Page 82 of Single Dad's Fake Bride
After a long pause he said, "That's a lot to take on."
"I know. But Sadie can't handle this alone, and her mother can't afford the level of care she needs." I rubbed my forehead,feeling the beginnings of a headache. "The thing is, I want to help. Not because it benefits our arrangement but because…"
"Because you're in love with your fake wife."
I almost snapped at him but resigned to saying, "Yeah."
"Then you help her. You do whatever she needs, and you don't worry about the complications right now. The board, the inheritance, all of that—it's background noise. Focus on what truly matters."
"Keep my head down and stick to the plan?"
"Keep your head down and stick to what's right."
I ended the call and immediately dialed my lawyer's number. Theodore answered on the second ring, "Harrison. How did the meeting with the board go?"
"It didn't happen yet. I have a more immediate concern." I explained Mrs. Quinn's situation, the need for medical oversight, the possibility of her moving into our home. "I need you to start paperwork for medical power of attorney, and I want you to research specialists. The best doctors, the best treatment options. Money isn't an object."
"That's quite generous for your wife's mother."
The comment irritated me more than it should have. Blackwood knew this arrangement was fake, but he could've at least had the decency to be compassionate with me. "She's family now."
"Of course. I'll have the power of attorney documents ready by tomorrow morning, and I'll compile a list of specialists by end of week. Anything else?"
"Actually, yes. Dr. Caldwell has been demanding a copy of our marriage license. I'm going to deliver it in person this afternoon."
"Are you sure that's wise? Meeting with him alone?"
"I want to get ahead of whatever he's planning. The more cooperative I appear, the less ammunition he has."
After ending the call, I dialed Dr. Caldwell's direct number. His secretary answered, and I could hear the smugness in her voice when she recognized mine.
"Dr. Caldwell has been expecting your call, Mr. Vale. I'll patch you through."
I leaned against the wall and waited as she transferred my call. Everything here ran on protocols and procedures, much cleaner than the political games I was navigating at Hawthorne. I just wished life could be easy now. The stress of it all was getting to me.
"Mr. Vale? This is Dr. Caldwell."
"Doctor. I was just arranging to bring you the marriage license this afternoon."
"That's appreciated, but I'm afraid we have another issue to discuss. The board has scheduled an interview with the teacher you were allegedly involved with. Tomorrow at ten o'clock."
My jaw tightened. "There is no involvement, Dr. Caldwell. The rumor is completely false."
"That may be so, but the board has a responsibility to investigate any claims that could affect your ability to fulfill the terms of your father's will. A marriage facing infidelity would certainly call into question the stability requirement."
"The marriage is stable. The allegations are groundless." My jaw was tight as I spoke.
"Then the teacher in question should have no difficulty stating as much to the board."
I wanted to demand the name of the teacher, to know who was being dragged into this manufactured scandal, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Fine. Schedule your interview. But this harassment stops here."
"It's not harassment, Mr. Vale. It's due diligence."
The line went dead, and I stared at my phone with barely contained fury. Dr. Caldwell was orchestrating this entiresituation, using anonymous rumors to create problems where none existed. But I had to trust that whoever this teacher was, she would tell the truth. No one could admit to an affair that never happened.
The door to room 314 opened, and Janet's doctor emerged with a clipboard.
"Mr. Vale? Could I speak with you?"
