Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 16

Chaptes 13 2

Cham

Chapter 13-2

I hit send before I can overthink it.

This is insane. I’m a CEO. I don’t apply to be someone’s “new dad” through a child’s social

media account.

But something about Jake’s earnest request, about the chance to meet the woman who understood my mother’s art…

My phone buzzes. A reply from Jake’s account-though clearly written by an adult.

Send your video application to this sss address. And proof that you’re really you.

The absurdity of the situation-the world’s most powerful man applying to a five-year-old’s Tik Tok contest to date a divorced mother-almost makes me laugh.

But I’m already walking back to my office, already planning what to say.

My assistant, Freya, looks up as I pass her desk. “Mr. Hale? The board meeting-”

“Reschedule it. I need the conference room for an hour.”

“But sir-”

“Freya.”

She’s been my assistant for eight years. She knows better than to argue when I use that tone. “Of course, sir. Should I prepare anything?”

“No. Just cancel my full schedule for next week. Every meeting. Every flight. The board review can be moved. Say I’m handling an emergency acquisition.”

“Sir,” Freya’s voice is measured, a hint of concern she always manages to suppress. “The Shanghai deal closes on Tuesday. You insisted on being present.”

“The Shanghai deal is dust,” I state, my voice dropping into the tone that signals absolute finality. “This is more important. Now, listen carefully. I need you to create a completely new, anonymous profile. The name should be innocuous, something utterly forgettable. Maybe Jason King? Bottom point is I want zero traceable links to Hale Global.”

“Understood, sir. A separate burner phone and sss?”

“Make sure they’re verified and authentic. Second, I need you to fill out the application for Jake the Artist’s ‘New Dad’ contest. Make the application sincere, professional, but not flashy. Focus on stability and respect. Mention a love for art, specifically for the work of

13

Chapter 13-2

Evelyn Hale.”

“Sir, a ‘New Dad’ contest?”

“Was I not clear enough?”

“Sorry, Sir. Anything else?”

“No. Just… make sure I’m not disturbed.”

Claim

In the conference room, I position my phone to capture the best angle-professional but approachable-and spend an embarrassing amount of time making sure I look presentable.

“Hello, Jake. My name is Jason King. I’ve been following your art account for about six months now. I’m a big fan of your work.”

I explain why I’m applying, what I can offer, why I think I’d be good at this. I hold up the magazine with my face on it for proof-Aspiring Businessman of the Year, a fake title. The one I got is Business Leader of the Year, but bringing that out would be a sure way to blow my cover.

I barely remember earning it as work has consumed my life for so long.

Maybe that’s why this feels right. A chance to focus on something other than quarterly reports and market shares. A chance to meet someone who might understand the woman who’s shaped me.

“I hope this is sufficient proof. I look forward to hearing from you, Jake. Whether or not I’m selected, I want you to know that what you’re doing for your mother is incredibly brave and kind. She’s lucky to have you.”

I end the recording and send it before I can second-guess myself.

Then I wait.

The response comes faster than expected. An sss from an account clearly belonging to Jake’s Aunt Sophia-the one who occasionally appears in his streams.

Jason-Jake and I have reviewed all applications. We’d like to select you. Here’s the plan: We’re planning to send Sabrina on a cruise trip this week. The excuse would be that Jake won the ticket in contest, and wants to give it to her to take a moment to relax after everything she’s experienced this week. We’ll arrange for you to be on the same cruise. You’ll “accidentally” meet. And we’ll livestream the meeting (with your permission) but Sabrina can’t know it’s arranged. Please let us know if you’re interested.

A cruise trip. A livestream.

Chapter 12

This is absolutely insane.

Chaim

But then I think about her hands covered in paint, recreating my mother’s sunset with such care, such understanding. I think about Jake’s earnest face asking for help.

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