Page 35 of Billionaire in Disguise

“Those are all wonderful things,” her mother agreed. “And what you didn’t say is as important as what you did.”

Adrianna lifted her chin. “What didn’t I say?”

Her mother counted on her fingers. “His name, job, bank account, popularity, fame.”

“None of those things matter.” The answer was automatic, and so very true. “I don’t like being deceived, of course, yet it’s no different than what I did.”

“And he may have just as altruistic a reason,” her mother pointed out.

“How could I let him go?” Her heart lurched. “I have to tell him how I feel.” She pushed herself up. “Maybe he’s still at the airport. This time of year, it may take a while to get a flight.”

Her mother rose next to her. “There’s only one way to find out.”

Adrianna took a step towards the house, yet stopped as her brother slammed open the door.

“Come quick,” he yelled. “You’re going to want to see this.”

* * *

Once again,he was Dominick Knight.

The beard was gone, and so was the bad haircut. The ill-fitting clothing was in the donation bin, and his suit was back. As he stood at the podium, ready to address a dozen news stations, the world and the woman he loved, he was back to himself. But he was not the same.

These past weeks, he remembered who Dominick Knight was. He wasn’t the pampered executive in the high-rise penthouse, but the man who loved to tinker in a room full of computers, working alongside others. He was the man who enjoyed a boisterous family, homemade meals and a simple evening by a lake. But most of all, he was the man who fell in love with the most amazing woman, a kind and spirited beauty he already missed. A woman for whom he would fight.

In a few hours, he realized the extent of the corruption infiltrating his business. Carlyle had been the mastermind, poised at the helm as he hired “business associates” with little ability to manage but copious amounts ofcreativitywhen it came to accounting. Dominick’s team had found numerous discrepancies and already turned them in to the authorities.

Matters would be made right. Employees would be compensated, and workplaces madesuperb. All involved parties had already been fired, with civicandcriminal investigators perusing enough evidence to keep them busy for a year. He would spend as long as it took to make it right.

Yet right now, there was something else he had to fix.

His future depended on it.

Chapter 10

“Is that Nick?” Aunt Mabel exclaimed.

“It can’t be,” her uncle replied.

“That’s definitely Nick,” her mother responded.

“No,” Adrianna breathed. “That’sDominick.”

She barely recognized the man who stood alone at the podium. Instead of baggy clothing, he wore an Armani business suit, cut to luxurious precision. Instead of soft waves, his hair was flawless in a stiff thousand-dollar haircut. He was freshly shaven, chiseled features sculpted and defined.

Her father was clearly astonished. “How is he on television?”

“He’s the billionaire owner of one of the largest companies in the world,” Joshua responded. “When he calls an impromptu press conference, the news stations come running. Someone called and told us to turn on this channel, then hung up without identifying himself.”

“What could he possibly have to say?”

Dominickanswered the question. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.” His voice boomed across the room, so similar and yet so different from Nick’s. It held unmistakable power, the tone of a man accustomed to leading. “News of this will reach the business world tomorrow, and I want you to hear it from me first. These past weeks I went undercover at Knight Technology to investigate rumors of mismanagement. To my dismay, we found evidence of numerous wrongdoings, enough to call in the authorities. Be assured I will personally address any and all issues. As CEO, I take full responsibility, and I will not stop until everything is set right.”

He paused. “My other news is far more personal. Some would say too personal to share, and yet I want the world to understand what is truly in my heart. While I was undercover, I met an extraordinary woman, a caring, smart and spirited beauty who enchanted me. I never believed love could come this quickly, yet no other word could describe it. I will forever regret my dishonesty, and hope she gives me another chance. I love you, Adrianna, and have a very important question to ask you.”

Her breath hitched. He couldn’t mean…

She blinked as the screen abruptly turned from Nick to a roundtable of suited business analysts. After a brief conversation where they pondered the identity of the “mystery woman,” they focused on the business side of the announcement. Her family didn’t say a word as the newscasters discussed it with experts from around the world. Apparently, the investigation had already started, and they praised Dominick for his quick response. After a few minutes, her unusually silent mother stood, and turned off the television.

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