Page 34 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

Piper was touched by the little boy’s gesture but felt self-conscious because Eleanor and Andrés stopped in their tracks and stared at them. When they saw she noticed, Eleanor continued to the dining room, but Andrés winked at her before continuing to the bar. Breakfast service was set up as a buffet, and Piper watched as Andrés helped his son choose the foods he couldn’t reach. At the dining room table, Luis insisted Piper sit next to him. During the meal, he told her all about his horse collection and how much he wanted to learn to ride.

“Papa says I can start taking lessons when I am eight, but I think I’m ready now,” said Luis.

“When will you be eight?” asked Piper, biting into egg and avocado on toast.

“Not until July,” Luis answered woefully.

Piper sent a questioning look to Andrés, and he nodded.

“The time will go fast, Luis, and July will be here faster than you think,” Piper consoled him.

“I don’t know,” he sighed. “Christmas, Carnival, and so many other special days happen before then.”

“Maybe you need a calendar to help you keep track of how many days are left before you turn eight.”

“Would you help me make one, Piper? I’m good at drawing.”

Andrés entered the conversation. “Luis is excellent at drawing. He and Armand are designing a flying car.”

“I would love to see your design, Luis. And yes, I will help you make a calendar.”

Piper was not oblivious to Eleanor’s study of her throughout breakfast. Andrés had referred to her as the estate manager, but Piper had no idea how close she was to father and son.

“That is if your father and Eleanor wouldn’t mind,” added Piper.

Eleanor looked at her over the rim of her coffee mug and said nothing.

“It is kind of you to offer to help, Piper, and I have no objection,” Andrés said. “And I’m sure I can speak for Eleanor when I say she has no reason to object. Isn’t that right, Eleanor?” He smiled at her.

“Yes. Luis would enjoy the opportunity to further his drawing skill. When you two are ready to begin, I’ll have a work table set up in your playroom, Luis. Piper, if you and Luis would like to list the supplies you need, I will be happy to make them available.”

Piper breathed a sigh of relief when Eleanor graciously smiled at her, hopeful that meant she had made a good impression. “We will work on that, won’t we, Luis?”

“Yes. May I have one of the medialunas now, Papa?”

Andrés chuckled. “Will you bring the plate of them to the table so we can all help ourselves to Piper’s famous medialunas?”

“Yes, sir.”

Everyone at the table agreed that Piper’s presentation was perfect and the medialunas were delicious. She was pleased they thought so and was beginning to feel less nervous.

“Piper, I know Chef would want to try one of your pastries. So, if you all will excuse me, I will offer him one,” said Eleanor. “He’s quite competitive.”

“So I’ve been told. Maybe you shouldn’t tell me his opinion, Eleanor. I may never bake another one.”

Eleanor laughed as she left for the kitchen.

“Papa, may I be excused so I can show Piper my horse collection?”

“Of course. Take her to your room, and I’ll join you in a few minutes.”

“Come on, Piper. Wait until you see the one that looks like my horse.” Luis had left his chair and was holding out his hand to her.

“Your horse? Which horse is yours?” Piper took the last sip of her mimosa and rose from her chair to take his hand.

“Señor Alberto Luis. He’s named after me. Well, and my abuelo.”

“Your grandfather? I was curious how the champion got his name. He’s a beautiful horse to be carrying such a special name.”

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