Page 196 of The Baby Twist

“What is this visit about?” he asked, taking a seat behind his desk.

“I want you to get Renae to drop the charges against Stella.”

“You know I can’t do that, Miles. What Stella did was unacceptable. You really need to control your wife.”

I could feel the rage brewing inside me.

Pulling out my phone, I played the recording for him.

“You’re the one who needs to control your wife, Jerome.”

He sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“You know how Renae is,” he said.

“And you know how I am. I will go to any lengths to protect my wife and family.”

“What do you want me to do?” He threw his arms out.

“You are to get Renae to drop the charges, or some information might get leaked about the mistress you’re keeping in that apartment on the Upper West Side.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Wouldn’t I?” My brow arched. “And what about the little mishap that occurred with one of your nannies a couple of years ago? The one you paid off to keep quiet after Renae physically struck her, and the poor girl fell, cutting her forehead and needing stitches? And let’s not forget about the little drug problem your wife has. Norco’s, isn’t it?” I cocked my head. “The ones she illegally gets because her doctors won’t prescribe them to her anymore.”

“Enough, Miles.”

“No!” I spoke through gritted teeth as I jammed my finger on his desk. “Renae deserved what Stella did to her, and you know it, Jerome. Your wife has a lot of issues, and she needs help. But instead of trying to help her, you avoid her. Just fucking divorce her, for God’s sake.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“If Renae doesn’t drop the assault charges, my attorney and I are prepared to file a lawsuit against her for defamation and harassment. She intentionally approached Stella in the middle of that store and harassed her. And once Elijah gets done with her, all of your dirty laundry will be aired.”

“Elijah Wolfe?” he asked.

“Yes. Elijah Wolfe. He will destroy Renae, and you know it. If you think you have problems now, you haven’t seen anything yet.” I stood from my chair and buttoned my suitcoat. “You have twenty-four hours to get Renae to drop the charges. One minute past that, and we go to war, Jerome. Have a good day.” I walked out of his office.

“If you’re trying to get my husband to get me to drop the charges, you’re crazy,” Renae said, following me to the elevator.

“It’s your funeral, Renae. You can either stop all this or suffer the consequences that are coming your way.” I stepped onto the elevator. “Have a good day.”

I climbed into the back of the Escalade and slammed the door.

“How did it go?” Sean asked.

“I think it went well. Now, we wait and see what happens.”

Later that afternoon, I was sitting in my office when I heard a baby crying in the distance. I knew that cry, so I got up from my desk, opened my office door, and saw Stella walking toward my office, holding Brayden and pushing the stroller with Ben in it.

“Sweetheart.” I smiled. “What are you doing here?” I took my son from her. “Where’s Melissa?”

“I called her this morning and told her to take a couple of days off with pay. After yesterday, she deserves it.”

Isla jumped up from her chair and took Ben from his stroller. Stella and I walked into my office. I held Brayden over my shoulder and softly rubbed his back.

“I have great news.” Stella grinned. “Elijah called and said that Renae dropped the assault charges.”

“That’s wonderful, sweetheart.” I smiled, kissing her lips.