Page 55 of Ex- Factor
I crossed my legs, leaned back, and folded my arms.
“Instead of trying to buy his life, why not just… I don’t know, be a dad? Leave him alone like he wants? That’s what fucked-up parents who actually want redemption do.”
He didn’t flinch.
“I don’t want redemption. I want my son to fulfill his destiny. This isn’t about love—it’s about legacy. It’s about ensuring the empire I built doesn’t end with a boy playing house with a girl who sees him as a rebellion.”
It sounded so cold. My heart sped up. He didn’t even pretend he loved Silas. He wanted an heir. A puppet, not a child.
I tilted my head, fighting a smile.
“You hear yourself? That’s sick. And sad.”
His jaw flexed. The mask slipped completely.
“You think this is a game? I’ve spent my life building something.I will not let a child’s infatuation tear it down. I can make your life very, very difficult.”
That did it. I laughed so hard the secretary outside probably heard me.
“Sir, please. I’ve survived worse on purpose than an old rich white man threatening me. You're easier than my ex to handle.”
His nostrils flared. “Watch your mouth.”
“No—you watch yours.” I leaned in, elbows on his precious desk, invading his space.
“See, you think money means control. You can’t scare me. You threaten me again, I’ll fuck your whole world up in five to seven business days. TikTok, Instagram, Twitter—I’ll go live, cute as hell, crying, and I’ll say my boyfriend’s white multi-millionaire daddy tried to pay me off to leave his son. I’llinsinuateit’s because I’m Black.”
I laughed again.
“You think your Black clients will like that headline? Think NBA stars and WNBA players wanna sign contracts with your company? I did my research. I know what you are, deep down. You’re scared.”
His face turned blotchy—mottled red and white.
“You have no idea what you’re playing with—”
“No.Yoube careful. Because I’m not some desperate woman gonna take your hush money. I love your son. He loves me. And unlike you, I actually give a damn about what he wants.”
The silence stretched thick between us. He sat there, stone-faced, but I could feel the rage vibrating off him. He wasn’t used to being told no.
Finally, I stood. Smoothed my skirt.
“This meeting’s over. Silas is your son. I can’t speak for him, but for me? Leave me the fuck alone.”
I walked out before he could say another word.
Boy, I was hot.
Angel was waiting for me outside, leaning against the car, sipping a smoothie. She’d insisted on coming for back-up. Waited outside—said if I didn’t come back in ten minutes, she was storming in.
“Well? What the old pervert want?” she asked, eyebrows raised.
I blew out a breath, then laughed.
“Girl, he really tried to bribe me like I’m some side chick off a reality show. Slid a whole envelope across the desk like we inThe Godfather.Gave me the whole ‘you’re-not-good-enough-for-my-legacy’ speech.”
Angel cackled, shaking her head.
“You should’ve taken the money.”
