“I have interesting information,” Gregory said, settling into a chair as if he owned it.
Benjamin folded his arms. “Speak.”
Gregory leaned forward. “I discovered who Sadie’s mother was. A former accountant at your firm. Fired years ago for selling confidential data. Imagine the headlines. Billionaire adopts daughter of disgraced employee. People will say she was planted to steal your secrets.”
Benjamin’s jaw tightened. “You are lying.”
Gregory slid a birth record across the desk. “Forty percent of your company,” he said. “And I keep quiet.”
Benjamin’s vision blurred with anger. He imagined the press, the scandal, the damage to Sadie. Then he remembered her laughter in the yard, her whisper every night before bed.
“Goodnight, Dad.”
He slid the document back.
“You will get nothing,” Benjamin said. “Release whatever you want.”
Gregory stared, stunned. “You will regret this.”
Benjamin shook his head. “I have regretted many things. Loving my daughter will never be one of them.”
Gregory left, slamming the door. The story broke the following week. News anchors speculated. Comment sections filled with cruel theories. Benjamin sat beside Sadie and held her hand.