“I doubt it.”

“I understand your skepticism. My daughter lied to you about something sacred. She’s lied about me as well.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re no victim, Layton. Say what you came to say.”

“Samantha is unstable, and young Pax needs stability, which I know you can provide. Everyone can see what a successful woman your daughter has become.”

“Not long ago, you were calling me corrupt, and now you’re blowing smoke up my ass.”

“Now I’m offering to help you gain full custody of Pax.”

What the fuck? “How could you possibly help me with that?”

“I know things. Things that could be used in court to support your claim that you’re the better parent. All you have to do is get Samantha to drop her vendetta against me. I did nothing wrong—”

“The cops seem to think differently.”

“That’s all on Thompson. The man actually tried to extort me.”

“Sort of like how you’re bribing me now?”

“It’s a business deal. A good one. You know Samantha is a terrible person. Pax shouldn’t be raised around that.”

"Enough!" My voice boomed, filling the room with the echo of my rage. Samantha made a grave error in judgment, but she didn’t deserve to lose her son. And even if she did, Pax adored her. The kid talked about her nonstop. I wouldn’t do that to him.

"Your proposal is outrageous. What makes you think I'd ever entertain such an idea? My priority is Pax's well-being, and keeping him from his mother is not in his best interest. I cannot fathom how you could possibly believe that ripping a child away from his mother would achieve either of those things."

"Sometimes, sacrifices must be made, Henry. Sometimes, tough decisions are required to secure the future of those we care about." Carl spoke as if his proposal was the most normal thing.

"Are you saying you're willing to sacrifice your daughter's happiness just so you can get rid of her? That's monstrous."

Carl shrugged. “Samantha is a grown woman who has to suffer the consequences of her actions.”

"By what means? Bribing a judge? Threatening Samantha? Forging documents? What lengths will you go to save your own ass? You’d probably sell Pax’s soul if you thought it would get you out of the hot water you’re in.”

"Ah, the great Henry Banion, always playing the moral card. How nice it must be to sit on your high horse.”

"Get out of my house now, or I will call the police." I stepped toward him, ready to manhandle him out the door again.

"Fine, I'll leave. But remember this, Henry. If you don't take my offer, you might regret it someday."

"Your threats don't scare me. In fact, let me warn you. You stay away from me, Samantha, and Pax, or you’re the one who’ll regret it.”

"Good luck with that. You'll need it." He sneered as he stepped back toward the exit.

My phone buzzed on my desk with Victoria’s ringtone. I grabbed it, poking the answer button.

"Tori? Is everything okay?"

“The baby is coming.”

Holy shit. My baby was having a baby.

“The doctor says there’s still time, but I wanted to let you know. Alex and I are at the hospital now.”

“I’m on my way.”

“You don’t have to come now—”