The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(21)

“Yes, that is what the doctor said. You better come over here.”

Dallas ran back to the house while he called his driver for an immediate trip to the clinic. His mind was whirling. How could this have happened?

Dallas arrived at the clinic and tried to listen as the doctor explained the mistake.

“We’re very sorry, Mr. Moody, apparently a former lab technician switched some numbers and used your specimen by mistake for another client. But this can be remedied. If you deposit another sample, we can still fertilize the eggs and complete the in vitro as planned with your surrogate.”

Dallas had a horrible feeling. He had to think.

“No, not today. My lawyer will be in touch.” Dallas said calmly and walked out the door.

Janie followed him to the car. “What does this mean for me, Mr. Moody?”

Dallas shook his head. “I don’t know yet, Janie. But I need time to figure out what I want to do next.”

Dallas contacted his lawyer and insisted that he find out who was carrying his child.

Chapter 4

The Offer

Five months into her pregnancy, Jada was showing, and feeling much better after a few months of nausea. Most of the men in the lumber mill didn’t notice or care. That was one nice thing about working in a field with men primarily – there wasn’t the same gossip and rumor risk that one typically had with women.

Her mother, two brothers and one sister-in-law had all come to accept her decision and were very supportive of her. Her mother was so helpful, in fact, Jada decided to remain with her since she was willing to babysit when Jada was at work.

Jada’s plant manager, Chuck, caught her eye and motioned for her to turn off the saw. That was strange.

“What’s going on, Chuck?”

“There’s some guy in the office insisting that he speak with you right now. I told him to wait ‘til your break, but he’s causing a lot of commotion. Go handle it, alright?”

Jada blinked her eyes in surprise. Who did she know that would act so demanding? Something was very odd.

She walked into the office and saw an extremely well-dressed man in a suit. The owner never looked that spiffy. His hair was slicked back, his skin was smooth, even his nails looked manicured. He was certainly not anyone she knew.

“Can I help you?” Jada asked.

“Are you Jada Foster?” The man’s voice was serious, even a little aggressive.

Jada stood up straight and tall. She wasn’t going to let this rich man intimidate her with his upper class attitude. “Yes. Who are you?”

“My name is Dallas Moody. I have a private matter to discuss with you immediately.”

“Well, I’m sorry, Mr. Moody, but I’m on the clock. I’m off at three-thirty if you’d like to meet me at Bubba’s for a drink after work.” She pointed at the bar across the street. “I can be there with my brother.”

The man stared at her as if he was in shock that she did not drop everything to accommodate him.

He smiled and softened. “Yes, okay. I see I’m interrupting your work day. I didn’t realize. Thank you for your time. I’ll see you at Bubbas in a few hours.” He handed her his card.

Jada accepted his card and read it. Dallas Moody, CEO of Moody Games and Moody Investments.

She looked at him, feeling confused. “Are you sure you have business with me?”

He looked at her belly. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Jada watched the man walk out of the building and directly across the street to the Bubba’s. She instinctively rubbed her belly. What in the world was going on?

Jada continued her work routine, but her mind was whirling with possible reasons the rich man wanted to talk with her.

Maybe she won some kind of prize? Could he be a record producer who saw her sing on YouTube and was going to offer her a deal with his label? Or, her favorite fantasy, he was a lawyer sent to inform her of a long-lost relative who left her a fortune.

Jada asked her brother, Tony, to go with her to Bubba’s to meet the stranger. He was as curious as she, so he heartily agreed.

Jada and Tony walked into the bar and saw the man sitting alone in a booth. Jada scooted into the bench seat first and faced him.

“Mr. Moody, this is my brother, Tony.”

He stood, shook their hands and sat back down with them.

“What is all this about, Mr. Moody?” Tony asked.

He smiled. “You can call me Dallas, please.”

Jada liked his smile. And his eyes were serious, but kind. He looked like he was about to say something, but then he gulped his drink quickly.

“May I get you two a drink?” He looked at Jada. “Water, perhaps?” He called over the waitress.

“I’ll take a Sprite,” Jada said to the server.

“Beer on tap,” Tony said.

Dallas continued. “I’m not sure how to say this easily, so pardon my bluntness. But, Jada, there was a mix-up at the clinic and you are carrying my child.”

Jada felt her face flush and her jaw drop. “What? How do you know about the clinic? That is all very confidential. There is no way you would know…”

“Who do you think you are?” Tony stood up in defense of his sister.

Dallas held up his hands in surrender. “Hear me out, please. I know this is a shock. I’ve been through it myself already, so I understand.”