Taming the Bitch (COMPLETED)

Chapter XXVII - Love Child

"I want to adopt him."

It was the first thing Gabrielle declared the moment she sat before the head of the orphanage. Vincent, across from her, nearly choked on his own breath. Was she serious?

"Mrs. Walton..." Mr. Saleem began delicately, glancing towards Vincent for support.

Gabrielle ignored the look entirely.

"It may be true that we are always grateful when one of our children finds a home," he continued cautiously, "but—"

"But what?" she cut sharply.

"We must be certain the prospective parents can truly provide the love, stability, and—"

"Now that is quite insulting, Mr. Saleem. What exactly are you implying?"

"No offence meant, Mrs. Walton," he assured her quickly. "But you and your husband are newly married. You are in the process of assuming your father's business. We must ensure that adopting a child is motivated by readiness—not pity."

"I do want him as a son," she insisted, her voice unwavering.

"And is that your wish as well, Mr. Walton?"

Vincent blinked, unprepared. Gabrielle's jaw tightened, waiting for him to answer.

Mr. Saleem did not give him the chance.

"You are both perfectly capable of having biological children," he continued. "It is only natural to question whether adoption is what you truly intend."

"This is not about capability!" Gabrielle snapped. "This is about giving that boy a life worthy of him. I am a doctor, I can care for him—"

"Mrs. Walton," he said gently, "we can care for him as well. What he needs is a whole family. Tell me—if you return to the United Kingdom, will you have the time to devote to him? Or will nannies become his primary caregivers? If you later have your own child, will he receive the same affection? These are questions we must consider."

Gabrielle inhaled sharply, fury mounting. Why was this suddenly so complicated?

"And you, Mr. Walton," Saleem continued, "do you even desire children with your wife?"

"Of course I do," Vincent answered firmly—so firmly Gabrielle looked at him in stunned surprise.

"And did you intend to become a father immediately? Or take time? You did not speak of adopting before your marriage, did you?"

"Well—" Vincent began, glancing at Gabrielle, whose glare could have shattered glass.

"Well," Saleem echoed, "you seem uncertain yourself."

"You cannot judge us like that!" Gabrielle burst out.

"I assure you, Mrs. Walton, I am judging no one. I am safeguarding the lives of children."

"I can give him a future!" she shouted, striking her hand on the table.

Vincent winced. Wrong move.

"Mrs. Walton," Saleem replied calmly, "this is not solely about you. It is about your husband—and the boy. I do not doubt your ability to provide materially. But you and your husband are not even in agreement here."

Gabrielle shut her eyes, trembling with frustration.

"You will undoubtedly make excellent parents to your own child someday," Saleem said gently. "But perhaps not yet—not to this boy."

"You..." she whispered dangerously, "are ridiculous."

She rose abruptly.

"You may continue volunteering," he added. "But the boy remains under our care."