Page 342 of Billionaire Temptations

That was the first time I’d ever heard those words escape my father’s lips.

“Don’t thank me. I didn’t do it for you. He was stealing from me too. My work here is done. Come on, Wes, let’s go.”

“Anna, wait,” my father said. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what? Never being a father to me? Never loving me? Never trusting in me enough to make the right decisions for myself? Sorry that I was ever born?”

“Stop it!”

“No, Dad. I won’t stop it because all of it is true. You chose to love and trust a man more than your own daughter, and that is something I can never forgive you for,” I spoke as tears filled my eyes.

“Anna, don’t do this.”

“It’s too late, Dad. This can’t be undone. There’s too much damage. Send the papers to Franco’s apartment in New York.That’s where I’m staying. I’ll sign over my shares to the company.”

“No!” He stood up. “You are my daughter, and part of that company belongs to you.”

“I was never your daughter, Dad.” I wiped my eyes and walked out.

Chapter Twenty-Four

TWO WEEKS LATER

Wes

Anna and I walked into the room at the Hudson Terrace, and I could say that I was highly impressed. She did an excellent job of getting everything organized and set up.

“This looks great, Anna.”

“Thanks. Actually, it was kind of fun. I think I like being on the other side of business things.”

I gently kissed her lips and then walked over to Christopher, who was grabbing a drink at the bar.

“Anna did a good job.” He smiled.

“She sure did. I’m very proud of her, and I love her.”

“That’s great, man. I’m happy for you. Who would have thought that your one-night stand in Paris would become the love of your life?”

“I know.” I laughed. “It’s weird how things work out sometimes.”

People started to pile inside the room, and I walked up to the microphone, welcomed everyone, and gave a short speech. Anna and I walked over to the buffet, grabbed some food, and then took our seats at the table where she had arranged for meto meet with the hopeful candidates that I would invest in their company.

“Hello, I’m Wes Carter.”

“I’m Francine Lutz. Cupcake?” She smiled.

“Oh. I love cupcakes.” Anna grinned as she reached over and took one. “These are beautiful. Did you bake them yourself?”

“Yes,” she shyly spoke. “Cupcakes are my life, and I’ve always wanted to open a cupcake store. I had been saving money for a couple of years, and then my husband left me for another woman, and he stole the money I had saved.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry,” Anna spoke as she reached over and placed her hand on hers. “Well, let’s taste these beautiful-looking cupcakes. Holy shit. These are the best cupcakes I’ve ever had. Oh my God, Wes. Try this.” She shoved the cupcake in my face.

“Yes. It is very good,” I spoke as I took a bite.

“What is in this frosting?” Anna asked.

“It’s a family secret.” She giggled.

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