“All right,” he said, smoothing his tone into something almost reasonable. “Let’s not be emotional about this.”
“I’ll admit I made a mistake. Clearly the facts speak for themselves.”
“You’ve done well for yourself. Better than I expected. So here’s what I’m prepared to do.”
“I’ll write you a check for one million dollars today. No argument. You and the boys move to the city. I’ll buy you a house in the best neighborhood. The boys will attend top private schools and carry my family name officially.”
“You’ll live comfortably for the rest of your life.”
The boys peered out from behind their mother, listening carefully even if they didn’t understand every word.
Ethan tugged at Kate’s sleeve and asked in a clear voice, “Mom, is that man trying to buy us with paper money, like when people buy calves?”
Kate rested a hand on his head and looked back at Richard.
There was no rage in her face now. Only deep, settled disgust.
“You still don’t understand,” she said quietly. “You think everything has a price. It doesn’t.”
“My sons don’t know what a million dollars means. But they already know what love is. They know what loyalty is. And they know their mother won’t trade them for comfort.”
Richard’s composure cracked.
“Have you lost your mind?” he snapped. “You’re going to keep my grandsons out here in the middle of nowhere? You’re throwing away their future because of your pride?”
