Page 24 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

What’s going on?

I moved away from the window before Carter caught me again and thought of me as a gossip for the second time around. It was none of my business, anyway.

It was already two in the afternoon when I arrived at the three-story structure that housed the orphanage. There was also a huge front yard and field at the back.

I wore a plain white shirt under a casual blazer. I had also opted for jeans and sneakers because I was anticipating some physical games that I would need to participate in.

Initially, the tension was building up steadily inside me. My conversation with Drake kept playing in my mind. Now that I come to think about it, he had not actually been too engaged or interested. And looking back, he was never at ease around children. He didn’t like playing or interacting with them at all.

Hhhmmm… I never noticed it before. Maybe he really wasn’t the marrying type and was too obnoxious and irresponsible to become a father.

So glad the wedding didn’t push through,I thought.

The activities have not officially begun yet. The organizers said I could rest first in the office, but I didn’t want to hide there. Instead, I went to the open field where I could freely interact with the children who were already there.

I saw a little girl who seemed to be very shy and was hiding behind a tree.

“Hi, there,” I said. “What’s your name?”

She did not answer.

I smiled. “I love that colorful bow in your hair!”

She beamed at me then. “Thank you,” she whispered timidly. “I made it.”

“Wow, really?” I was truly impressed. “That’s amazing! You’re very talented. If you make more of it, I’d love to buy some from you. I’m sure many others would want it too.”

Her face lit up. “I could make some money selling them?” she asked with great wonder.

“Yep,” I said with a nod and a smile. “I will help you promote them.”

She said she had more of them, so she disappeared and got them to show me. I talked to her social worker so we could arrange for the items to be sold online.

It felt good to inspire and make someone happy, even if it’s just something as simple as this. Who knows? She might end up as a successful businesswoman in the future, and I would have initiated it. Fantastic!

“My name is Anne,” she then whispered to my ear, making me smile. I was happy that she seemed to trust me already.

I met more kids after that. I got so preoccupied that I lost track of time until the social workers called the kids and assembled them so we could begin the outreach program.

There was a huge banner of Luxe Linen in the background of the covered area where we all gathered.

One of the workers there came up to me to say thanks. Then she added something that shocked the hell out of me.

“By the way, Miss Andrews… Would it be okay if one of our regular benefactors joined the program? He actually donated this entire building. It used to be just an old house before he had it renovated. He comes here almost every week and always plays with the children. They are quite comfortable with him.”

“Oh, I see… Sure, that’s no problem at all.”

“He just happened to be here, and we mentioned there’s an ongoing event with your company. He said he’s a big fan of Luxe Linen and would like to be part of this program.”

My eyes narrowed at what she said. “Ahh really?” I was definitely surprised and curious about who this philanthropist was.

“Oh, there he is!” she suddenly exclaimed.

When I turned to the person she was pointing to, my heart jumped. I felt like my feet were on fire, but an ice bucket had been poured over my head simultaneously.

“Mr. Carter Croft is our biggest benefactor, and he truly loves the kids here…” she continued.

My eyes were fixed on the man who was fast approaching me with a serious look on his face. He was back to his old cool and stone-faced demeanor. One wouldn’t think he was the type to help out orphanages and play with the kids.

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