Page 5 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

He picked up a spoon from the nearest table and began tapping his champagne flute. “Everyone, please, please!” He raised his husky, rich voice to command the attention of his celebrating guests. “I want to thank you all for supporting our victory today. Salud to Señor Alberto Luis!”

“Salud!” was the chorus.

“Now, if you all will excuse me, I must join the champion in the winner’s circle.”

Andrés made his way through the press and photographers to express his appreciation to his jockey, Marco Pérez, and Emmett. Photographs were taken, before the groom led the horse to the receiving barn for post-race testing. Andrés followed Emmett back to the stable to commend his team for their hard work in making the day victorious. Emmett poured more champagne, and there was much talk of the successful future which lay ahead for Señor Alberto and the ranch’s stable of thoroughbreds.

Andrés and Emmett discussed the time needed for Señor Alberto to rest before returning to Uruguay. The horse was a good flyer, and thus far, it had not been necessary to sedate him when flying. It was decided to let him have two days of rest, and the groom and Emmett would fly back on the same plane.

“When are you leaving?” asked Emmett as they walked toward the parking lot.

“Tomorrow morning,” replied Andrés. “I might have some early morning business to take care of, but it shouldn’t take long.” He stopped and turned to Emmett. “Are you sure you won’t join us tonight at the championship dinner?”

“Dinner andballis the correct description, and, no, I won’t be attending. Any event that implies dancing is not for me,” snickered Emmett. “You’ll have plenty of people surrounding you in celebration. Armand will be there, won’t he?”

“Yes. He gave me his word he wouldn’t let me face the ‘old money’ crowd alone.” Andrés thought the worst thing about being in the winner’s circle was the attention it brought to the individual owner. He preferred to stay out of the public eye as much as possible because it made him feel like he had to put on a show. Of course, he had perfected the façade, but he didn’t court the publicity.

“Well, I’ll see you at the ranch by the end of the week.” Emmett tipped the Stetson he had worn since the first time Andrés saw him and joined the team for more celebrating.

Before leaving the area, Andrés glanced down toward the Bankes Farms stable but saw no rejoicing for the second-place win. He shook his head at Bankes’ pious attitude of acknowledging only the champion and wondered if Ms. Marsh held the same viewpoint. He started toward the parking lot and noticed her car was still in the same spot, which meant she hadn’t left the track yet, and he considered biding his time to catch her when she returned to her old Alfa Romeo. Andrés thought better of it as he had some work to do before dressing for dinner.

The Porsche thundered as he started the engine. Andrés discovered he was looking forward to having his champion colt and stables honored at the dinner that night and even the dancing part of it—he knew who would be his first dance partner.

CHAPTER3

PIPER

“His performance today—or should I saylackof performance—was unacceptable, and the accountability for that lies with the trainer.” Felix was raging louder and angrier than Piper had ever heard him. “And the trainer isyou!”

He and Piper were standing outside a tent that had been set up for the victory party. Piper had to stifle a giggle at the sight of Felix’s outstretched arm and forefinger pointing at her because it reminded her of the Uncle Sam recruiting poster. She knew better than to laugh at Felix but felt he was overreacting and blaming her for no particular reason other than he was upset it was Olivera’s horse that beat Sir Valor. She was beginning to tire of his tantrums and fault-finding every time one of the horses didn’t take first place.

“Put your arm down, Felix.” Piper sighed and stood to face him. “Yes, I am the trainer, and Sir Valor is an exceptionally trained horse. He’s come in second once before, so consider why you are really outraged—because the ‘upstart’ breeder, Andrés Olivera, won.”

Felix did lower his arm, but he glared at Piper as if she was speaking in tongues. “From your non-professional attitude toward me today, flirting with Olivera,andthe poor showing of the horse you trained, perhaps I should conclude you are no longer interested in doing your job with Bankes Farms.”

Piper’s eyes narrowed as she glared in return. “I think your perspective is off the mark, Felix, and I don’t think we should discuss this any further until you’ve had a chance to calm down. I will look forward to your improved mood at the dinner tonight.”

“Ha! I will not be attending the dinner applauding Olivera’s so-called victory,” he said scornfully. “But you’re correct that we will continue this discussion later. Right now, I need something stronger than champagne to drink.” Felix stormed off.

“I don’t believe that man,” said Piper, throwing her hands in the air.

“It has been a while since I’ve seen him ranting and raving like that,” commented Lydia as she came to Piper’s side.

“Where would he get the idea I’m not interested in my job? He practically fired me!”

“Don’t let him get to you, Piper. Sir Valor lost because another horse was faster, not because of his training. Good news is Felix won’t be at the dinner to bring everyone down at our table.”

Piper picked up her bag and took out her car keys. “I’m not sure I’m in the right spirit to be there.”

Lydia turned and picked up a bottle of champagne from a table. “Here, take this with you and have a glass or two while you get dressed for the evening. Felix had a case on ice but he won’t be drinking it now.”

“What a fabulous idea, Lydia! You’re taking one, too, I hope,” said Piper as she put the bottle in her tote bag.

“Already in my backpack.” Lydia looked around at the few people inside the tent. “There’s nothing else we can do here, so I’ll walk with you to the cars.”

Piper grinned sheepishly. “I was running late, so I took the first spot I saw in the owner’s parking lot.”

“You naughty girl! I’m surprised Felix didn’t say something about you presuming to be one of the privileged class.”

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