“You were about to complete a major acquisition.

A disputed pregnancy would have been catastrophic publicity.”

“Publicity?” Preston repeated.

“You’re talking about two human beings.”

“You don’t even know they’re yours.”

He thought of Theo’s raised eyebrow, of Eli’s notebook and Naomi’s handful of coins.

His mother knew nothing about the bakery, and for the first time he understood just how little she might care.

“I’m going to find out,” he said.

“And if those boys are mine, I will do what I should have done years ago.”

“Which is?”

“Listen to their mother.”

Constance gave a brittle laugh.

“You’re being sentimental.

There are six hundred million dollars involved in your next deal.”