Tempted by Eden (Eden #1)

37. James

Chapter thirty-seven

James

“ G ood morning, Portia. How was your weekend?” Portia looks up, startled, as I pause by her desk on my way to my office. It’s rare for me to ask Portia about anything outside of work. Hell, it’s rare for me to ask anything remotely personal at all.

“Very good, sir,” she replies, smiling. “I spent the weekend looking after my grandkids.”

I look closer and notice she seems a bit tired; her face is paler than usual and there’s a large coffee cup on her desk. I wonder briefly what her life is like behind the scenes—children, grandkids, everything in between. For a moment, it’s hard not to think about Cora. How much has she been juggling?

“You had your hands full, I take it?” I offer a forced chuckle, trying to break the stiffness that always seems to linger between me and my employees.

Portia beams and her tired eyes sparkle. “Yes, but I don’t mind at all. They’re sweet little cherubs.”

I nod and continue walking toward my office. That was the first non-work-related conversation I’ve had with Portia since she started, what, eight years ago? How disconnected have I been? My mind flashes to Leo. Does Cora’s father describe him as a “sweet cherub”? Does he take care of Leo like Portia does her grandkids?

Settling behind my desk, I shake the thoughts away. I need to focus. My computer hums to life, and my inbox fills the screen. The email from my lawyer stands out like a beacon.

I click it, my pulse already quickening.

Mr. Hayes,

As instructed, we have prepared a case for temporary placement of the child, Leonardo Rossi.

The case is founded on the claim that Ms. Cora Rossi is an unfit guardian. We cite her inability to provide safe living conditions, as her home resides in a high-risk neighborhood with evidence of drug activity. Furthermore, Ms. Rossi holds significant debt and works two jobs, one of which involves prostitution, leaving the child under the care of her terminally ill elderly father, Anthony Rossi. Mr. Rossi is not a suitable guardian due to his serious health condition.

Our case is strengthened by Ms. Rossi’s recent detainment for driving under the influence. Although no formal charges were brought, her behavior indicates probable substance abuse issues.

We believe the court will grant temporary placement of Leonardo Rossi under your care, pending Ms. Rossi’s completion of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, and the improvement of her living conditions.

Upon your approval, we will file this motion, and the process will move swiftly within twenty-four hours.

Please advise on how you wish to proceed.

Sincerely, Sam White White & Day Lawyers

I rub my thumb over my bottom lip, my head swimming as I digest the words. This could happen. Within twenty-four hours, Leo could be with me, out of that neighborhood. But Cora…

The thought of taking him away from her doesn’t sit right with me either. She loves him—I can’t deny that. Maybe that’s why she’s been so damn stubborn, refusing my help. She’s trying to protect him. In her own misguided way.

I grit my teeth, pushing the sympathy aside. It’s her fault for not accepting help. Really, she’s forced me into this. If only she would accept my money. I’ve tried. God knows I’ve tried. But Cora is stubborn. Too proud to take an honest gift, but not too proud to steal from my wallet.

I begin typing a reply to my lawyer, my fingers moving quickly over the keys.

Proceed with the filing.

I hesitate.

Dameon’s voice cuts through my focus just as my finger hovers over Send. He strides into my office without so much as a knock.

“What the hell are you doing?”

I glance up, frowning as I sit straighter in my chair. “What are you talking about?”

“Lars just messaged me—said you’re about to do something incredibly stupid.”

I roll my eyes. “Didn’t know you two were close.”

“We’re not,” he snaps, crossing his arms, irritation rolling off him. “But she texts me whenever you’re about to make a colossal mistake. And this”—he jerks his chin toward my computer—“this is about to be exactly that.”

My phone screen lights up, Lars’ message glaring at me.

I’ve called back-up. Don’t do it, James.

Perfect. That’s what I get for keeping her in the loop.

“I’m doing this for Leo, Dameon. You didn’t see where he’s living. That dump is no place for a kid. Cora can’t provide for him, not like I can. And she won’t take my money. What choice do I have?” My voice rises, the anger slipping out as I bang my fist on the desk. “He deserves better.”

Dameon shakes his head, his face softening into something I’m not prepared for: pity. “Listen to yourself, James. You’re talking about taking her kid. That’s not providing for Leo. That’s tearing him away from his mother.”

“What would you have me do then?” I ask. I’m trying to hold it together, but everything is slipping.

He leans on my desk, looking me dead in the eye. “Talk to her. You used to talk to her. What happened?”

“There’s nothing left to be said,” I reply, my jaw tight.

Dameon straightens up, shaking his head slowly. “If you go down this path… you’ll lose her forever.”

I stare at him, refusing to let the words sink in. My fists clench, fingers digging into my palms. “I never had her in the first place.”

Dameon’s eyes soften. “Then don’t make it worse.”

Even now, as I stand on the brink of taking Leo away, I know what this will do to her. She’ll be crushed. And I can’t pretend that doesn’t matter. I know what it feels like to lose someone, to have something precious ripped away. Would I be doing the same to her? But I can’t risk Leo’s future because of her feelings. That’s not the priority here.

Dameon marches to the door, muttering words under his breath that I don’t quite catch. But I don’t need to. His warning was clear.

But he doesn’t really get it. How could he? Cora was never mine to begin with. She was always Jonathon’s. And Leo… Leo is all I have left of him.

I read my email again, my mouse hovering over the Send button. For a moment, I picture Leo—his big grin, his eyes bright when I handed him that milkshake. He deserves everything I can give him, and I’ve already promised I would protect him.

But taking him away from his mother? Would Jon have wanted that?

Jonathon never would’ve let his pride get in the way of doing what was right for his kid. He would’ve walked through fire to protect Leo. But… Jon wouldn’t have wanted this. He wouldn’t want me to rip apart the life Leo’s built with Cora, no matter how flawed it is. He’d fight for his son, yes—but he’d fight for what’s best for both of them. Am I doing that? Or am I just trying to control what I can’t fix?

I rub my temples, the strain of the decision pressing down on me.

Jon’s not here, but I am. I can give Leo the life Jon would have wanted for him. A better home, better opportunities.

I review my email once more and press Send.