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“Come the fuck on, man,” he groans. “Sell me the lots by the mall. I’m offering market price—hell, I’ll even throw in that Brooklyn office building you were looking at. Let me help you out. Stock’s dipping, Carter. You know that. This is leverage—”
I let him talk, then cut him off cold. “Sterling.”
He waits.
“Get the fuck off my phone.”
He laughs, full-throated. “Goddamn, you’re still a stubborn asshole. I hope this doesn’t bite you in the ass, Volcor. I love you, man, but I’m getting that land.”
I smirk, leaning back in my chair. “I’d love to see you try.”
There’s a pause, then a long sigh. “Alright, alright… Listen. Nathan and Anika’s wedding is in two weeks. He wanted me to make sure you’re coming.”
So that’s the real reason for the call. I should’ve known.
“I don’t know,” I say, rubbing my temple. “Things are insane right now—”
“Don’t give me that corporate bullshit. No excuses. Just bring your ass to the wedding, bro.”
I hesitate. Sterling doesn’t push often. Not like this.
“Alright. Fine. Tell him I’ll be there.”
I hang up and turn my attention back to the contracts waiting to be signed when Liam barrels into my office like a man on fire.
“What?” I grunt without looking up.
He tosses two envelopes on my desk, both marked Return to Sender. “Seriously, Carter? I knew you were down bad for this girl, but I didn’t realize you’d completely lost your goddamn mind.”
I blink. “What the hell are you talking about?”
He taps the envelopes. “These. These checks made out to the woman who literally cost us billions. What the fuck are you doing?”
Fuck.
“How do you even know about those? That came from my personal account, not the company’s.”
“I had to sign for them,” he snaps.
“Signing doesn’t mean opening, Liam.”
“Well, I did.” He steps closer. “A million bucks? For one kid? What’d you think she was having, a baby or a small nation?”
I shake my head. “It’s one check. Calm the fuck down.”
“Oh, right. And this second check for a hundred grand?” He holds it up. “That just a love note?”
I freeze. “That one got returned, too?”
Liam nods, face twisted with disbelief.
Anger rolls through me like a tide. I grab my keys, my coat, my phone. “I’m going to see her.”
Liam’s right behind me. “Who?” he asks, shocked.
“My fucking baby mama,” I say, calling her that for the first time.
Liam whistles. “Oh shit. No way in hell I’m missing this. Let’s go.”