Page 80 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“Okay.” She stood in front of me with her arms folded. “What’s up?”
“I know about your pie shop.”
“What? How do you know about that?” Her brows furrowed.
“My company owns the building. Grant called to let me know that it was rented.”
“Great. I had no idea your company owned the building.” She threw her arms up in the air.
“You’re fired, Charlotte.”
“Excuse me?” Her brow arched.
“You heard me. You’re fired.”
“Ha.” She laughed. But that laughter turned sinister. “You listen to me, Cross.” She jammed her finger into my chest. “I’m not going anywhere. You will not take your anger out on Eloise. Do you hear me?”
“I’m not taking anything out on my daughter. You want to open a pie shop? Go ahead. But you won’t be doing it as long as you’re working for me.”
“You narcissistic piece of shit.” She shook her head. “You don’t fucking care if you hurt your daughter. You sit on your throne, all high and mighty, claiming all you want is to protect your daughter, when in fact, you’re the one hurting her. Well, guess what? I won’t let you do that. I can deal with my pie shop and take care of Eloise. Just because you can’t, doesn’t mean I can’t.”
“How dare you.” My jaw tightened.
“No! How dare you.” Her finger jammed into my chest again. “I will not allow you to fuck up that little girl’s life because of your insecurities. If you want me gone, then you’ll have to call the police.” She pulled her phone from her pocket and held it out. “Go ahead. Call 911. And when they come to remove me, Eloise will wake up and see what her father did. How do you think she’ll feel about you then? Huh? You hurt me, Ashton, but I can get over it. Eloise, won’t. Are you willing to take that chance?”
I stood there and inhaled a sharp breath. With my hands tucked into my pockets, I began pacing the room.
“Go to bed, Charlotte. This discussion is over.”
“It would be my pleasure. I hope you have nightmares, dumbass.” She walked out of the room.
Jesus. Did she have to say that? I ran my hand down my face. I think I just made our situation a thousand times worse.
Chapter Thirty-One
Charlotte
My love for that little girl was strong. Strong enough to tell her father how I felt. He could beat me down, and I still wouldn’t leave, even though it killed me to be around him. But this wasn’t about me. It was about Eloise—an innocent child who had already lost her mother and didn’t understand the complexities of the world or relationships.
I went into the bathroom and started the water for a bath. After stripping out of my clothes and twisting up my hair, I climbed into the bubbly water and sank down, trying to relax my body and mind. Ashton had me all fired up, and I was pissed. How dare that man try to fire me. Didn’t he realize he’d be totally screwed with both me and Sylvia gone? I’d give him one day before he’d go insane and lose his shit. This was my season. Autumn. My favorite time of year, and that man was ruining my autumn vibes like no one else could.
I could barely pry my eyelids open the next morning. My body was restless as my mind wouldn’t shut off. Forcing myself out of bed, I showered and got dressed. But before waking up Eloise, I clasped my hands together and prayed.
“Listen, big guy. I need a favor. I will sacrifice my firstborn if you make it so Ashton is already gone for work by the time I get downstairs. I don’t have the energy to deal with him this morning, and your help would be greatly appreciated.”
I inhaled a deep breath, woke up Eloise, and headed downstairs. When I walked into the kitchen, I saw Sylvia and no Ashton.
“Morning, Syvia. Did Ashton already leave for work?”
“Morning, Charlotte. He hasn’t been down yet.”
“Great,” I mumbled. “Thanks a lot.” I looked up at the ceiling.
“Did you say something?” Syvia asked.
“No.” I smiled, waiting for my coffee to brew.
Ashton strode into the kitchen, his scent wafting through the air.
