The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 147: Marry Me? ~ Soraya ~ "Most adoption laws require consent from both parents, but if the father's identity or location was unknown, the adoption can still stand," the lawyer confirmed. The speaker was Harold Finch, the very man who had overseen Angela's adoption years ago. Now in his fifties, Finch carried the calm authority of someone who had spent decades navigating custody battles and family disputes. Belridge knew him as one of the most formidable family lawyers in the state. Seated beside him was Martin Hale, a younger counsel from the same prestigious firm.

Where Finch projected gravitas, Hale carried a sharper, more analytical air, his eyes flicking between Soraya and Jacob as though already weighing legal angles. "Still, the adoption can be contested," Martin admitted. "If the father never knew of Angela's existence, he might argue he has parental rights. Courts often recognize that a biological parent has the right to be involved in their child's life unless those rights were legally terminated." "Yes," Mr. Finch said.

"The father's claim could prompt a court review, allowing him to petition to assert his parental rights." However," he resumed. "the court would weigh several factors before making a decision, including the child's best interests, such as her age, attachment to her current guardian, and overall stability, whether the father acted promptly upon discovering her existence, and whether the adoption process had been legally valid in the first place, given that his identity had been unknown." ---- It was a Sunday, but Jacob was no ordinary man.

He made the meeting possible at the attorney's law firm. Veronica had to take over looking after Angela and wasn't around to participate in the discussion. "| won't accept it," Jacob firmly said. "Whoever this father is, he has never shown himself. | am Angela's father." "We need to look into Angela's father, find out everything about him, and verify whether he truly had no knowledge of her existence," Martin said. "If we uncover anything that calls into question his fitness as a parent, that would certainly strengthen our case." "Ill take care of that," Jacob responded.

"I know you have your own Pls, but | want to be on top of this." Harold and Martin looked at each other. Then, they both nodded. "You may investigate on your own, Mr. Steel," Harold said. " But, going back-f it really comes to that and Angela's father questions the adoption, we need to prepare for it." The attorney's gaze landed on Soraya. He smiled and asked Jacob, "| assume Miss Azar is your girlfriend, and judging by the bags under her eyes, her tears were meant for Angela." Soraya flushed. She hadn't realized she was that obvious. Jacob turned to Soraya and held her hand.

He revealed to the lawyers, "Yes, my daughter loves Soraya. She calls her Mommy. They are very close." "| don't want to lose her," Soraya said softly, her heart constricting just at the idea of Sienna taking Angela away. "Then, we need to strengthen your claim on Angela, Mr. Steel. Should the case move forward, she will be interviewed by psychologists and social workers. Their reports will heavily ---- influence the court's decision, since they assess the child's emotional bonds and sense of security," Harold explained. He discussed how courts favored a complete family in adoption cases.

Then, leaning forward, Harold looked Soraya and Jacob in the eye. "To give Angela the best chance of staying with you, Mister Steel, Miss Azar... | would highly recommend getting married." "Again, it's just a suggestion. It's up to you to decide," Harold added. The words rang in Soraya's head in the next seconds. She ended up sitting forward, mentally noting every detail. The attorneys didn't just cover Angela; they also laid out necessary precautions. Harold and Martin turned their attention to Soraya, asking about her background.

They emphasized that everyone in Angela's life needed to be presented as credible, trustworthy guardians. When they learned about her recent divorce, Calum's friendship with Jacob, and the accusations that had been thrown at her for many years, Martin said, "Miss Azar, you need to distance yourself from your past, at least for now." Martin leaned forward, his tone measured but serious. "Let me explain why | raised this. On its own, your past marriage or Mr. Steel's friendship with Mr. Montclair wouldn't jeopardize anything. The court doesn't care about personal friendships.

But in litigation, perception can be just as dangerous." "The issues about your former marriage could raise a concern," Harold pointed out. "This is only if the other party's lawyers are resourceful enough to dig into your past." "Given the kind of trickery Sienna has used before, she could ---- also collude with the Rowans to find fault in you," Martin added. "Even if these people are already in custody." Soraya's eyes narrowed. She thought, 'It's not just the Rowan family, there's also Rose.' "Then, there is Mr. Montclair." Martin paused and turned to Jacob. "Mr. Steel, if Mr.

Montclair ever finds out that you had secretly been involved with his ex-wife, how certain are you that he will not retaliate? He could feel betrayed and lash out. If Sienna or the biological father gets to Mr. Montclair first, they could use his anger to plot against you." "That's true," Harold acknowledged. "Legal battles can be dirty. Even the smallest mistakes, old grudges, or rumors can be dragged into the light and twisted to weaken your case." Soraya and Jacob looked at each other, coming to a silent agreement. Jacob said, "I understand what you mean.

I'll do my best to block Sienna from finding out about Soraya's past. In any case, her marriage to Calum was never made public." Their discussion was lengthy. They finished at around two in the afternoon, having lunch in the meeting room while they were at it. Jacob and Soraya made it back to the mansion at around four. The entire time, Soraya was silent and in deep thought. However, when they made it to the master bedroom, Soraya did not wait a second longer. She asked Jacob, "Will you marry me?" Jacob was walking towards the bathroom. When he heard Soraya, he stilled.

He turned to her and said, "No, not unless you genuinely love me. Marry me for me, not for Angela." Soraya's mouth opened. She said, feeling her cheeks burn, "I do." ---- "Prove it," he said seriously. "How?" Soraya pouted. Jacob moved closer. He cupped her face and suggested, " Have my baby."