"I know I wasn't able to give Eli the life he deserved before but now that I know where he is, I can't simply stay away from him."
His eyes became suspiciously moist again. He blinked rapidly, as though fighting back tears.
"He's my son."
Bella looked at him for a long moment.
Then she asked quietly, "If you cared so much about him, why did you only start looking for him after you discovered that someone else had given him a better life?"
Jack's face stiffened.
A flash of anger appeared in his eyes before he quickly hid it. His fingers tightened around the armrest of his chair and his jaw clenched. He had not expected that question.
Bella watched him, waiting. Her eyes were calm and cold, and they did not leave his face.
Jack forced himself to relax. He let out a shaky breath and lowered his head, as though the question had wounded him deeply.
