Page 68 of Tempted By Eden

“But what if that isn’t enough?” I whisper, voicing the fear that’s been gnawing at me.

He squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. “We may not have his money, but we have something better—love, stability, and a home. That’s what Leo knows, and that’s what truly matters.”

Dad falls silent, a far-off look in his eyes like he’s replaying a memory only he can see. “I think about your mother often, you know.” His thumb absently rubs his wedding ring. “She had that same fierce protectiveness, that same fire that you have. She’d do anything to shield her family. And I know she’d never want Leo to be dragged into a world that could change who he is.”

The lump in my throat grows and I swallow hard. “I worry about that too. James’s world—it’s full of privilege and entitlement. And Leo... he’s just a kid. He still gets excited over finding worms in the garden, still believes that everyone tells the truth. What if that world warps him, turns him into someone I wouldn’t even recognize? Someone who thinks money can buy happiness or respect?”

Dad nods. “It’s true—growing up with that much privilege can mess with a person. They start to feel like the world owes them something, that they’re above the rules that ground the rest of us. I’ve seen it happen before. Wealth and power have a way of tempting a person, changing what they value. But it doesn’t have to be that way.”

He pauses, tapping his fingers on his mug as if contemplating his next words carefully. “But if James is truly committed to being a father figure, if he wants to earn his place in Leo’s life and respect the life you’ve built for him, then maybe there’s hope. Maybe he won’t let his world change Leo.”

A small part of me wants to believe that, but I can’t shake the doubt. “I don’t know. James hasn’t even tried to show he’s serious. It’s like he thinks he can just step in and take over, like Leo’s a piece of his estate or something.”

Dad chuckles, though there’s no humor in it. “That’s his world, Cora. People like him, they’re used to control, having things fall into place just because they say so. But Leo’s not something he can control. He’s a person, a child, with his own mind, his own heart. James might think he has all the power, but he’ll have to learn that Leo isn’t just another piece on his chessboard.”

Hearing those words makes it easier to breathe. “You really think he could come around?”

Dad nods slowly. “If he wants to be part of Leo’s life, he’ll have to make the effort. And if he can’t respect the life you’ve built for Leo, then he doesn’t deserve to be in it—simple as that. No matter how much money he has.”

I close my eyes, letting those words sink in. “Thanks, Dad. Sometimes I just feel so... overwhelmed. I don’t know if I’m strong enough for all of this.”

He tightens his grip on my hand. “You’re stronger than you know. And you’re not alone. I’ll be right here with you every step of the way. You have me, and you have Leo.”

At that moment, Leo bounds into the kitchen, his face bright with excitement. “Mom! My truck did a flip! You gotta see it!” He holds up the truck, and his joy fills the room.

I smile, even as tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “That’s awesome, pumpkin. I bet it was a great flip.”

Leo beams, dashing back to his trucks.

Dad watches Leo with pride. “He’s a good kid, Cora. And that’s all thanks to you.” His voice soft but sure. “And if James has any sense at all, he’ll come to understand that love can’t be bought.”

I nod, Dad’s reassurance a balm for the fears that have been eating away at me.

Leo’s laughter rings out from the living room, and it’s a sweet reminder of what truly matters.

Chapter thirty-six

James

Ilower my sunglasses,getting a clearer look at Cora’s house from the safety of my Aston Martin.

What a shithole.

My heart sinks. I knew it’d be bad, but this? This is worse than I imagined. A lot worse.

It’s not the first time I’ve been here, but it’s the first time I’ve reallyseenit. When I dropped Cora home after the police station, I was too furious to take anything in. But now, in broad daylight, it’s clear this neighborhood is from a different world—a world where time has stopped. It’s crumbling with neglect and decay. Paint peels from the walls of every house. Fences, rusted and leaning, look ready to collapse. A house across the street has plywood for windows, and the street itself is littered with trash and God knows what else.

This is where Jonathon’s son has been growing up?

Cora’s house is one of the better ones on the street, but even still, the front porch looks like it’s seconds from giving way, and the paint is flaking like dead skin.

How has she been living like this?

I run a hand through my hair, pulling on the ends. How did I not know? How did I let my nephew grow up in this? And what kind of mother could let her child live like this? My anger spikes, sharp and bitter, but beneath it, there’s a deeper emotion I don’t want to acknowledge.

A movement in the rearview mirror draws my attention. Two men are having a loud argument in the middle of the street. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but the wild gestures and unhinged eyes tell me everything I need to know. Drugs. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.

My hand drifts to my phone. Part of me wants to call in child protection services right now.

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