Page 12 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“Thank you, Mr. Olivera. Good day.”

For a long time after they hung up, Piper sat and thought about what she was about to do to a man whose vision she supported, and all because she had secrets.

CHAPTER6

ANDRÉS

Andrés felt something wasn’t quite right with the Piper and Bankes Farms situation. After talking with Piper, he had concluded that either notice of her departure was not given or not required as she was available within the week.

That’s not my problem, he mused. As long as Piper Marshall, trainer extraordinaire, was on his team, it was no concern of his how she untangled herself from Felix Bankes. Even Emmett had encouraged hiring her.

He looked over from his desk and admired the St Leger trophy perched on the table in his study. He was more proud of that trophy than he cared to admit.

Andrés had returned to his ranch outside Tacuarembó, Uruguay, late the previous evening, and a small celebration of Señor Alberto’s victory awaited him with the staff. Now that Piper had accepted the job of head trainer, he would call a staff meeting to let everyone know she had been hired to replace the previous trainer who had retired, and when she arrived, there would be a meeting to introduce her. She could set the schedule for other meetings after her introduction.

His eyes turned to the photograph of his son, Luis, the light of his life. The photo had been taken just a couple months before, and in it seven-year-old Luis was about to kick a football.

Andrés chuckled as he remembered his young son’s confusion when an American client had presented him with a storybook about soccer. Luis could not understand how it could be the same game until Andrés bought him a storybook about American football. Of course, Luis then asked for a regulation NFL football, and Emmett had taken time to show him how to play. Luis was sometimes seen playing on the heavily guarded hacienda grounds but was not allowed around the stables for security reasons.

There was a knock on the study door, and Andrés left his desk to open it.

“Eleanor! Come in, please, and sit with me.” He didn’t like to use the desk chairs when talking with his employees and had a comfortable conversation corner in his office.

Eleanor Chambers was a tall, no-nonsense Englishwoman who had been Luis’ nanny and had recently taken on the duties of estate manager. With Luis older and spending most of the day with his tutor, she had insisted Andrés give her another job that would be helpful to him.

“Thank you, Andrés,” she said, stepping into the office. “I had a question about redecorating the guest rooms, and the interior decorator you hired seems to be confused.” She walked to the sofa and sat.

He followed and sat across from her in his customary leather chair. “Is it a language problem?”

“No, not at all.” Eleanor could speak perfect Spanish when she wanted to. “I understood you preferred a neutral palette for the walls and fabrics with a splash of bold color in the rugs, euro pillows, and the like. But the decorator thinks that includes the bed linens and draperies.”

“You understood correctly, Eleanor. Would you like me to speak with the decorator?”

“That won’t be necessary. I said I would speak with you and confirm with her.”

“Good. I’m glad you came in when you did. I’ve hired a new head trainer, Ms. Piper Marshall, who will arrive on Saturday. Would you please have the casita made ready for her? And the auto I’ve purchased will be delivered Friday and should be at the casita.”

Eleanor’s eyebrows shot up. “That was fast.”

“Do you think so?” He shrugged. “Maybe. I met her this last weekend. She has an impressive resume, and I want Señor Alberto to follow his win with a first-place finish at the international race in Kentucky.”

“I’m guessing you didn’t have much time to get to know her personally, but has she been told about Luis?”

“No. As with all new employees, no information about Luis or his mother is to be divulged. Any questions she may have should be directed to me.”

Eleanor nodded and stood. “As it always has been. I’ll ensure the casita is taken care of and perhaps add some feminine touches.”

Andrés smiled. “Good idea, Eleanor, thank you. And the usual stocking of the essentials in the kitchen.”

“Of course. No, don’t get up. I can show myself out. Should I let Chef know you will be here for dinner?”

“Please.”

“Luis will be happy about that.”

My son.

Lily.

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