
Maya's POV:

I hung up before Chloe could explain and drove home. I had just parked the car downstairs when my phone rang.

Adam Sterling.

I sighed and answered. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" Adam asked immediately. "I’ve been knocking on your door for ten minutes."

I looked at my hand resting on the door handle and pulled it back. "I... I’m at the hospital. I’m not coming back tonight."

"Why are you at the hospital? I thought you hired nurses."

"What can I say?" I rubbed my temples. "I'm feeling generous."

Adam’s voice dropped. "Then how about sharing some of that generosity with me?"

"Not a chance."

I hung up quickly. I couldn't deal with Adam Sterling right now. I leaned back, opened TikTok, and started scrolling through dramatic skits. Five minutes later, I was shaking with laughter, my shoulders bouncing against the seat.

Knock. Knock.

Two sharp raps on the glass made me jump. I whipped my head around and hiccuped loudly.

Adam was standing there. He bent down, his handsome face illuminated by the streetlamp, looking unamused.

Busted.

I rolled down the window awkwardly. "Hi. Fancy meeting you here."

Adam stared at me with those cold, grey-green eyes. He didn't say a word. He just reached in, unlocked the door, and pulled it open.

"Get out," he said, pulling me out of the car. He wrapped his arms around me, trapping me against his chest. "You little liar. I thought you were at the hospital?"

I touched my nose guiltily. "I just got back."

"Is that so?" He raised an eyebrow. "Because I’ve been watching you laugh at your phone like an idiot for ten minutes."

"You were spying on me?"

"I was waiting for you."

I groaned and pushed him away. "Fine. I fold. I just didn't want to be around you. Happy? Go home, Adam. I’m going upstairs."

I locked the car and walked toward the apartment building. I heard his heavy footsteps right behind me.

I stopped at the entrance and turned around. "My dear Mr. Sterling, please go to your own house."

Adam stood with one hand in his pocket, looking tall and arrogant. "You can call me sweetheart, honey, whatever. It won't work. I’m sticking to you."

I rolled my eyes and kept walking. He followed me all the way to my door.

I spun around again, pressing a finger against his chest. "If you don't want to be kicked out, behave yourself. No touching."

Adam caught my hand. His palm was warm as he wrapped it around mine. He smirked. "Maya, get your mind out of the gutter. Men need to rest too."

I yanked my hand back, my face burning. I rushed into my bedroom and slammed the door. Outside, I heard his low, deep laugh.

I threw myself onto the bed and punched the mattress.



The next morning, I drove to the Sterling estate on Beacon Hill to see Amy.

The moment I walked in, my daughter ran to me. I scooped her up, burying my face in her curls.

"Baby, I missed you so much."

"I missed you too, Mommy," Amy said, hugging my neck. "Is your cold better?"

I lied smoothly. "Much better after the medicine."

Suddenly, someone grabbed Amy by the back of her sweater. Adam lifted her easily into his arms. Amy giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Daddy! Did you miss me too?"

Adam smirked at me. "Always."

He set her down but kept hold of my hand. I tried to shake him off, but his grip was like iron. We walked into the living room together.

Mrs. Sterling’s face lit up. "Maya!"

"Grandma, Robert," I greeted them.

Robert Sterling nodded and smiled. "Sit down, Maya."

Adam pulled me onto the sofa next to him. Just then, Amy stomped in. She looked annoyed. She pouted, her little lips jutting out, and glared at Adam.

Mrs. Sterling gasped. "What’s wrong, my precious angel? Why is that little mouth pouting?"

Amy just pointed an accusing finger at Adam.

Mrs. Sterling looked around, grabbed a feather duster from a maid, and swatted Adam’s arm. "Stop bullying my little girl!"

Adam sat there, unmoving, as feathers flew around him. He rolled his eyes. "Grandma, really?"

Mrs. Sterling ignored him and turned to Amy with a sweet smile. "I taught him a lesson. Don't be mad, sweetie."

Amy covered her mouth and giggled, shooting a triumphant look at her father. Adam just shook his head.

I watched them, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Amy had changed. She used to be so mature, always worried about me. Now, she was acting like a real four-year-old—spoiled, happy, and carefree. This was what she deserved.



After dinner, it was time to leave.

"I’m taking Amy home," I said.

Adam shook his head. "She isn't going to daycare tomorrow or the day after. Let her stay here. There’s no one to play with at your apartment."

I pursed my lips. He was right. My apartment was empty. Here, she had family.

"Fine," I muttered. "But just for a few days."

Adam smirked. "I’ll hire some tutors. Language, piano, maybe math. She needs to learn."

"She’s four!" I protested. "She doesn't need tutors."

"Exactly!" Mrs. Sterling banged her cane. "My baby is too small. Let her play! We have money; she can just eat, drink, and be happy."

We all looked at Amy. She stood tall. "I want to learn. Daddy, you arrange it."

Adam nodded. "See? She is the eldest daughter. She will run Sterling Global one day. She needs to be sharp. Especially when her siblings are born—she’ll need to set an example."

I reached over and pinched Adam’s waist hard.

Adam grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "Maya, you want more babies too, right?"

I gave him a fake smile. "No. I don't."

"Liar."



Leaving was harder than I expected.

As Adam drove away, I looked in the rearview mirror. Amy was standing on the steps, watching our car disappear. She looked so small.

My nose stung. Tears welled up in my eyes.

Adam noticed immediately. He pulled the car over to the curb and unbuckled his seatbelt. He pulled me into his arms. "What’s wrong? Why are you crying?"

"I miss Amy," I choked out.

Adam rubbed my back. "We just saw her."

"You don't understand," I sobbed. "We’ve never been apart. I watched her grow from a tiny baby to this... seeing her watch us leave just breaks my heart."

Adam held me tighter. His voice was soft in the quiet car.

"Move," he said. "Move into the townhouse on Marlborough Street. It’s not far from the daycare. Grandma can stay there too. I’ll hire staff. You can see her every single day after work."

I sniffled, looking up at him. It was a practical solution.

"Okay," I whispered. "I'll do it."

Adam’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Good. It’s late. I’ll have James send the movers tomorrow."