Chapter 4 When Worlds Collide

Elena stopped outside StoneVault Cybersecurity, a tall, shiny building where she'd worked for two years. She thought it was almost funny that she was walking in the front door trying to get help, instead of using the employee entrance like always.

The address from Margaret Foster led her to the top floor, Alexander Stone's floor.

Elena's hands shook as she double-checked her look on the lobby's shiny floor. She wore her best dress, a blue one she'd splurged on years ago, and her sister's nice heels. She wanted to look professional, not like someone who'd fallen apart in her kitchen after applying to have a stranger's kid.

The elevator to the 50th floor seemed to take forever. Elena watched the numbers go up, each floor taking her away from her normal job as a marketing person and closer to a world she barely knew from company meetings.

When the doors opened, Elena saw fancy stuff she'd never seen before. The lobby was all glass and metal, with flowers that probably cost more than her car payment. Everything screamed money and power, the kind of power that could save Sofia.

Ms. Martinez? The receptionist, with perfect hair and a fake smile, gave Elena a quick once-over. Mr. Stone is ready.

Elena followed her down a hall with strange art that probably belonged in a museum. Every step on the soft carpet felt like walking to her doom. She'd been looking into Alexander Stone since she got the meeting invite, reading everything and studying every picture. He was a big deal in business, smart, tough, untouchable.

Oh, and he was her boss.

It hit her hard when she realized who he was. Alexander Stone, billionaire CEO. Alexander Stone, the scary guy who showed up at meetings sometimes. Alexander Stone, who she'd given a presentation to once, six months ago, when her boss was out.

She remembered that presentation clearly, how his eyes seemed to look right through her, how his nod made her both proud and scared. She'd spent the rest of the day wondering if she'd imagined him looking at her longer than he should when she answered a hard question.

Now she was walking to his office to offer to be a surrogate for his kid.

The receptionist stopped at huge doors that looked like real wood. Go on in. He's waiting.

Elena's hand froze on the handle. This was crazy. She could still leave, make up an excuse, go back to her desk and pretend this never happened. She could find another way to save Sofia.

But there was no other way. She'd tried everything. This was it, her last shot.

Sofia's face popped into her head, her sweet smile, her bravery, the way she'd said I love you, Mama when Elena tucked her in. Elena could do anything for Sofia. Even this.

She opened the doors and walked into Alexander Stone's office.

It was huge, with big windows showing the whole city. Elena could see her own neighborhood, a bunch of small houses that looked like toys from up there. The room didn't have much stuff in it, but everything was top-notch, a desk that could land planes, chairs that probably cost more than her car, and art that belonged in a gallery.

And behind the desk, standing up like a king, was Alexander Stone.

Elena gasped. Pictures didn't show how impressive he was. He was tall, maybe over six feet, with wide shoulders that filled his expensive suit. His hair was perfect, and his face had sharp lines. But his eyes were what got her, dark gray, smart, and looking at her like she was naked.

Ms. Martinez. His voice was just like she remembered, deep, serious, the kind that made people listen. Please, sit.

Elena walked to the chair, her legs shaking, and sat on the edge, holding her purse like a shield.

Alexander didn't sit down. Instead, he went to the windows, looking out at the city. It was quiet, and you could feel the stress in the air.

You work for me, he said, not turning around. He wasn't asking.

Yes, sir. Marketing, 47th floor. Elena's voice was quiet. I gave you the Q3 report six months ago.

I remember. He turned, looking right at her. You answered the questions well. Good ideas when things got tough.

Elena was shocked. He remembered her presentation? There were a lot of people in that room, and she barely spoke.

Thank you, sir.

Alexander, he said, going back to his desk. We should probably be less formal, given what we're discussing.

The word hung in the air. Elena felt her face get hot as she realized what was happening. This wasn't a job interview. This was business. She was there to sell herself to her boss.

Alexander sat down, pulling out a file. I've looked over your application. Your health, money, job. He looked at her. Your daughter's condition.

Elena held her purse tighter. Of course he'd looked into her. Guys like Alexander Stone didn't do anything without knowing everything.

Sofia is eight, Elena said quietly. She was born sick. The surgery she needs... She swallowed. Insurance won't cover it.

Seven hundred thousand dollars, Alexander said, not even looking at his notes. Dr. Patricia Williams at Children's Hospital. One of the best.

Elena nodded, unable to speak. It felt weird to hear about Sofia's health in this office, like her daughter's life was just another problem to fix.

I talked to Dr. Williams this morning, Alexander said, and Elena's eyes opened wide. She said Sofia is a good candidate, but we need to do it soon.

You talked to Sofia's doctor? Elena whispered. But privacy...

Doesn't matter when someone might pay for everything, Alexander said smoothly. Dr. Williams told me all about Sofia's situation.

Elena stared at him, her mind racing. He'd already called Sofia's doctor, and already started planning. It was amazing and scary.

I can pay for the surgery tomorrow, Alexander said, like he was talking about lunch. Pay the hospital, plus money for recovery, therapy, anything that comes up.

Elena's heart stopped. Tomorrow?

Just a quick transfer. The money will be there before noon.

It was everything Elena had hoped for, the miracle she wanted. Sofia could have her surgery, live a normal life, and grow up healthy. All Elena had to do was say yes.

But looking at Alexander's face, Elena felt like she was looking at the devil, offering her everything in exchange for her soul.

And what do I have to do? she asked.

I have a baby. Nine months, healthy. You follow all the doctor's orders, go to all the appointments, take care of yourself and the baby. He sounded like a robot. After the baby is born, you give up all rights and leave the child's life forever.

Elena felt sick. When he said it like that, it sounded awful. She would be a human incubator, nothing more.

The pay is a million dollars, Alexander said, paid during the pregnancy, with the last payment when the baby is born. Plus health insurance, living expenses, and extra money for being quiet.

A million dollars. Elena's mind went blank. She thought she would get maybe a hundred thousand, maybe two if she was lucky. But a million dollars was life-changing, enough to take care of Sofia, pay for college, buy a house.

I don't get it, Elena said. The application said it started at five hundred thousand. Why double?

Alexander leaned back, looking at her. Because this isn't just about having a baby, Ms. Martinez. This is about being completely quiet, being available, and being committed. I need someone who won't get attached, who won't make things hard by having feelings for a child that isn't theirs.

Every word stung. He was making it clear that she was just a way to get something done. No friendship, no feelings, just business.

I also need someone, Alexander said, who understands that we work together. This stays separate from your job. You keep working like nothing happened. No one at StonVault can know.

Elena's mind raced. How could she do that? How could she work near him every day, carrying his child, pretending to be normal?

What if someone finds out? she asked.

They won't. Alexander sounded sure of himself. I've built my career on keeping things quiet. It's not just expected, it's required.

Elena nodded, but her heart was pounding. The rules were clear, take the money, have the baby, leave after. No feelings, no drama, no mess.

It should be easy. A business deal that would save Sofia and take care of them.

So why did it feel like she was making the worst mistake of her life?

I need to think, Elena said, starting to get up.

Sit down. Alexander didn't yell, but Elena sat back down. Dr. Williams said we need to hurry. Every day we wait, her condition gets worse.

Elena felt cold. Worse?

The heart problem gets worse. Wait too long, and the surgery won't help. Alexander looked a little softer. Your daughter doesn't have time to wait, Ms. Martinez.

Elena closed her eyes, trying not to cry. Of course. There was a deadline, a clock ticking, one more problem to deal with.

When she opened her eyes, Alexander was watching her with a look she couldn't understand. For a second, he seemed almost human.

She's beautiful, he said quietly.

Elena looked up. What?

Sofia. I saw her picture in your file. She has your eyes.

Elena stared at him, surprised. This was the last thing she expected, Alexander Stone talking about her daughter, his voice gentle.

She's my whole world, Elena whispered.

I know. Alexander leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. That's why you'll do this. Because you're a good mom who would do anything for her child.

Elena felt stuck, caught between his eyes and the truth. He was right. She would do anything for Sofia. Even this.

If I say yes, she said slowly, then what?

Medical tests, contracts, and we pay for Sofia's surgery right away. She could be getting ready for surgery this week.

This week. Elena's daughter could be saved this week.

And then? After the baby?

Alexander looked cold again. You go back to your life. I go back to mine. We never see each other again, except at work.

Never? The word slipped out.

Never. His voice was final. I'll raise the child with the woman I marry. You'll just be a name on a birth certificate that will be locked away.

Elena cringed. He was talking about being completely separated from a child she'd carry for nine months. It was smart, but it was also cold.

But Sofia needed this surgery. Sofia needed to live.

I have one thing I need, Elena said, surprised that she sounded calm.

Alexander raised his eyebrow. You're not exactly in a position to ask for things, Ms. Martinez.

Sofia can never know the truth about this. Elena looked right at him. Whatever story we tell, she can never know that I sold myself to save her.

Something flashed in Alexander's eyes, maybe surprise, maybe respect. Deal. We'll make up a story.

Elena nodded, feeling like she was signing her life away. But for Sofia, she'd do it.

So, do we have a deal, Ms. Martinez?

Elena looked around the fancy office, at the man who could save her daughter, at the choice that wasn't really a choice.

We have a deal, she whispered.

Alexander smiled, the first real smile she'd seen. It should have made her feel better. Instead, it made Elena feel like she'd just made a deal with the devil.

And she was probably right.