Chapter 146
Arthur’s POV:
I stood outside the Sunny Days Daycare in Somerville. The metal gate clanged open. Maya walked out, holding Amy’s hand. Adam Sterling walked beside them.
I stepped forward. I focused on Amy. My granddaughter.
I reached out to pat her head. Amy shrank back instantly. She hid behind Maya’s legs, staring at me with wide, fearful eyes.
I pulled my hand back. "It’s lunchtime," I said, forcing a smile. "Let’s grab a meal together."
Maya’s expression was ice. "We are not people who sit at the same table, Mr. Hayes."
"I know you have resentment," I said. "But give me a chance to make amends."
"Some things cannot be fixed," Maya said sharply. "Don't act. I don't buy it."
My patience thinned. She was stubborn. I looked at the child. Children were easier to bribe.
"Amy," I said softly. "I’m your grandfather."
Amy frowned. Her grey-green eyes were sharp. "My mommy doesn't have a daddy," she said clearly. "You aren't my grandpa."
I laughed nervously. "Everyone has a father, sweetheart. Your mommy has one too."
Amy looked up at Maya. "Mommy? Is he?"
Maya didn't hesitate. "You don't need to worry about him. Ignore him."
Amy nodded. "Okay."
"Maya!" I snapped. "That is incredibly rude. How are you teaching her?"
"I’ll teach her however I want," Maya shot back. "It’s none of your business."
I took a breath. I couldn't lose my temper. I tried again.
"Amy," I said. "Grandpa wants to buy you a toy. Any toy. A bike? A dollhouse?"
"Arthur."
Adam spoke. His voice was low and cold.
"Does the Sterling family look so poor that we can't afford a toy?" Adam asked.
"I know you can afford it," I said. "It’s the gesture. She is my granddaughter."
Adam stepped forward, blocking them from my view. "Belated affection is cheap. Save it. Neither Maya nor Amy needs it."
I felt my face heat up. "Adam, you’re going to marry Maya. I will be your father-in-law. Show some respect."
Adam looked me up and down. "I only respect people who are worthy."
The insult was plain.
I clenched my fists. There was no winning here today. Adam was a wall. Maya was hostile.
"Fine," I muttered. I turned and walked to my car.
I sat in the driver’s seat, fuming. I needed leverage. I dialed Robert Sterling.
"Robert," I said. "I booked a room at Menton. Let’s have lunch."
"No," Robert replied. "I’m eating with my mother."
"Robert, I have something important to discuss."
"Later. I’m busy."
"It’s about Maya," I said quickly. "Maya is my daughter. We are going to be in-laws. We need to discuss the wedding."
Silence. I knew that would get him.
"Is that so?" Robert’s tone changed. "I’ll be there in twenty minutes."
Menton, Fort Point
Robert Sterling sat across from me. He didn't order. He just waited.
"Explain," he said.
I told him everything. The affair with Patricia Bennett twenty-seven years ago. The separation. The child I left behind. I tried to sound like a victim of circumstance.
Robert listened, his face blank. When I finished, he scoffed.
"You are a piece of work," Robert said.
"I know," I admitted. "I was young. I was confused."
"I don't care about the cheating," Robert said coldly. "That’s between you and your wife. What disgusts me is that you ignored her for decades. You knew she existed."
"I feel guilty," I said. "I want to make it up to her now."
"Make it up?" Robert raised an eyebrow. "Do you think you can?"
"I’m trying. But Maya is stubborn. She won't listen."
"She shouldn't," Robert said. "If I were her, I wouldn't talk to you either."
"Robert, help me," I pleaded. "Talk to her. We are going to be family."
"No."
"Robert, please. For our friendship."
Robert stood up. He looked down at me with disdain. "Why now? Why today?"
"I just found out she was in Boston."
"Liar," Robert said. "You want to claim her because she’s with my son. You see a benefit."
I froze. He saw right through me.
"You calculated well, Arthur," Robert said, buttoning his jacket. "But I won't help. Maya is under Sterling protection now. Stay away from her. And as for our families... we should stop socializing."
Robert walked out.
He was cutting ties.
I stared at the empty table. Rage boiled over. I slammed my fist down, knocking a wine glass to the floor. It shattered.
The Hayes Penthouse
Three days later, my home was in chaos.
Marcus paced the living room. "Dad, we lost three more contracts. The logistics deal, the seaport expansion. Gone."
"Who?" I asked, though I knew.
"Sterling Global," Marcus said grimly. "They aren't even hiding it."
My wife, Diane, gasped. "Why? We are friends with Robert!"
"It’s not Robert," I whispered. "It’s Adam. It’s revenge."
"Why?" Marcus demanded. "We didn't touch him. Tiffany, did you do something?"
Tiffany looked up from her phone. "No! Why does everyone blame me?"
Marcus looked at me. "Dad, explain. Why is Adam Sterling destroying us?"
I rubbed my face. I looked aged. "He’s doing it for Maya."
"Maya?" Marcus frowned. "Why?"
I looked at my son, then at Tiffany, who was lounging on the sofa.
"Tiffany," Marcus turned to his sister. "Did you do something to Maya?"
Tiffany jumped up. "No! I haven't done anything! Why does everyone blame me?"
Marcus looked back at me. "Dad, what is going on?"
I slumped into a chair. Diane rubbed my back anxiously.
The room went quiet. I looked at my family. My perfect, oblivious family.
"Diane," I said quietly. "Close the door."
Once the bedroom door clicked shut, Diane turned to me. "Honey, is it really Maya? Did she tell Adam to do this?"
"I don't know," I said. "The Sterlings think she’s been wronged. They are protecting her."
Diane’s face twisted in anger. "Wronged? What does that have to do with us? It’s her mother’s fault. Patricia was loose. She was a mistress. Maya’s birth is shameful. She deserves it."
"Don't say that," I muttered. "Maya is my daughter."
The door flew open.
"Dad," Tiffany whispered. "What did you say? Maya is your daughter? That’s impossible. You’re joking, right?"
Marcus walked into the room. He looked at me, then at his mother. "Is it true?"
"Yes," I said. "Maya is my daughter."
Marcus staggered. He grabbed the doorframe to steady himself.
Tiffany screamed. "No! No! Maya can't be my sister! She’s low-class! I refuse!"
Tiffany turned and ran out of the apartment, shrieking.
Diane burst into tears, covering her face. The secret was out. The shame was absolute.
Marcus stared at me with cold, hateful eyes.
"Dad," he said quietly. "You disappoint me."
He turned and left.
Diane began to hit my arm. "It’s your fault! You ruined this family! You and your bastard child!"
"Stop it!" I pushed her hands away. "We need to focus on the company. How do we fix this?"
Diane wiped her eyes. Her mascara was smeared, making her look manic.
"Give me Patricia’s number," she hissed. "And her address."