Gabriel looked toward her.
Then back at the attorney.
"Has my wife agreed to discuss surrendering custody?"
The lawyer hesitated.
"We believe the situation warrants consideration."
Gabriel nodded slowly.
"That's not what I asked."
Edmund's jaw tightened.
He stepped forward.
"Clara, don't be unreasonable."
She recoiled.
Gabriel moved closer.
"Stay where you are."
Edmund stopped.
For a moment, the two men stared.
Then Clara spoke.
Her voice was quiet.
But clear.
"I'm not giving away my baby."
Edmund looked toward her.
"You're allowing emotion to cloud your judgment."
She shook her head.
"No."
He sighed.
"Clara, think about the child's future."
"I am."
"Think about the opportunities my family can provide."
She looked toward Gabriel.
Then back at Edmund.
"Money isn't the same as love."
Edmund laughed sharply.
"That's a charming sentiment from a woman living on another man's ranch."
Gabriel's face hardened.
He stepped forward.
"Watch your words."
Edmund looked toward him.
For a moment, he seemed amused.
"Mr. Morrow, surely you understand you've been deceived."
The words struck Gabriel.
He didn't answer immediately.
Edmund continued.
"She came here knowing she carried another man's child. She selected you because of your medical circumstances."
Clara closed her eyes.
Gabriel felt pain move through him.
Edmund smiled.
"Did she tell you that?"
Gabriel swallowed.
"Yes."
The smile disappeared from Edmund's face.
Gabriel continued.
"She told me everything."
Edmund stared.
For a moment, he looked genuinely surprised.
Then he recovered.
"Then perhaps you understand why an arrangement would be best for everyone."
Gabriel looked toward Clara.
Her face was pale.
Her hands were trembling.
And despite everything, she remained standing.
He turned back.
"Best for whom?"
Edmund frowned.
"For the child."
Gabriel shook his head slowly.
"You keep saying that."
He took one step closer.
"But you haven't asked Clara what she wants."
Edmund's eyes narrowed.
Gabriel continued.
"You haven't asked how she's been feeling. Whether she's healthy. Whether the baby is growing well."
For a moment, Edmund looked uncomfortable.
Gabriel held his gaze.
"You came here with money and papers."
The attorney shifted.
Edmund's expression hardened.
"That doesn't mean I don't care."