Page 82 of Pregnant By A Rich Demon 2

“The marriage stands,” I said flatly. “End of discussion.”

Her hands gripped the arms of the chair.

“She’strash,” Odette said, her voice rising. “She runs around this city like she doesn’t have a husband. Like she doesn’t have a name to protect. And you’re telling me Amai has to stay tied to her?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

I looked at her.

Really looked at her.

Saw the woman who’d given up everything for me. Who’d borne my sons. Who’d stood beside me even when it cost her.

And felt nothing.

“Because it benefits me,” I said simply.

The words landed like a slap.

Odette went very still.

“What?”

“The Landry-Baptiste alliance,” I continued, my voice calm and measured. “It’s worth more than Amai’s happiness. More than his pride. More than whatever feelings he thinks he has.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Victor Baptiste has half the port authority,” I said. “His connections in Baton Rouge keep our operations running smoothly. Our largest supplier will only ship to that port. His money is tied to our money. His power is tied to our power.” I picked up my coffee again. “Yahmaria is the glue that holds that alliance together. And as long as she’s married to Amai, that glue stays strong.”

Odette’s face had gone hard.

“So, you’re using our son?”

“I’mprotectingour empire,” I corrected. “Which protects our sons. Which protects you.” I took another sip. “You think Amai built what he has on his own? You think Kaisen gets to live the life he lives without consequences because of luck?”

“They’re yourchildren!”

“They’re assets,” I said coldly. “Just like you. Just like me. And assets get deployed where they’re most useful.”

Silence.

Odette was shaking now.

Not from the lupus.

From rage.

“You need to be a father to them,” she said, her voice trembling. “Not a puppet master. Not a… auser. A father.”

I laughed.

Actually laughed.

“A father,” I repeated. “You want me to be a father.”

“Yes!”