Chapter 5 The Negotiation

Alexander watched Elena carefully as she took in what he said. Even though she was upset, he could tell she was smart, which is what he liked about her during that marketing thing a while ago. She wasn't just saying yes without thinking-she was figuring things out, considering her options, and planning ahead like a good strategist should, which is why he picked her.

Before we go on, Alexander said, grabbing a portfolio, I want to make sure you know exactly what you're getting into. No surprises, no confusion, and no feelings getting in the way later.

Elena sat up straighter, acting like it was just a business deal, even though it was personal. I want to look over the contract before I sign anything.

Of course. Alexander liked that she was straightforward. Most women he knows would be nervous by now, either impressed by the money or scared of him. But Elena seemed like she was just doing business. My lawyers wrote up an agreement, but I want to talk about the important stuff myself.

He handed her the papers. Elena looked surprised at how thick the contract was-forty-seven pages of legal stuff.

It covers everything, Alexander said. Medical stuff, living arrangements, what you can eat, how much you can exercise, where you can go, and keeping everything private. The money part is on page twelve.

Elena turned to that page, and Alexander saw her face change as she read the numbers. A million dollars is a lot of money for someone who makes fifty-eight thousand a year as a marketing person. He knew all about her money problems-the medical bills, the mortgage, and the credit cards she used for Sofia's treatments.

The payments are set up so you follow the rules, Alexander said, sounding professional. Two hundred thousand when you sign the contract and we know you're pregnant. Two hundred thousand at the end of each trimester. And the last two hundred thousand when you give birth and finish all the legal things.

All the legal things, Elena repeated slowly. Like ending my parental rights.

Right. The kid will be mine legally from the start. You won't be able to see them or have any say in their life, except that you gave birth to them.

Elena nodded, but Alexander noticed her hands shaking as she turned the pages. She was strong, but not heartless. That was a good thing-he wanted someone who cared enough to take care of his kid while pregnant, but not so much that she'd cause problems later.

The medical care is top-notch, Alexander said. The best baby doctor in the city, private rooms, and great insurance if anything goes wrong. We're also paying for your daughter's surgery-we'll take care of everything and schedule it this week.

Elena looked up quickly. You already talked to the hospital?

I started the process, as long as we agree. Dr. Williams can do Sofia's surgery this Friday if you sign today.

He was pushing things to make sure Elena didn't have too much time to think. Alexander learned a while ago that people who are desperate make deals faster when they don't second-guess themselves.

Friday, Elena whispered. That's in three days.

Dr. Williams said it's important. Sofia needs the surgery soon.

Elena's face got serious, and Alexander saw her realize he was manipulating her. Instead of backing down, she looked right at him. What if I want to change some of this?

Some things are negotiable, and some aren't. Alexander leaned back, watching her. What's bothering you?

Elena flipped through the pages, reading carefully. Alexander was impressed-most people would be confused by the legal stuff, but Elena seemed to understand it.

Living arrangements, she said. It says I have to move to a place you pick. What about Sofia? My job? My life?

Sofia would come with you, of course. I was thinking of a penthouse in Riverside Heights-great schools, security, and fully furnished. Sofia could go to Highland Academy, which is one of the best private schools around.

Elena looked surprised. Highland Academy was the kind of school she wanted for Sofia but couldn't afford. Just the school cost thirty thousand a year.

And my job?

You'll still work at StonVault, but your job will change to fit the pregnancy. You can work from home, have a flexible schedule, and not travel as much. Alexander stopped. Your boss already knows that you're getting promoted to Senior Marketing Coordinator, starting now. You'll be making a lot more money.

Elena stared at him. You gave me a promotion?

I made it up. The promotion makes sense, so people don't ask questions about the money, the place you're living, and why you're getting special treatment.

Even Alexander thought his idea was good. People would think Elena was just a woman who worked hard and got lucky, not someone having his baby.

You've thought of everything, Elena said, and Alexander couldn't tell if she was happy or worried.

I don't take chances.

Elena went back to the contract, looking at the part that said BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS. She looked serious as she read.

No alcohol, no caffeine, no working out too hard, and no going more than fifty miles away without permission, she read. No dating, no relationships, and no overnight guests of the opposite sex. No posting about the pregnancy or where I'm living on social media. She looked up. This is like being in prison.

It's like taking care of yourself during pregnancy and being careful about keeping things private.

No dating? Elena asked, sounding a little louder. For nine months, I can't have any personal relationships?

Alexander felt something weird at the thought of Elena with someone else. It was just professional, he told himself. Nothing else.

You need to focus on the pregnancy. Relationships would not be a good idea.

Elena put the contract down, and he couldn't tell what she was thinking. What about you? Can you date during this time?

He wasn't expecting that. He hadn't thought about his own life in the agreement, but he wasn't interested in dating anyone since Vivian left.

My relationships won't affect the pregnancy.

Won't they? Elena leaned forward. If you're seen with other women, and the news is talking about your love life while I'm pregnant, how is that keeping things private?