Page 14 of The Billionaire's Secret Heir

He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so out of place or off-kilter in this conference room. With Madi, Beckett couldn’t seem to find his footing or focus his thoughts. If only he could ignore her body language and the way he felt strangely drawn to her rich, brown eyes, he might have a better handle on the situation and how to proceed.

She had no idea of his net worth and Bret obviously did, which is likely where he drew the number he’d asked for in their proposal. He had a suspicion that Bret had set this up so that he would receive more than his fair share in legal fees.

“Why don’t we do this,” Beckett said. “I would like to confer with my lawyer about this. I’m sure that we can come up with a number that you and I can both be happy with. This may seem a little over the line, but what have you and Mr. Anders discussed as far as his payment?”

Her eyes flitted back to Beckett’s. He could read the worry there. “He hasn’t mentioned it.”

Beckett leaned back in his chair. “I see.”

“Is that bad? He offered to help and hadn’t mentioned anything. He is very aware of my financial position.” Madi’s eyes burned. “I’d like to pay him. I promise I didn’t want to take advantage of him.”

Beckett reached over and rested his hand on her shoulder. Her hands were still in her lap or he would have touched one of them. This felt somehow more intimate as his fingertips rested on her soft blouse. Heat flushed her face and Beckett felt a similar burn in his chest.

“You misunderstand me. I wasn’t accusing you of taking advantage. Rather, I suspect that he is going farther than is necessary in part to ensure that he gets a large payment.”

“Oh. You think he is taking advantage of me?”

“Possibly. Even if he is a friend, this is a lot of work without expectation of payment. I wouldn’t be shocked if he tried to do something like try to include his legal fees in your settlement, whether or not he told you about that. This may be why he’s asking for the sum that he did without consulting you.”

“I do want him paid, though. He’s done a lot of work.” Madi fidgeted.

She was far too nice. Beckett understood how someone like Bret would have seen this and taken advantage so easily. Beckett spoke gently. “Do you feel he has represented you and your interests well? He seems to make you uncomfortable, but you’re defending him.”

Madi looked down at her lap. “We’ve had a few disagreements, but he has done a lot for me.”

“I have a proposal that will protect you, but also be fair to him. I’d like for him to bill me for his hours. I’ll pay. Then he won’t be drawing from money that’s supposed to be for you and for … Becka.”

He swallowed after saying her name. It was harder to push away the thought that he had a child when he spoke her name.

“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Madi said. “I’m not looking for a handout.”

“If I thought you were, I wouldn’t offer.” Beckett smiled. “If you’re comfortable with this, I’d like to call the lawyers back in and let them know what we discussed. I will have Mr. Anders bill me for his hours spent working for you and I will send him a proposal for monthly support.”

He couldn’t bring himself to say “child” support. Saying her name had been too much. He needed to back off. Whatever attraction—and if he was going to be honest, that’s what it was—he felt toward Madi was already too much. Beckett couldn’t get any more emotionally involved.

“That sounds fair. Though I don’t think Bret is going to like it.” She grinned. Her eyes lit up, which made them appear a warm honey color.

“I don’t suppose he will. Do you mind?”

She giggled, then put a hand over her mouth as though she realized how inappropriate this was. “As long as you’re the one to tell him.”

“I’m being honest when I say it will be my pleasure.” Beckett smiled and noticed how much more relaxed her shoulders seemed from when they started the conversation. “Will he give you a hard time later, in private? I don’t want to put you in an awkward position.”

The mirth disappeared from her face. “I’m not sure what to expect from him. I feel like he’ll probably be glad to have this settled and get back to his normal clients.”

Based on the way Bret looked at her, Beckett seriously doubted that. If he was right, and he usually was, then Bret was looking for a handout, but maybe more. “I don’t mean to pry, but could you give me a sense of your normal monthly expenses? Just so I have an idea what would keep you comfortable.”

Madi had clearly thought of this beforehand. “My rent is $1600 per month, plus utilities, so close to $2000. With groceries and gas and other various expenses, I can be fairly comfortable at around $3000 to $3500 a month.”

Beckett did not let the shock reach his face. Graham and Courtney were Beckett’s only exposure to what looked more like a middle-class life. Really, he knew they were well above middle class. Their house, while messy and half the size of Beckett’s, was still larger than most and in a very expensive neighborhood. For reasons Beckett couldn’t fathom, they lived well below their means and far below the luxury Beckett enjoyed. The numbers Madi gave him sounded unreal.

What kind of place could she possibly live in for that amount per month? Beckett found himself curious to find out her address and see what kind of rental was so cheap. Would it be safe for his daughter to grow up there?

She is only yours on paper, he reminded himself. He had no plans of actually being involved in her life, though he hated the thought of her growing up in terrible conditions. At least she would have Madi. He knew without seeing her with Becka that Madi was an incredible caretaker. Whatever their living situation, Becka would be loved.

As if somehow following his thoughts, Madi said, “Would you like to see a picture of Becka?”

Beckett held up a hand. “I think it would be best if I didn’t. Calista and I were hardly close and though this child shares my DNA, I think the best option is for me to remain unknown.”

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