Evelyn continued.
"A child of your own would give him something to protect."
Claire felt uncomfortable.
"That's a decision Daniel and I would need to make together."
Evelyn smiled.
"Of course."
For a moment, the conversation seemed finished.
Then the older woman added something Claire had not expected.
"Sometimes people need to believe in a future before they're ready to create it."
Claire looked up.
"What does that mean?"
Evelyn did not answer immediately.
Instead, she placed a folder on the table.
Inside was a proposed consulting agreement.
Claire examined it.
The compensation figure was enormous.
Far beyond her normal fees.
She stared.
"What's this?"
"A private family arrangement."
Claire looked toward Evelyn.
The older woman's expression had become unreadable.
She spoke quietly.
"I need you to help Daniel make a decision."
At first, Claire refused.
When Evelyn explained that she wanted Claire to pretend to be pregnant, the younger woman laughed in disbelief.
Then she realized the older woman was serious.
"No."
Evelyn remained calm.
"Think about it."
Claire stared.
"You're asking me to lie about carrying a child."
"I'm asking you to create time for a relationship that could become permanent."
"That's not the same thing."
Evelyn leaned back.
"Daniel needs stability."
Claire stood.
"This is insane."
The older woman did not raise her voice.
She simply looked toward the folder.
"You've had financial difficulties."
Claire went still.
Evelyn continued.
"Your father's business loan is overdue."
Claire felt her stomach tighten.
"How do you know that?"
"I make it my business to understand the people I work with."
The words frightened her.
Evelyn opened the folder.
"The consulting arrangement could resolve your immediate financial problems."
Claire stared.
For a long moment, she did not speak.
Then she shook her head.
"No."
She left.
For three days, Evelyn did not contact her.
Claire tried to forget the conversation.
She continued dating Daniel.
She went to work.
She reviewed overdue bills.