Page 43 of Daddy Billionaire Dragon

Mom had to fly back to Pittsburgh tonight, where she owns a small bookstore. The young store manager who runs the store in my Mom’s absence had a family emergency. I was already feeling a bit put out over not getting to spend enough time with Mom when Manuel ambushed me.

Apparently, a buddy of his spotted me in Paris with Lex. That creepy person even took pictures of Lex and I without our knowledge and showed them to Manuel. Although Manuel claimed to have had a change of heart when he saw those photos, apparently realizing what a fool he had been to let me go, I think he is motivated by jealousy and a certain amount of disbelief that somebody like Lex could want me. And he must not have found a good housekeeper. I would have given my right arm to hear him speak like this right after our break-up, when I still thought that I was in love with him.

Mom had talked to me then, making me realize that I never really loved Manuel. I was only clinging on to him because I was afraid of ending up alone, just as she helped me see now that I mustn’t give Lex up without a fight.

I pause in the little corridor that connects the elevator to the rooftop, take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and walk back into the party. After the initial shock of the confrontation with Manuel passed, I felt powerful. I did what I had always wanted to do. I said my piece to him and put him in his place. It was empowering. I feel like I can own the world.

I see Lex in the distance, talking to his parents. Lex’s mom spots me and motions for me to go over. I walk towards them with a stiff smile.

“Lex was telling me your mom had to leave early,” she says with a hand on my elbow, taking me away from Lex and his father. My stomach flutters. Is this the part where she tells me to stay away from her son? I glance back at Lex nervously, but he merely shrugs.

“Yes, Mrs. Hutchison,” I say, snagging a glass of champagne from a tray nearby. I might need some liquid courage.

“Call me Eva, please,” she insists with a genuine smile. “Do you enjoy working at Druk Technologies?” she asks.

“Yes, it’s a great place to work,” I say, taking a sip of my champagne.

“And do you like Lex?” she asks with the most innocent look on her face. I choke on my champagne. She rubs my back while I cough and splutter. Lex takes a step in our direction, but Eva waves him away.

“Easy, dear,” she says, handing me a glass of water.

“Yes, Lex is a great boss,” My voice has gone hoarse after all the coughing.

Eva fixes me with a speculative stare.

“Lex can be a knucklehead sometimes. He’s too stubborn for his own good. It is a desirable quality when running a multi-billion dollar business, but not so much when it comes to his personal life,” she says with a wry smile. Is she saying what I think she’s saying? Is she giving me her blessings to go after Lex? I stare at her wide-eyed.

“Don’t look so surprised, dear. Lex and his father are so very alike. Not just in looks, but also in temperament.” She glances over her shoulder and sees Lex walking towards us.

“Give me your phone,” she says urgently.

“Beg your pardon?” I gape at her.

“Your phone, quick,” she urges.

I open my clutch and hand her my phone. She quickly types in her number.

“At any point in your relationship with Lex, if you feel the need to talk to me, feel free,” she says with a smile, gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, and turns to face Lex.

“Ah, Lex. Dance with this lovely woman,” she says, placing my hand in Lex’s and walks away. I stare after her open-mouthed. Lex’s brows knit into a frown as he looks at his mom’s retreating back, and then at me.

“What were you and Mom talking about?” he asks. I know he wants to sound casual, but his voice is dripping with curiosity.

“Oh, nothing and everything,” I say breezily. He is still holding my hand. It feels good, really good. Is he going to dance with me? Do I want him to dance with me? We are surrounded by our colleagues. If they see us dancing, there is no way we will be able to keep our mutual lust hidden.

“I don’t see Manuel anywhere,” Lex says, looking behind me. Then he realizes what he has said and closes his eyes for a brief moment, cursing under his breath.

“How did you know Manuel was here?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. I thought I’d sensed him when I was talking to Manuel, but put it down to my imagination.

“Well, I happened to be in the lobby and happened to overhear some of your conversation,” he admits. I want to be mad at him for eavesdropping on a private conversation, but I grin instead at the sheepish expression on his face.

“I sent him away. He has no place in my life,” I sigh, leaning forward to place my forehead on his strong shoulder briefly. In comparison to Lex, every other man seems like a washout.

Lex’s face lights up when he hears my words.

“Come home with me,” he whispers in my ear.

“Yes,” I assent. I don’t even have to think before agreeing to his request. I don’t question where our relationship is headed. All I know is that I want to be with Lex.

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