Page 159 of What Goes Around

Nick stopped beside the table.

“Mr. Richards. What’s going on?” He asked, though he already knew.

Brandon gestured towards Apple. “Apple’s pregnant.”

A few heads turned. Nearby conversations slowed as people began to listen more openly.

Nick’s jaw tightened.

“That’s what she says,” he replied.

Apple’s head snapped toward him. “Nick.”

He didn’t look at her.

Brandon frowned. “Excuse me?”

“I haven’t seen a doctor’s report,” he continued calmly. “I haven’t been to an appointment. I haven’t been given anything that confirms that claim.”

Brandon’s expression hardened. “Are you denying it’s yours?”

Nick glanced briefly at Apple, then back at Brandon. “If there’s a pregnancy and if the child is mine, I’ll take responsibility.”

Apple’s face flushed. She hadn’t expected that response.

I lifted my glass and took a measured sip, watching Nick with renewed interest.

For the first time since this mess started, he wasn’t being steered.

Brandon recovered quickly.

He let out a short breath and lifted his hands slightly, palms open.

“Alright. Let’s slow this down.”

He smiled, the practiced kind meant for boardrooms and press.

“Of course I believe my daughter,” he said smoothly. “And of course things will be clarified properly. This is all very fresh.”

Marissa leaned in immediately, her hand settling on Apple’s arm. “We shouldn’t dissect it publicly.”

As if they hadn’t just tried to make Nick claim the pregnancy in front of half the room.

Brandon turned to Nick, lowering his voice just enough to sound reasonable rather than reprimanding.

“I understand wanting clarity,” he said. “That’s fair. We’ll handle things properly. Privately.”

Nick held his gaze for a moment.

“I appreciate that,” he said evenly. “I just don’t want assumptions made on my behalf.”

“Of course,” Brandon agreed. “Of course.”

Marissa squeezed Apple’s hand gently, murmuring something soothing. Apple nodded, regaining her composure, the flush in her cheeks slowly settling into something closer to wounded dignity.

Nick stepped back from the table.

“If you’ll excuse me,” he said, already turning away, “I have a late call with the Tokyo office.”