Page 4 of A Billionaire's Secret

Just as I reached the bar, the door swung open, and my daughter, Diana, and her entourage walked in. They were still riding the high from her victory at the track, their laughter and exaggerated cheers drawing attention from everyone in the bar.

Summoning the bartender's attention, I leaned on the counter and ordered a bottle of Champagne and six glasses for my young company. Diana’s friends, having just recently turned drinking age, were eager to taste any, and every, liquid that came their way.

I exchanged a few cheers with them and listened to mind-numbing stories about their social media endeavors and dreams of glamorous futures ahead. I watched Diana as she reveled in her newfound fame and glory.

Enjoy it while it last, my dear.

I, for one, knew how long those moments lasted. Not too long ago, I was the one at the center of the spotlight. I had it all—the billion-dollar banking business, the wife and kid, the mansions, cars, and vacations around the world. And the flickers of the cameras lit every step of my journey. Until they faded out and moved on to someone new. Just as quickly, I had become old news.

There was a brief flicker of media lights again when I signed the divorce papers with Amelia. We made a few headlines that only seemed to rip Diana’s heart into pieces. And then, silence. I liked the silence now. I couldn’t care less for any of that fame and all the fakeness that came with it.

“Daddy!” Diana’s yell disrupted my journey down memory lane.

“Dee-Dee, you guys need more drinks?” I motioned toward Pete.

“No, I think we’ll be heading out soon. Do you want to come with us?” She laughed.

“I can’t think of a worse idea.” I joked with her. “I’ll see you in the morning, kiddo.”

“I’m staying over at Julia’s,” Diana informed me as she came closer to give me a hug.

As Diana and her crew wrapped up their drinks and meaningless conversations, I turned my back to them and examined the rest of the crowd—a few friendly faces, jockeys, trainers from Barrington Downs, and some townies. Then my eyes fell on a familiar female figure. I couldn’t see her face in the dim light but recognized her shape and long, dark hair. Victoria Hampton.

She was talking to someone who seemed to be on his way out. I wondered if that meant she’d also leave. I kept my eyes on her while I said goodbye to Diana and her friends, hoping not to miss her, and once alone, I picked up my drink and walked toward her. I had almost reached her, but she had already gotten up to leave and bumped into me on her way out.

“Victoria, is it?” I placed my hand on her shoulder and waited for her to acknowledge me.

“It is.” She looked up at me, startled. “Excuse me, I was heading out.”

“I’m Christian, Diana’s father,” I informed her.

She mumbled something I couldn’t quite make out and turned her eyes away as if eager to leave.

“You were amazing today. Your horse is truly regal.” I comforted her, sensing her lingering agitation at the race's outcome.

“Thanks. So was your daughter.” She answered bluntly.

I found it hard to tear my eyes away from her. Something was captivating about her fierce determination, even in defeat. She exuded a raw energy that piqued my interest. With each passing second, my curiosity grew, and a particular desire began to stir within me.

“Can I buy you a drink?” I offered and immediately realized how corny I sounded. “And talk to you about horses?”

She paused, and her eyes raced while contemplating the answer to my invitation.

“I’d like to talk about Desert Rose.” She finally confirmed.

“Absolutely!” I rejoiced and made way for her as she led us back to the bar.

I sat beside her and watched her toned legs wrap around the bar stool, reminding me of her form on the saddle earlier. She wore a loose-fitting t-shirt over tight jeans and a pair of Converse sneakers. Nothing about her would have grabbed my attention in any other situation. Nothing except the drive and ambition I’d witnessed earlier. She was in no way my usual type. And at this particular moment, under the dim lights and musty smell of ‘Harry’s Bar’, that fact excited me more than anything.

“So, you into horses?” Victoria squinted her eyes with suspicion.

“I try to learn as much as I can. It’s more Diana’s thing.” I explained.

“And what’syourthing?” She demanded while we waited for Pete to take our order.

“Money,” I joked. “I’m only here to finance dreams.”

Victoria let out a confused smile, not really understanding what I meant.

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