Chapter 2 - The Deal in the Private Booth
The private dining room of Bellisimo was a masterpiece of crystal and velvet, completely isolated from the main restaurant floor. Julian sat at the head of a massive oak table, Leo sleeping soundly in a custom bassinet beside him. Sarah sat across from him, her hands folded tightly in her lap, acutely aware of the expensive fabric of her cleaning uniform and the worn scuffs on her shoes.
"Gary thinks he can buy a child," Julian said, pouring a glass of sparkling water and pushing it toward Sarah. "He thinks stability is measured in bank accounts and square footage. He doesn't know what love looks like."
"The judge only looks at the numbers," Sarah said, her voice trembling slightly as she fought back tears. "I work forty hours a week across three different jobs, and it’s still not enough. Gary has a lawyer who specializes in family law. I have a public defender who hasn't even looked at my files."
Julian leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. His dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made the air in the room feel thin. "You won't need a public defender tomorrow. My legal team will represent you. Every filing fee, every retainer, every expert witness—it will be covered by the Morty Foundation."
Sarah stared at him, stunned. "I... I can't accept that. I don't take charity. What do you want in return? Money? A favor?"
"I don't want your money, Sarah," Julian said softly. "I want a nanny. A real one. Leo needs someone who understands how to soothe a soul, not just a rotation of cold, vetted professionals who treat him like an asset. You will be well-paid—enough to clear your debts, buy your daughter a home, and never work three jobs again. In exchange, you give my son the care he deserves, and my legal team crushes your ex-husband in court tomorrow."
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Sarah’s heart pounded against her ribs. It was a deal with the devil—a powerful mafia boss offering her salvation. But as she thought of Lily’s bright smile and the crushing weight of the impending court loss, her choice became clear.
"Deal," Sarah whispered.
