The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 756

David nodded. “Yes, I want Lola. I want full custody.”

Anger surged through Ella. She raised her hand, ready to slap him, but David caught her wrist before she could land the hit. In one swift move, he pulled her close, holding her against his chest.

“Trying to hit me?” he asked, his voice low.

“David, what right do you have to fight me for Lola?” Ella’s words came sharp and fierce. “She’s my daughter. I gave birth to her. I raised her. You haven’t done anything for her.”

David didn’t let go. Instead, he lifted her effortlessly and set her down on top of his desk. He leaned in, bracing his arms on either side, trapping her in.

“Really?” He looked at her, his eyes gleaming with challenge. “If I hadn’t contributed, would Lola even exist? Ella, you stole my genes to have her.”

Ella opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She couldn’t argue. He was right, no matter how much she didn’t want to admit it. Even her friends used to tease her, saying she’d lucked out with his genes. Still, none of that mattered now.

“I don’t want to talk about this with you,” she said, her voice tight.

“Then what do you want to talk about?” David leaned in closer. “Lola is my daughter, too. If we go to court, do you really think you’ll win? You know how these things work. The judge will side with me.”

Ella felt her confidence slip away. She knew he had the upper hand, and that scared her. She stared at him, her eyes pleading. “David, please. Don’t do this. Lola is everything to me. She’s a part of me. If you take her, I have nothing left. I’m begging you, for old time’s sake. Let us be.”

David watched her, a sly smile appearing. “Are you begging me now?”

The words hit her like a jolt. She stared at him, stunned.

“Marry me, Ella. Let’s give Lola a real family. I’ve already missed so much of her life, and I know she wants a father. We can make this work.”

Ella’s mind raced. “Your family has an arrangement with the Wades. You’re supposed to marry Jessa.”

“I called it off today. I told Mr. and Mrs. Wade I’m not marrying their daughter. It’s done.”

Ella let out a short laugh. “Really? Jessa’s the richest heiress in the city. You say it’s over, but what if you change your mind? What happens if you decide you want that fortune after all?”