Page 85 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“I want Harvey.”

The empty bag in my hand feels like it weighs a ton. I look at Molly, who shrugs.

My gaze moves to Chad, who’s begging me with his eyes, and then I look to see Jemima’s matching ones. She just wants him to be happy.

I walk over and hold out the bag to her, and she rises and takes it, whispering, “Thanks. I won’t be long.”

Sitting on the sofa, I’m unsure what to do next. But Chad decides for me. He drops his head on my thigh, and I grab the blue washcloth from Molly’s outstretched hand and place it on his head.

A few moments later, she swallows hard and whispers. “I’m ready.” She holds out her arms, and I lift Chad up and walk him to her. He screams again. “No, Harvey.”

My eyes widen as he curls into my arms.

She dips her chin and walks to the door, kissing Molly’s cheek and thanking her for looking after Chad.

Inside the limo, I peer at Jemima, noticing her pinched expression. “Are you okay?”

I’m on one side of the limo, her on the other. Chad is in the middle of us, still moaning in pain.

“Yeah, once the medicine kicks in and he falls asleep, he’ll be fine.”

“How are you so calm?”

My heart is beating so hard with worry.

“He’s been sick a few times this year.”

I nod as Chad stays curled into me for the remainder of the drive.

When we arrive at her apartment, Jemima reaches for the bag and I carry him up the steps and into her place, heading straight to his bed.

“You need to sleep,” I say to Chad.

“Can you read me a book?” He grabs the book on his nightstand.

Kicking off my shoes, I settle myself back on the headboard of his bed. He lies beside me as I read.

A few minutes later, Jemima pokes her head into the room and smiles. “He’s asleep.”

I close the book and stand, slipping my shoes back on.

She tucks him in, and we walk out to her door.

“I’m sorry for how the night ended. A screaming child and no sex is no one's idea of a good date.”

My gaze is fixed on her as I answer honestly.

“This was actually the best date I’ve ever had.”

Chapter 22

Harvey

My team and Igather in the boardroom, with a sleek, glass walled space overlooking the city skyline. The long-polished table is scattered with open laptops and coffee cups, each person absorbed in their screens. There are eighteen of them sitting under the fluorescent lights of the room, while I stand at the front of the table, my own laptop projecting slides. The room hums with quiet murmurs, fingers tapping on keyboards, and pens scraping along paper.

At exactly nine o’clock, I start the meeting, glancing at Silas, one of my employees, who sits with a stack of papers and a focused expression.

“What’s the latest on the financials?” I ask.