Chapter 4

Damon's POV

I watch her walk out like she hasn’t just dropped a bomb on my life.

Ava.

Eva’s twin. The woman who has raised my son like he is hers. The woman who told me I couldn't have my own son with fiery eyes.

My jaw clenches as I stare at the seat she left empty. Her empty glass of wine sits mocking me. I expected resistance—but what I didn't expect was… her. That stubborn tilt of her chin. The defiant glint in her eyes as she says harsh words that can kill. The way she stood her ground like a soldier guarding her kingdom. My kingdom.

My son.

Leonard.

My only heir.

Two years and six months of his life, and I missed every second. His first steps. His first words. His first cold. His first laugh. All of it was stolen from me.

By her.

By Maureen.

By Eva.

Eva.

Oh God.

My hands shake violently as I grip the edge of the table for dear life. I had loved Eva with everything, even if I didn't know how to show it. I was too focused on building empires, removing obstacles, and trying to be the man everyone expected of me. The man I was taught to be.

I never imagined she would leave—let alone leave me out of my own son's life.

And now… she is gone.

Completely.

Vanished into thin air.

Dead.

And Ava stands in her place. The same face, but sharper. More guarded. More fierce. She isn’t soft like Eva. She is fire, storm and ice.

She is different.

The kind of woman who challenges me at every turn—and somehow, I hate that less than I should.

My phone buzzes. I don’t want to answer it, but when I see Ryan’s name, I pick up.

“Yes?” I ask, my voice hoarse.

“Dude, are you okay? You left the bar without a word. You’ve been off the grid all day.”

“I met him.”

There was a pause.

“Your son?” Ryan’s voice softens.

“Yeah. He’s perfect. Smart. He looks just like me.” My throat tightens. “And I almost didn’t recognize him. I didn’t even know his name until today.”

“What's his name?” His voice cracks.

“Leonard.” The name is perfect just like him. Tears almost roll down my eyes.

Ryan exhales shakily. “What now?”

“I’m getting him back,” I say without hesitation. “He’s my son.”

“I get that, man. But Ava; she’s the one who’s raised him. Are you sure this will not get messy?”

“It’s already as messy as it could get.”

I end the call and sit in silence for a moment, watching the sky through the tinted windows. Manhattan feels like a dream, but mine has become a goddamn nightmare.

I have money. I have power. And now, I have a motive.

But this isn't a business negotiation.

This is personal.

And Ava Hayes?

She doesn't know who she is up against.

I am back in my penthouse, the skyline glittering like it has no idea my life has just hit rock bottom.

Eva is Dead.

And Leo?

He is alive. But not with me.

Every time I blink, I see his face. My son. My fucking son. Being raised by another woman who I don't know, like I am dead.

I should be filing a custody suit. I should be calling in favors, buying judges and putting pressure on the system.

But still… I am hesitant

I pick up my phone from the granite kitchen counter and dail a number; Ethan Blackwood. My lawyer. Our fathers were best friends. He handles things before they spiral. And even after they already have.

He picks up after a ring ... “Ethan.”

“Damon. I figured I’d be hearing from you sooner or later. I just got off a call with my associate. Is it true?”

“She’s gone,” I say, blankly staring at the sky. “Eva died after giving birth and no one told me. Not even a damn soul.”

There is a long pause.

“And the child?”

“My son? His name is Leo. He’s two and a half.” My throat tightens. “And I just met him today at a fucking diner.”

“Are you okay?”

“No,” I say flatly. “That's not why I called.”

“ I figured.” A rustle of papers. “You want custody.”

“I want my son permanently, whatever it takes. I want papers drawn up.”

Another pause.

“And you're sure custody is a good move right now?” Ethan asked, measured.

“I want my son. He’s mine. Preparations should be made.”

“I’ve heard you,” he says, calm as ever. “But listen—courts aren’t like boardrooms. Judges don’t respond to dominance the way executives do.”

“She’s not his mother, Ethan. She’s Eva’s twin. A waitress. One I don't even know.”

“And you’re a billionaire with zero parenting history. That works for and against you in court. If you come at her blazing, the court would see it as disruptive to the child’s life. Besides it will destroy the reputation your company built throughout the years.”

“So what do you suggest I do? Wait and watch while someone else raises my son?”

“I’m saying you should think strategically. Custody isn’t always about fighting harder. Sometimes it’s about getting closer.”

I frown. “Closer?”

“You need presence,stability and access.” Ethan’s tone shifts—quieter, slower. “You need to create a scenario where your presence in the child’s life feels... inevitable.”

I lean on the edge of the counter. “Stop beating around the bush. Spill.”

“I’m saying there are different ways to shift perception in your favor. Ways to make it harder for her to push you away. To make your presence feel natural and necessary. Like it should be.”

Another pause.

The kind of pause that speaks louder than words.

“I’m listening,” I say slowly.

Ethan doesn’t respond right away. When he does, his voice is careful. Almost too neutral.

“You don’t need to bulldoze your way in, Damon. Sometimes the best strategy... is to become indispensable. Blend into the picture until they can’t imagine it without you. Not just the waitress but Leo too.”

I stare out at the bustling streets, his words echoing in my mind.

Blend in.

Become necessary.

Whatever he is suggesting, it isn’t simple. Or clean. But it is smart.

It may be manipulative.

But it's smart.

---

I end the call and stand there, eyes locked on the stars.

If Ava thinks I am going away quietly, she was wrong.

If she thinks she can use Leo to punish me for Eva’s choices, she has underestimated the kind of man I am.

She has my son.

And now, she will have to deal with me.

On my terms.

Whether she likes it or not.