Chapter 58
Adam leaned back in his chair, exhaustion finally catching up with him. The weight of the day was pressing down on his shoulders, but his phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen: Emilia.
“Hey, Emilia,” he greeted, forcing some energy into his voice.
“Adam!” Emilia’s cheerful tone was like a burst of sunshine. “I just wanted to check in and see how you’re holding up. That was one hell of a day.”
He chuckled softly. “You can say that again. And thanks for having my back. I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.”
“Of course,” she replied warmly. “By the way, did you see the interview? It’s everywhere. The comments are pure gold. You should check them out when you have time. They’ll give you a good laugh.”
Adam rubbed his temple. “I haven’t had a chance yet. What are people saying?”
“Everything from calling Brenda a wannabe soap opera villain to praising Sophie for standing by you. It’s hilarious. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it,” Emilia said with a laugh.
Adam smiled faintly. “I’ll check it out later. Thanks again, Emilia.”
“Anytime. Take care of yourself, okay?”
“You too,” he said before hanging up.
The phone barely hit the table before it rang again. This time, it was his private investigator. Adam’s demeanor shifted instantly, his posture straightening.
“Tell me you’ve got something,” he said as he answered.
The PI’s voice was calm but firm. “I’ve got him. The guy you wanted me to find? The one you suspected might be the father of Brenda’s baby? He’s in custody.”
Adam had figured the man he once met at Brenda’s place would have a thing or two to say to help with Brenda’s case. And he had a feeling he was the father of Brenda’s baby.
So he asked his PI to track him down.
Adam’s grip on the phone tightened. “Are you sure it’s him?”
“Positive. He matches the description, and some… let’s just say, personal details line up. You’ll want to talk to him yourself to be sure.”
“Good,” Adam said, a sharp edge to his voice. “Hold him there. I’m on my way.”
The PI hesitated for a moment. “Just so you know, he doesn’t seem cooperative. Be prepared.”
Adam’s jaw tightened. “I’ll handle it.”
He grabbed his keys and headed out, determination blazing in his eyes. The drive to the hideout was tense, his mind racing with thoughts of how to handle the situation. If this man was the father, Adam needed him on their side.
When he arrived, the hideout was quiet, tucked away in an unassuming industrial area. The PI met him at the door, leading him inside.
“He’s in there,” the PI said, pointing to a small, dimly lit room.
Adam stepped inside, his gaze immediately locking on the man seated in the corner. He was unshaven, his clothes rumpled, and his eyes defiant.
“Are you the father of Brenda’s baby?” Adam asked bluntly, his voice cold and authoritative.
The man looked up, his expression unimpressed. “What’s it to you?”
Adam crossed his arms, his stance unyielding. “It’s everything to me. Brenda’s lies have ruined lives, and I’m not going to let her get away with it. If you’re the father, you need to testify against her.”
The man let out a dry laugh. “Testify? Against Brenda? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I’m not,” Adam said, his voice sharp. “This is your chance to do the right thing. Help expose her for what she is.”
The man’s expression darkened. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “And why should I do that? What’s in it for me?”
Adam leaned in closer, his voice low and dangerous. “Freedom. I can make sure you’re not implicated in any of this. But if you don’t cooperate, I’ll make sure the law comes down on you too.”
The man smirked, leaning back in his chair. “You think you scare me? Brenda’s a piece of work, sure, but I’m not turning on her. Not for you, not for anyone.”
Adam’s jaw clenched, his temper flaring. “She’s using you. Don’t you see that? You’re nothing but a pawn in her game.”
The man spat at Adam’s feet. “I’m not saying a word.”
Adam straightened, his face a mask of calm despite the anger boiling underneath. “Fine. Have it your way. But remember, when this all comes crashing down, you’ll be right there with her.”
The man sneered. “Get out of my face.”
Adam turned on his heel, walking out of the room without another word. Outside, the PI was waiting.
“Not going well?” the PI asked.
“He’s not budging,” Adam said, frustration lacing his tone. “But he’ll regret it when the truth comes out.”
“What’s the next move?”
Adam’s eyes hardened. “Keep him here for now. He might change his mind once the walls start closing in on Brenda.”
The PI nodded. “Understood.”
Adam walked back to his car, his mind racing. He wasn’t going to let this setback stop him. The truth was on his side, and he was determined to see justice served.
