Page 141 of In Love with a Cruel Billionaire

His lawyer appeared hesitant to answer.

Damen could easily guess why. “You believe my mother either bribed or blackmailed them into signing this?”

Pippo’s voice was pained when he answered. “Yes, Mr. Leventis. I believe so. It will therefore appear legal at present and though I am confident I’ll be able to expose this as being invalid, it will take some time.” Again, his voice trailed off uncomfortably.

Damen said abruptly, “While it is still enforced, all assets I have tied to the business will be out of my reach.”

“I am sorry, Mr. Leventis, but yes, you have it correct.”

A few months ago, this would not have been a problem. His personal wealth had always been significant and independent of the assets of the family’s business empire. But with the merger between the Kokinos and Leventis not pushing through, Damen had been forced to use his own money to keep their corporation afloat while searching for new investment partners. The search had been time-consuming and difficult, for Damen had not only needed to find someone with serious wealth but also one who would not mind going against the Kokinos.

“Essentially,” Damen said flatly, “you are telling me I am temporarily broke.” He had a few thousand dollars left in his private account, but such funds would not last him forever, considering that the costs associated with searching for new business partners were significant.

Pippo mumbled, “Yes, Mr. Leventis.” He had always wanted a chance to prove himself to his billionaire employer, but not like this. Never like this.

Damen’s lips twisted. “I guess I should be thankful the woman I love is not a gold-digger then.”

Pippo paled. The indirect mention of Mairi Tanner reminded him of another unfortunate piece of news he had to deliver to his employer. “About that, sir...I have received the latest report from our newest team of investigators. They, too, have hit a dead end. They cannot find any sign of her.”

When his lawyer paused, Damen asked sardonically, “You do not need to go easy on me. Tell me the worst.”

“The cost of having them continue searching for her might not be something you can afford at the moment.”

“Then it only means one thing,” Damen answered stoically. “I will need to look for her myself.”

Together

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