Elliot was impressed by his imagination. "What's in that brain of yours? Does Ben seem that desperate to you?"

Chad scratched his head. "I've never met Ruby before, but my instinct tells me that she's a formidable enemy. She managed to find a way to create a child in secret after getting married to you. After that, she killed her own father. That's not what ordinary people do, so she's definitely someone who will do anything to get what she wants.'

"Are you concerned that she will bribe Ben into going against me?"

"Not to go against you but to seduce you," Chad said. "She has never been discreet about wanting you for herself."

Elliot took a sip of coffee. "Ben won't betray me."

"True. I'm worrying over nothing. I just keep getting worried, probably because Ruby has your child right now. If only we can get custody of that child. I know it's difficult for you, though. You definitely don't want that kid."

Before today, Elliot had thought and believed whole-heartedly that he would no