Page 98 of Bossy Hero

Big Al

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

I’m your daughter.

That’s what this young woman just said to me.

In front of a conference room full of my staff.

The morning after Maddie was shot.

Easily one of the roughest nights in recent memory has given way to a day for the record books.

I’m your daughter.

What the actual fucking hell? Icouldn’thave heard her correctly. Is this some kind of sick joke?

Probably Sawyer. That pranking fucker.

But would he do this after what happened last night?Nah. Even he has limits.

That only leaves one possibility.

Sheismy daughter. Or believes she is.

My gaze springs between her and the man standing a few feet behind her.

Tomer. Her boyfriend. Or possiblyex-boyfriend, judging by the scene we all overheard outside the conference room a few seconds ago. It would appear he’s known about her being my daughter all along and lied to her about it.

And lied to me too.

Tomer’s grim expression tells me in no uncertain terms that this is no joke.

Aside from being the man I trust the most at Redleg, he’s been by my side since the beginning. And before that. He’s the son I never had.

What the fuck has he done?

I focus back on her, her words running through my head once more.

Alan Lancaster? My name is Violet Holt. I go by Lettie. I’m your daughter.

My fucking daughter.

How? Who?

A red haze fills my vision as my arm lifts on autopilot to shake her offered hand. A spike of adrenaline sharpens my senses, making my breath catch.

After the fucking night I’ve had, I’m surprised my adrenal system has any more to give.

From behind me, a smart-ass chirps, “Congratulations! It’s a girl.”

Fucking Sawyer and his British accent.

Nervous laughter echoes around the room, breaking the tension for everyone except me. And possibly her.

In the next breath, her face pinches tight, and her cheeks pucker. She cups her mouth and dashes out of the room. My hand remains frozen in the air, where it was holding hers.

Tomer goes running after her. Sounds of retching greet my ears.

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