William's brow furrowed, irritation creeping into his voice. "Why do you have to twist everything? That patent is wasted sitting in your hands. What's wrong with giving it to Alma? Didn't I just make you that chicken soup you love the other day? Cooked it myself to help with the pregnancy? Seraphina, you matter to me. But I owe Alma my life, and I have to repay that debt. Can you just be reasonable for once?"
"Chicken soup?"
A cold laugh escaped me. He had made that soup before the argument at the hospital. At the time, I'd actually believed he was finally learning to care. I drank most of the pot.
Now the memory made my stomach turn.
"William, you owe her your life. Why should my blood and sweat be the currency you pay it back with?" I pointed at the door. "The patent stays with me. Tomorrow, I'll see you at the courthouse."
"Seraphina!" William's composure shattered completely. "Don't push your luck! Without the Stephens family, you can't even afford to raise that child! I'm giving you one night to think it over. Tomorrow at the Stephens Group IPO gala, I expect you to bring the patent authorization and apologize to Alma in person. Otherwise, you will never see me again."