"Based on these figures and the custody arrangement, Mr. Everhart would owe approximately $4,500 per month in child support."
"What?!" Asher's head snapped up. "No. Absolutely not."
"Asher—" Kael started.
"I don't want your money."
"It's not for you. It's for the twins."
"I've been supporting them just fine on my own for five years."
"And now you don't have to do it alone." Kael's voice was gentle but firm. "This isn't charity. It's my responsibility. They're my children too."
"I don't need—"
"Maybe not. But they deserve it. Private school. College funds. Extracurriculars. Medical care. All of it."
Asher wanted to argue. But he couldn't. Because Kael was right.
"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "But I'm putting it in a trust for them. For college."
"Whatever you want to do with it is up to you," Kael said. "But I'm contributing to their lives. That's non-negotiable."
Margaret was watching them with interest. "I take it money is a sensitive topic?"
