Page 80 of The Billionaire's Heart

“Of course.”

“I got a text on my old phone from someone claiming to be my real mother, too.”

“You did? When?”

“The other day I found it. I texted back that they were only trying to get money from you and that it wasn’t going to happen.” Mia looks up at me. “Do you think it was the same person?”

“Can I see your phone?”

She pulls her phone out of her pocket. “The text is on my old phone, but I saved the number in here. Don’t ask me why. I have no idea.”

I take her phone and send the number to my security team that’s doing the background check. “Mia, you saved the number because you want to know that you can reach out when you’re ready. It’s okay to want that connection.”

She nods, “Maybe.”

“Have you ever tried to find your real parents?”

Shaking her head, “Nope. They didn’t want me. I don’t need them. Simple as that.”

“But now you may want to at least have some questions answered?”

She’s staring off into space again, not really looking at anything. “Yep. Maybe. I don’t know.”

I smooth down her drying hair and kiss the side of her head. “Whatever you want, we’ll do. As soon as I get the information, I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you.”

I can see the clock on the wall in the kitchen and I know I need to go, or I’ll be even later than I told Mr. Sutherland. “I’ve got to go.”

“I know.” She smiles up at me as we walk to the front door. “Get out of here, Mr. Gallo, or I will not get anything done.”

“I’m going. I’m going.” I pull her into my arms. “But I’ll be back as soon as I can. Wait up for me?”

“Definitely. Wanna have another dessert date tonight?”

“Absolutely. I can’t wait.” I lean in and kiss her lips. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She says with a smile that must match mine.

I could get used to this.

I think it’s just as hot and humid here in New York City as it is at home in Florida. Even at six o’clock at night.

The signing went just as planned. Mr. Sutherland had already signed all the places he was supposed to by the time I got to his office; he was just waiting for me. It felt like he was in a hurry to get home, so I didn’t waste any time.

Once the deal was done, we talked for a few minutes, shook hands, and then he rushed home to be with his wife, Misty. I’m rushing home to my girl as well when usually I’d enjoy my time in New York City. Now, all I want to do is get home to Mia and our dessert date tonight.

As we’re getting ready to take off, I power up my laptop to go through the things that need to be completed now that the deal is done, and Sutherland Park Manufacturing is now a Gallo Enterprises subsidiary. An email from Mrs. Wilcox catches my eye.

Re: Lynn Yates – Extensive Background Check Results

I debate for a few seconds if I want to read this before giving it to Mia, but ultimately decide that if this is a quack, I’d rather know ahead of time and prepare her than to let her read it first. I open the email and click on the attachment and a picture of Lynn Yates appears, and it is a spitting image of Mia if she was twenty years older.

A DNA test will have to be obtained before I’ll let this woman anywhere near Mia, but my gut is telling me that this is really Mia’s mother. Scrolling through the information, nothing concerning jumps out at me.

Lynn Yates seems to have a quiet life living with her retired military husband just outside of Daytona Beach. She supports all things military, which has my utmost respect, and she owns her own house. Like the earlier report, it shows that she’s worked for the county for a long time and has what most would call a quiet life.

Why would she have given up Mia for adoption, then? Could it be because she didn’t want a girl? Do people even do that? That can’t be right. Lynn Yates’ life seems like the perfect setting to raise a family, yet she gave her daughter up to live a life of foster and group homes. Mia could have gone down a completely different path or even been abused, but she was one of the lucky ones, and that was no thanks to Lynn Yates.

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