Page 21 of Baby For My Ex's Brother

"It's there," I assert, leaning forward. "The email thread starts behind the tab marked 'Communications.'"

His hand pauses mid-flip, and then he finds the tab, abruptly pulling out the emails. His actions do not imply an apology, just a silent concession as his gaze scans the first page.

"Right."

The word is terse, a reluctant admission that I've done my job

I settle back into my seat, allowing myself a small, private victory.

"Let's get to the heart of this," Liam announces, his tone shifting as he straightens the stack of papers before him. The room feels colder somehow, despite the midday sun streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Derek Turner, the man at the center of the scandal, leans back in his chair, a picture of calm indifference that only those with immense wealth and influence seem able to muster. But there's a flicker in his eyes, a hint of something less assured.

"Allegations are flying left and right," Liam says, eyes fixed on the file. "The press is having a field day with rumors that you've been involved with another player's wife."

My fingers tighten around the pen I’m still holding, the plastic creaking its protest. It’s not just the allegation that grates; it’s the casualness in Liam’s voice, the clinical detachment as if he’s discussing a business merger instead of lives unraveling.

"Your wife is threatening to take this to court," Liam continues, "and she's hinted at going public with everything—claiming immoral behavior from you and the team. Orgies, swinging, cheating… even trying to force her into it."

Derek's jaw tightens, the only break in his composed facade.

"She always was dramatic," he mutters, almost under his breath.

My jaw drops, blinking fast—but Liam is already responding to Derek as if none of this matters. “So you’re not denying it?”

Derek shrugs. “I think this is really more about Nora—she was angry I was spending so much time working, even though all I’ve ever done is try to provide for our family. The affair… was because Nora and I had already drifted apart.”

“And the coercion allegations?” Liam asks.

Derek smirks and something burns in my chest. “Nora’s never done anything she didn’t want to.”

I can't help but wonder about his wife, Nora, now reduced to a single facet in a complex play of power and reputation. What must it feel like to have your pain dissected for strategic gain?

Liam doesn't skip a beat. "We need to be prepared for any outcome. Damage control is key, but so is maintaining a credible defense."

Anger courses through me, but I bite my tongue, swallowing the bitter taste of disillusionment. Even knowing what he does about me and Chris, and the fact that his own mother was cheated on… I can’t believe he’s okay with this.

"Shiloh," Liam says, snapping his fingers to draw my attention. His voice slices through my thoughts, cold and professional. "You've got all the relevant paperwork organized, right?"

"Everything's there," I reply.

"Good." He nods curtly before turning back to Derek. "I think we're done here for now."

Derek rises from his seat, the movement smooth and controlled. "Appreciate your help, Liam."

"Of course," Liam replies, standing as well. "Just doing my job. We'll keep things as quiet as possible. Oh, and I have a meetingscheduled with your wife tomorrow. I’ll see if she’d be amenable to the settlement we discussed, given the facts of the case."

"Thanks," Derek says tersely, his eyes catching mine for a fleeting second, revealing nothing.

I stand, too, feeling the weight of the situation settle heavily on my shoulders. The room feels colder somehow, sterile and impersonal. My heart aches at the familiarity of betrayal, at the casualness of infidelity being batted around like any other legal problem to be solved.

Liam's indifference stings. I know his history, the way his own mother suffered because of a man much like Derek. But here he stands, ready to defend the indefensible without so much as flinching.

Does his conscience not gnaw at him like mine does?

I get my answer when he extends his hand, a practiced smile etched onto his face. "Good to work with you, Derek."

"Likewise," Derek replies, clasping Liam's hand in a firm handshake that looks more like a merger than a meeting between lawyer and client.

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