Chapter 53
Maya's POV:
I pulled up to Sunny Days Community Daycare at ten minutes to six. Amy was already waiting at the entrance, her small hand clasped in Miss Robinson's.
"Mommy!" She ran toward me the moment she saw the car.
I crouched down and caught her in my arms. "Hey, baby. Did you have a good day?"
"Mm-hmm." She nodded enthusiastically. "We made paper airplanes today."
"That's awesome." I buckled her into the car seat, then pulled a small box from my bag. "Look what I have for you."
Amy's eyes lit up. "What is it?"
"Your great-grandma bought this for us." I opened the box. "She said it's the best in Boston. Wanna try?"
Amy wasn't usually big on sweets—she preferred fruit and yogurt. But this time, she took the box with pure delight.
Amy carefully picked up a cannoli and took a small bite. Her eyes immediately crinkled into crescents.
"It's so good!"
---
Back at the apartment, I dropped my bag on the couch and headed to the kitchen.
Adam wasn't coming over tonight.
I only needed to cook for two. Amy stood on the balcony, chatting with the birds outside the window—her new favorite hobby.
I started chopping vegetables and called Chloe, wedging the phone between my shoulder and ear.
"Hey," I said. "Guess what? I don't have to quit."
Chloe's voice crackled through the speaker. "Wait—what? What happened?"
"Julian said he was kidding." I diced an onion. "He didn't mean it. He was just... joking."
Silence for a few seconds.
Then Chloe exploded.
"Joking? Joking? Maya, that's the dumbest fucking joke I've ever heard."
I laughed. "I know, right?"
"Who the hell jokes about proposing to their assistant?" Chloe's voice dripped with sarcasm. "If I were you, I'd give him the biggest eye-roll in history."
"I was just relieved," I admitted. "I really didn't want to quit."
Chloe sighed. "Well, as long as you're okay with it."
"I am." I tossed the onion into the pan. "So how's the new job? Is Mr. Palmer treating you well?"
"Oh my God, he's amazing." Chloe's tone softened.
We chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. I finished cooking and called Amy inside.
---
The next morning, I woke up to my alarm blaring at seven. I dragged myself out of bed, made breakfast, and got Amy ready for daycare.
By nine, I was sitting at my desk at Garrison Industries, sipping my second cup of coffee.
My phone rang.
I glanced at the screen.
Thomas's secretary.
I picked up. "Maya Bennett speaking."
"Ms. Bennett." The voice on the other end was brisk. "Mr. Garrison would like you to arrange a dinner for Mr. Julian Garrison this evening."
I grabbed a pen. "Of course. What time?"
"Six o'clock. With Miss Hartley."
This is a blind date.
Julian's going on a blind date. His father arranged it.
I knocked on Julian's office door.
"Come in."
I pushed the door open. Julian was sitting at his desk, reviewing a contract. He looked up when he saw me.
"Maya. What's up?"
"Your father's office just called." I kept my voice professional. "He's arranged a dinner for you tonight with Miss Hartley. Six o'clock. Do you have any preferences for the restaurant?"
Julian's expression darkened.
For a moment, he just sat there, jaw clenched.
Then he leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair.
"Whatever." His voice was flat. "You decide."
"Are you sure? I can give you a few options—"
"I said whatever, Maya." His tone was sharper this time. "Just pick something and book it."
"Okay."
I left his office and returned to my desk.
---
By five-thirty, my phone buzzed.
Adam: I'm picking up Amy tonight. We're going out for dinner.
Me: No need. I'll pick her up and we'll eat at home.
Three dots appeared. Then disappeared.
Then my phone started ringing.
Adam Sterling.
I picked up. "Adam—"
"Maya, I'm driving right now." His voice was calm but firm. "I can't text. Call Amy's teacher and let her know I'm picking her up."
"Adam—"
"I'll see you soon."
He hung up.
I sat there for a moment, phone still pressed to my ear.
Damn it.
I called Miss Robinson and explained the situation. Then I texted Adam.
Me: Fine. But I'm not coming. Just bring her home after dinner.
---
By the time I got home, it was almost seven. I expected the apartment to be empty, but when I opened the door, I heard voices from the living room. I stopped dead in my tracks.
Adam was standing in the middle of the room with Amy, both of them next to a large inflatable punching bag.
Amy was wearing tiny red boxing gloves, punching the bag with all her might. Adam stood behind her, one hand steadying the bag.
"Good! Now hit it harder!" Adam encouraged.
Amy giggled and threw another punch.
I just stood there, frozen.
"Uh... what's going on?"
Adam turned. His eyes met mine.
"You're home." He straightened. "We were just practicing."
"I thought you were taking her out to dinner," I said carefully.
Adam shrugged. "I felt bad. You've been working all day. I figured we could eat here instead. I ordered takeout."
The doorbell rang.
"That's probably the food." Adam walked past me toward the door.
---
By the time I changed and came back out, the entire living room smelled like Italian food.
Adam had already opened all the takeout containers and was dividing the pasta onto plates.
He looked up when he saw me.
His gaze lingered.
I felt my skin heat under his stare.
Stop looking at me like that.
I knew that look. I'd seen it five years ago.
"Need help?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Careful. Just came out of the oven."
I reached for a fork. My fingers accidentally brushed his hand.
I jerked back like I'd been burned.
"Sorry," I mumbled.
Adam looked at me. There was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Don't be sorry." His voice was low. "I don't mind at all."
My heart hammered.
I turned away, pretending to focus on setting the table. Fork. Knife. Napkins.
Mr. Sterling, billionaire CEO, probably has women throwing themselves at him every day.
The thought of him with someone else made my stomach twist.
---
Once the table was set, Adam called Amy.
She was still wearing her little boxing gloves, punching away.
Adam crouched down and ruffled her hair.
"Hey, champ. Time to eat."
Amy looked up at him, eyes shining. "Can we play more after dinner?"
"Of course." He smiled. "But first, let's get some food in you."
"Okay!" She pulled off the gloves and ran to the table.
---
Dinner was quiet at first.
Amy chattered about her day, and Adam listened attentively.
I ate in silence.
Then his phone rang.
Adam glanced at the screen.
I saw the name.
Claire Ashford. The woman I saw at Sterling Global, who looked at me with that chilling stare.