Page 3 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

Felix’s head spun toward the board, and Piper heard him utter an expletive.

“That’s impossible!” growled Felix.

She saw that the odds had changed and were now even. Piper prepared for the scathing remarks he would hurl at her, the trainer.

Felix turned and motioned for her to join him at the back of the box. “What do the people know that I don’t?” he asked.

“Nothing, as far as I know. Sir Valor was calm and resting after this morning’s exam, he ate at two as usual, and the afternoon exam was excellent.”

“What about Olivera’s horse? What do you know about him?” His eyes kept darting back to the odds board.

“WhatwouldI know, Felix? I’m not his trainer, if you remember.”

“Then leave this box and find out anything you can. It’s part of your job to know about the competition.”

Piper was trying to remain calm but was getting aggravated with his attitude. “First, I will not leave as the horses will soon be led to their starting positions. And second, this is the first I’ve heard that it’s part of a trainer’s job to know about competitors’ horses. Finally, sit down and have faith in the horse we know instead of fixating on the odds.”

Felix’s face was bright red. “This is the second time you’ve dismissed me today, and it will not happen again, or you will be unemployed. Do we understand each other,Ms. Marshall?” There was cruelty in his eyes, and Piper couldn’t help but stiffen at his emphasis on her name.

“We do.”

Felix returned to his seat, but Piper stayed right where she was, watching as the horses were loaded into the stalls. Her brow was furrowed with concern about the conversation, but she focused on Sir Valor’s post position. He always ran better at midfield and had drawn that position for the race. She noticed Olivera’s horse also drew midfield, and in the back of her mind, she knew the race would be a battle between those two thoroughbreds.

The racecourse was almost two miles long, and it would be a while before a possible winner could be spotted. The tension in the crowd was palpable, but when the horses began the race, there was a burst of excited cheering and shouts of encouragement. Piper couldn’t deny she was anxious, but she knew what the jockey atop Sir Valor was capable of pushing the horse to do to win. She glanced at Felix, sitting silently with fists clenched and was aware that thunder would roll if Sir Valor didn’t win.

As the horses came into the final stretch, Señor Alberto Luis, who had trailed Sir Valor by a nose, suddenly took the lead by a head and louder cheering erupted. Felix had an astonished look on his face, and Piper felt a bit sorry for him as Olivera’s horse increased the lead to a neck.

“No!” shouted Felix, jumping to his feet when Sir Valor lost to Señor Alberto Luis by a half-length.

Everyone in Felix’s box was subdued, and Piper could see they didn’t know how to approach Felix. But Felix didn’t allow anyone the opportunity as he stormed out of the box. Piper joined Lydia at the table and watched as all the guests left as well.

“I’m sorry, Piper,” Lydia said. “Losing for the first time is difficult.”

She nodded. “It’s a letdown for all of us, but I hope Felix rallies and thanks the staff for their efforts preparing for this race.”

Lydia gave her a doubtful look. “Have you met Felix?”

“I’m trying to give him credit for being grateful no matter the win or loss.” She exhaled deeply. “But yes, I know how he can be when things don’t go his way.”

“I’ll see you at the stable,” said Lydia, standing to leave. “Our team will be in need of some comfort.”

“Yes, I’ll be there in a bit,” agreed Piper.

Piper sat, twisting the program in her hands. “There will be no gracious congratulations to Andrés Olivera from Felix either,” she said softly. “Maybe it’s up to me to offer congratulations from Bankes Farms…”

CHAPTER2

ANDRÉS

SIX HOURS EARLIER

Andrés wryly smiled, shaking his head as he watched the pretentious Felix Bankes lead away the copper-haired woman with the enchanting smile.And without acknowledging me.

He got in his Porsche to find another parking spot. Andrés was used to being treated as an outsider in the thoroughbred racing scene, at least until Señor Alberto Luis won more of the prestigious races. He didn’t have a title or a long line of superior-bred horses, but Andrés had money to put into good breeding stock and horse sense. He instinctively knew a champion when he saw one and was determined to put that talent front and center.

He also had an eye for beautiful women and was utterly charmed by the young woman who was obviously not an owner but was impressive as she stood her ground. He wondered what her connection was to Felix Bankes. She was petite enough to be a jockey, but he hadn’t recalled seeing a female jockey on the final list. Walking toward the stables, he put his curiosity aside to focus on his horse and preparations to win the race.

Andrés was present at Señor Alberto’s morning examination and was pleased when he passed with flying colors. He spent a few more minutes discussing the horse’s regimen with his trainer, Emmett. He then accompanied one of the more friendly of the thoroughbred breeders to the owners’ pavilion for what he hoped would be a strong espresso. Andrés had not acquired a taste for tea so beloved by the English; fine whiskey, yes, but tea, no. Fortunately, there was an espresso machine, and he chose a toasted tomato and cheese sandwich for his breakfast. He and the breeder shared their thoughts on the races scheduled for the rest of the season, and when the gentleman left to tend to other business, Andrés helped himself to another espresso.

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