Page 45 of Secret Billionaire

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Faye hopped into her Fiat convertible, which literally hadn’t been out of the garage for weeks. She was actually looking forward to her evening with the family. Despite their quirks she loved them, and they were hers. Nothing she could do about that. Can’t choose your family.

She pulled up to the valet stand front of the Yacht Club. The young driver gawked and tripped over his tongue as he addressed her.

“I haven’t seen you in a while Ms. Bennett.”

“I know it’s been a minute. Samuel, aren’t you graduating this year?”

“Yes ma’am. Thank you for remembering.”

“Congratulations. Will you be leaving us then?”

“No, I’m taking a year off before I go to college.”

“Good for you. I lasted about three years then got bit by the wanderlust bug and skipped out.”

He grinned, “I know all about your travel blog. You’re kind of famous around here.”

“Ha! I’ll see you in a couple of hours. Do you know if my brothers are here yet?’

“Mr. Kyle Bennett is, he just arrived.”

“Thanks again.” She discreetly slipped him a fifty then headed inside.

Heads swiveled as she made her entrance, but Faye was so used to it that she hardly noticed. It had never boosted her self-esteem because it was so superficial. She had always longed to be loved for who she was beyond the flesh and blood.

For her mother, she’d been like a favorite doll that she’d liked to dress up and show off when it suited her. Her dad had ignored her unless she managed to do something to embarrass or displease him. For the most part, she’d managed to fly under her father’s radar. She was sure being a girl hadn’t hurt. Kyle, being the firstborn, had received the brunt of their father’s unreasonable expectations.

She spotted her parents before they saw her and as always was struck by what an imposing couple they made. They reeked of power and money. Kyle and Ella stood next to them and they were certainly a powerhouse couple in their own right. Kyle had his arm protectively around her waist as Ella laughed at something their mother was saying.

Ella and Kyle had met in the hospital after he’d been in a terrible car accident. She’d been his ICU nurse and they’d fallen in love. The transformation in her brother was astonishing. Kyle’s seven-year-old son, Finn, was just as gaga over Ella as her brother was. Ella had not only helped him heal from the automobile accident, but also from the emotional trauma of his son’s kidnapping.

As if that hadn’t been devastating enough, his best friend and business partner, Peter, got caught embezzling money from their law firm. Kyle hadn’t pressed charges, but instead had kept it private, with the condition that Peter turn in his law license and never practice again. Peter had also had to pay restitution to the firm for what he had ‘borrowed’ for his gambling debt. Bad year… but he came out ahead with Ella by his side.

Ella softened Kyle’s edges and challenged his arrogance. He had definitely met his match. She was strong, intelligent and beautiful…not to mention fun. They were technically newlyweds since it had been less than three months since their quiet ceremony in a small local chapel. Faye sighed. What a magical wedding day that had been. She had been equal parts envious and delighted.

Would she ever get her happily ever after?

Her mom suddenly spotted her and rushed over enthusiastically, “Cheri, mon bébé.” She grabbed Faye’s face between her hands and kissed both cheeks then stepped back looking her up and down… “Tu es si mince.”

Kyle came up to rescue her, “Now maman’, don’t start. She’s no thinner than usual. She inherited your genes after all.”

“Ah, but she is working too hard, oui?”

“Mom I’m right here,” Faye said, already irritated.

“But you are still bellema chérie.”

Her father stepped up and stiffly put his arm across her shoulders and squeezed her briefly. The corners of his mouth turned down as he said, “How is the bar business going?”

“Just great!” Then she flushed because her answer had been a tad bit over enthusiastic and her dad never missed a beat.

Changing the subject as quickly as possible she said, “Where’s Griffin?”

Her father gave a dismissive wave of his hand, “Late as usual.”

Ella grabbed Faye and gave her a big hug as Finn wrapped his arms around her legs and held on.

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