Emma stared at her phone screen, her finger skimming over Ryan's contact. Unlike Alex and Michael, Ryan wasn't the type to ghost or block people, he was too polished for that. Too professional. He was a businessman, and she knew from their short time together that he handled things with precision and detachment. If anything, he would address this situation as a business transaction. And that was exactly what she was counting on.
Taking a deep breath, she hit the call button.
The phone barely rang twice before he answered.
"Emma," Ryan said, his voice smooth and composed, as always. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Emma swallowed. "Hey, Ryan. I, uh, need to talk to you about something important."
A pause. Then, "Go on."
She closed her eyes and pushed forward. "I'm pregnant. And the baby might be yours."
Another pause. Then, to her surprise, a small chuckle. "You're serious?"
Emma's grip on the phone tightened. "I wouldn't joke about something like this."
Ryan sighed. "I see. And you've reached out to me because…?"
Emma hesitated before answering. "I expect you to take responsibility"
"Emma, let me stop you right there." His tone was calm but firm. "I don't have time for surprises. I run a business empire, and my schedule is insane. I don't do spontaneous life-changing events. However… I believe in handling matters efficiently."
Emma's heart thumped. "What do you mean?"
"I'll have my secretary meet with you to discuss the way forward. He'll lay out the options. Does tomorrow work for you?"
Emma blinked. "You're sending your secretary to talk about this?"
"Emma," Ryan said, exhaling. "I don't make emotional decisions. If this is real, we'll handle it in the best way possible. You'll be in good hands."
She let out a breath. At least he wasn't outright rejecting her like the others. "Fine. Tomorrow is okay."
"Good," he said. "I'll have him contact you with the details. And Emma?"
"Yeah?"
"Try not to stress too much. Everything in life has a solution."
And with that, he ended the call.
***
The next day, Emma sat at a small, secluded table in a quiet coffee shop. Her knee bounced under the table as she sipped the caramel latte she had barely touched.
She had imagined all kinds of meetings, but this? This felt like a corporate deal. The whole thing made her stomach twist. What kind of man sends his secretary to discuss a pregnancy?
Then again, wasn't this exactly what she expected from Ryan?
A tall, sharp-dressed man walked in, scanning the place before his eyes landed on her. He strode over, his every movement controlled and professional.
"Miss Emma, I presume?"
She straightened. "Yes. You must be…"
"Leonard Davies. Ryan's personal secretary. It's a pleasure." He gave a curt nod before sitting opposite her and pulling out a folder. "I won't take much of your time. Let's get to business."
Emma swallowed. "Business. Right."
Leonard adjusted his glasses and opened the folder, sliding a few neatly typed papers toward her. "Mr. Ryan has outlined two options for you. First, if you choose to terminate the pregnancy, he is willing to offer a settlement of $20,000 to cover medical expenses and any inconvenience caused."
Emma's breath caught. "twenty thousand?"
"Yes." Leonard remained expressionless. "However, if you choose to proceed with the pregnancy, you will be required to undergo a prenatal DNA test to determine paternity. If the child is Mr. Ryan's, he will ensure that you are well taken care of. Housing, medical expenses, and a financial stipend will be provided until the child is of legal age. In return, you will sign an agreement waiving any additional claims beyond what is specified in the arrangement."
Emma's fingers tightened on the edge of the table. "And if the baby isn't his?"
Leonard closed the folder. "Then the arrangement is void, and you will receive no further assistance. You might pay for wasting his time. Time is precious."
Emma stared at the papers in front of her. One option meant erasing the problem altogether. The other meant a path to security—but only if the baby was Ryan's.
She took a deep breath. "I'll take the DNA test."
Leonard gave a small nod. "Very well. I've already scheduled an appointment at a private hospital. You can go today if that works for you."
Emma hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Today is fine."
An hour later, Emma stepped into the sleek, modern hospital, her stomach twisting in knots. The scent of antiseptic filled the air, making her uneasy.
She checked in at the front desk, was directed to the maternity ward, and was given a small clipboard to fill out.
As she stood in the waiting area, scribbling down her information, she suddenly felt eyes on her.
"Emma?"
Her breath hitched.
She turned slowly, and there he was, Daniel Monroe, the last on her list and the CEO of Herbert Tech Group.
Her stomach dropped. She hadn't expected to see him here. Not today. Not like this.
Daniel was as striking as ever, dressed in an expensive suit, his sharp green eyes filled with curiosity. He tilted his head slightly, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "It is you."
Emma's pulse skyrocketed. "Oh. Hi."
Daniel's gaze flickered over her, and she saw a brief moment of hesitation before he spoke again. "Didn't expect to see you here. Everything alright?"
Emma could feel the clipboard trembling in her grasp. "Uh, yeah. Just... a check-up."
She saw the way his eyes lingered on the maternity ward sign behind her. The smirk on his lips faltered slightly, replaced by something more calculating.
Panic surged in her chest. She had to get out of there before he figured anything out.
Forcing a smile, she lifted a hand in a small wave. "Gotta go! Nice seeing you!"
Before he could say another word, she turned on her heel and hurried toward the nurse's station, her heart pounding wildly.
Daniel watched her go, his expression unreadable.