Page 13 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Cute and cocky, with piercing blue eyes that sear my soul, causing a weird connection between us.

I blink away the lust-filled haze, remembering he’s here to try to take my business.

“What do you want, Harvey?”

He flashes me a megawatt smile. I ignore how hot he looks and focus on his purpose for being here.

“I’m here to talk to you,” he says smoothly.

“Stalking is illegal, you know,” I retort, crossing my arms.

“I’m not stalking you. I just need five minutes of your time.” A piece of his hair falls onto his forehead, and he brushes it away with ease.

“I said no…”

“You said no once, and then you hung up on me before I could finish.”

My lips twitch as I remember that phone call. “I gave you—”

“Less than five minutes and you've been ignoring my phone calls since.”

“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.” My arms stay crossed as his gaze drops over me, and I try not to care about what he thinks. Who gives a flying fuck what Harvey Lincoln thinks?

“I won’t give up,” he says, with an unblinking stare. “Ms. Recaredo, let me help you.”

Help me? I don’t want help. “I’ve already got employees. I never put out a help wanted ad. I’ll be sure to let you know when I expand.”

“Don’t expand yet.” His words come out in a rush as he pushes his hair away from his eyes again. The intensity of his bright gaze makes me falter.

If I were ten years younger…and didn’t have a kid…but that’s not my life.

I shake my head. “It’s my business, Mr. Lincoln. I make the decisions.”

“But—” he starts. I turn and head to my car, not wanting to hear another word.

I don’t stop until I get to my car. His raspy voice calls out in the distance, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Inside the safety of my car, I take a deep breath. I don’t need his help.

He can keep calling me every day, but I won’t give up my business. Selling Dad’s company feels like losing a piece of him, and the thought makes my stomach turn. I can’t help but remember the late-night calls we shared when he was in his office and I was at home with Chad. He poured his heart into this place, and I can still hear the pride in his voice whenever he got a new event. Letting go of Recaredo Events feels like I’d be betraying his memory—even if it’s failing. I just wish I had his strength and guidance to help me turn it around. But I refuse to let his legacy slip through my fingers and into Harvey’s greedy hands. I owe my dad that much, and I will fight for it, no matter what.

I thought my day would get better, but it didn’t. I hit the steps at home and see Jade and Pedro standing there with worried expressions. Jade has her short silver hair neatly styled, wearing a bright floral top, and her usual smile is replaced with a somber expression. Pedro stands tall with his arms crossed over his usual button-up shirt and slacks.

“I’m so sorry, love,” Jade says, extending a piece of paper toward me with a slight tremble in her hands. “I wanted to giveyou a heads-up as soon as I knew. It’s just too much work. I really think it’s time to retire.”

I take the paper from her hands and glance down, my heart sinking as I read the words “eviction notice” for six months.

“It’s probably the push I need to find a new place,” I say, putting on a brave face to not upset her. The building is falling apart, peeling paint, cracked plumbing, and barely functioning heating. It’s not her fault they want to retire and give it up.

My fingers grip the papers tightly, the edges bending under my grip. This means I have six months to turn the business around, make enough money to pay the overdue rent, and find a new, affordable, and safe apartment for Chad and me.

Suddenly, I feel lightheaded, needing to sit down. Dizzy spells have been hitting me a lot lately. I need to get upstairs and eat something. I don’t remember the last time I had anything to eat today.

“I’m still sorry, love. I feel like I’m abandoning you,” Jade says, her voice thick and her eyes glassy.

It seems to be a common theme.

“It’s okay.” I force my lips to tip up. “I’ll be fine.”

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