Page 55 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“Yes, of course. Thank you.”

Felix’s eyes narrowed, and a cold, superior smile appeared. “You know, Olivera, I don’t believe you have offered meyourcongratulations.”

Andrés placed his empty glass on a nearby table. “I believe you are right. Goodnight, Felix.”

He saw Armand talking to a man he recognized but couldn’t quite place. Armand nodded, and the man walked away and out of the room. Andrés tapped Armand on the shoulder, and he turned.

“He slipped,” Andrés said. “We’ve got him.”

Armand had a cat-that-killed-the-canary look. “But, mon ami, Bankes has more than slipped—he’s going to sink.”

CHAPTER24

ANDRÉS

“Why that look?” asked Andrés. “Did you find out something?”

“I might have,” Armand said. “But tell me, did Bankes say something that leads you to believe he is involved?”

“Yes. He handed it to me on a silver platter. Bankes said he couldn’t explain why Piper added the steroid to the blood sample. Armand, in announcing Señor Alberto’s disqualification, all that was said was that he tested positive for PEDs; the type of PED wasn’t mentioned.”

“What are you going to do?” Armand said.

“Talk to the commission, and tell them what I was told. They will take it from there.”

“You might have more to take to the commission. The gentleman I was speaking with approached me because he saw you talking to Bankes. He wants to talk with you privately about something he overheard that will help relieve the gossip swirling around Piper.”

“When does he want to meet?”

“He will wait until he sees you leave the building.”

Andrés was eager to get more information. “Then I’ll leave now.”

“I’ll do the same.”

Armand stopped Andrés when they got to the door. “You must be relieved that Piper may be cleared of suspicion.”

“It looks that way.”

Armand smiled. “I feel I must say something to you. Andrés, you love her. Make your amends. I will leave you to your thoughts and will visit you soon in Uruguay. I long to see my friend Luis.”

“And he would love to see you. Goodnight, Armand.”

Besides Bankes’ slip of the tongue and Armand’s advice, Andrés’ thoughts were on Piper keeping her real identity from him. He wasn’t happy about it, but, more importantly, it didn’t appear that she was responsible for the positive blood sample. He grabbed a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing server and stepped out into the cool night air.

“Excuse me, Mr. Olivera, you don’t know me, but I worked with Piper Marshall at Bankes Farms.”

“I recognized you when I saw you speaking with Armand. You were working as Piper’s assistant trainer, I believe.”

“That’s right. I’m John Harris, and I’m pleased to meet you formally.”

“And I you, John.” Andrés accepted the man’s handshake.

“I was glad to see you here tonight because I didn’t know how to contact you. Do you have a minute to talk?”

“I do, but let’s find a place to sit away from the partygoers.”

An empty office in the clubhouse was found, and they made themselves comfortable.

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