Wolf's Call (Wolves Next Door #2) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,109

believe it. "Gabby's clearly been well cared for. That has nothing to do with this. I'm in love with a woman who has a child. I want to be a father, but that's not going to be possible. So, this is my solution." I paused. "Ok, if removing the alimony and child support isn't enough, what would it cost to make this happen?"

Gerardo's head snapped up in surprise. "Excuse me?"

"I'll give you fifty grand to sign away your parental rights," I told him.

He scoffed. "Are you some kind of pedophile?"

"No, I'm Ian Langdon, the youngest son of Henry Langdon. My family has expectations, and I can't meet them. I want to be a dad, but it's not going to work on my own." Because Elena didn't want to have any more kids and I wasn't giving her up, but that was beside the point. I knew the conclusions he'd jump to, and I was willing to let him. "Adopting Gabby makes my life easier - and yours. Money? That's not a problem for me. Sixty grand, Gerardo. You sign this paper, and I'll pay you as soon as the divorce is final."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "So the rich boy is shooting blanks, huh? Fine. A hundred grand, and I'll do it, but you can't come back on me for this. You're the one who's begging. I've taken good care of that girl."

"Yes you have," I lied, pulling out the contract I wanted most. "Here. Sign this." I handed him my pen to go with it. "It states that you will relinquish all rights as Gabby's father, giving up visitation and any expected support. I'll make sure her attorney has all the documents at the divorce settlement, so you won't even have to wait. And then, once that's signed and accepted by the court, I'll wire you the money."

"And when you don't?" he asked.

I just tipped my head to the contract. "That gives you the right to sue me. It's also enough proof for you to nullify the agreement if I don't hold up my end of the bargain." Not that it would work that easily for him, but he didn't need to know that.

Gerardo smiled and accepted my pen. "A hundred grand for that kid? Sure." And he started filling in the blanks.

I watched, reading over his shoulder to make sure the numbers were exactly what we agreed to. Surprisingly, the man even added his banking information so I could make the transfer easily. What he didn't realize was that I'd been willing to go a lot higher to make this happen. That was why Dad had said to use the family account if I had to. Langdon Enterprises had plenty of capital, and I would've easily paid half a million to make that little girl's life easier. This? It was nothing.

Then the man turned the paper toward me so I could sign. I scanned the form again, just to make sure, and scrawled my name at the bottom. I did the same to the second copy, then passed one to him, tucking the other in with the rest of the paperwork I was carrying. To be polite, I offered my hand.

"As soon as the divorce is finalized, I'll send your money. Expect it within a few hours of the court's judgment." We shook, then I just turned for my car.

"You abuse that kid," Gerardo called after me, "and no agreement on this earth is going to keep me from making you pay."

"Good," I said. "I feel the same way, Gerardo. She's already my kid. Now, I'll be able to prove it to her, and you won't have to deal with any of it. Have a good day, sir. It was a pleasure doing business."

He just laughed and turned for his house. I was honestly a little surprised. Gabby had been right, her father really did love money more than her. It actually made me hate him even more, and I hadn't been sure that was possible. Thankfully, she wouldn't be his problem soon. The papers in my hand made it clear she was about to be mine.

And this feeling in my chest? As soon as I pulled out of the driveway and was out of sight, I let the smile show. My kid. My mate's daughter. It was actually going to happen. My dream of a family was coming true, even if it wasn't happening the way I'd always imagined.

CHAPTER 32

After dealing with Karen, we all