Page 13 of A Billionaire's Secret

I walked over and towered over him, trying to contain my clenched wrist from striking him across the face.

“Listen to me very carefully because I will only say this once,” I spewed through my teeth. “I can smell the lies in your breath the moment you opened your mouth the other day. I know exactly what happened with Desert Rose. So, that makes three of us, doesn’t it?”

He stood frozen, afraid to answer, breathe or look me in the eyes.

“If anyone else knows, you have to tell me now, or there will be hell to pay.” I leaned in even closer.

“No one else,” he muttered, still looking at his feet.

“Good.” My fist eased up. “Next question—did Diana order you to do it, and what did she pay you?”

“She did.” The vet couldn’t answer this question fast enough, hoping to shift the blame on my daughter. “Twenty thousand.”

My fist rolled up again, and I motioned it toward him, but instead, I grabbed him by the collar.

“I will pay you twenty more to forget you ever met me or her. Do we have an agreement?” The fire in my eyes burned holes in his.

“Yes,” he nodded, his heart thumping loudly.

“Good. Leave your locker unlocked and be here to pick up the cash at seven p.m. sharp. If not, you will never see it, and I will end your career.”

I released my grip, patted his mantle to straighten the wrinkles, and slowly walked away.

***

At seven o’clock, I arrived back at the stables, made my way to the staff lockers, and deposited a bag of cash in the vet’s locker. I watched him waltz in a minute later. He nodded in my direction, and I left without making eye contact.

With this mess behind me, I stepped on the gas pedal of my Lamborghini and sped off toward the Barrington ranch. A lump in my throat seemed to have comfortably nestled there for the long run.

I inhaled one last deep breath and stepped out of my car to greet James Barrington and his wife, Margot.

“Christian, so good to see you,” Margot greeted me politely and extended her hand.

“Likewise, Margot. James.” I nodded in their direction.

We walked together to the backyard, following the smokey scent of sizzling barbecue. James and I exchanged a few jokes about his cooking, and Margot invited me to join her for a cocktail while her husband wrapped things up at the grill.

“Christian, we’re so proud of Diana. Great job the other day!” Margot beamed, exposing her white teeth perfectly matching the pearls around her neck. “She’s come a long way very fast.”

I felt my muscles stiffen but kept my cool.

“Thank you, Margot. I hope she keeps it up.” I replied calmly.

“You know, she beat out an adamant opponent—Victoria Hampton.” Margot’s words sent daggers to my core.

“Yeah, I noticed. It was a close race.” I continued to mask the pain in my chest.

“Well, good for Diana. She must be over the moon.” Margot refused to drop the subject.

I hoped the ground would open up and swallow me whole before I had to endure another word about Diana, Victoria, and this whole mess. But it didn’t. My body remained seated across Margot while my mind recoiled inside my skull.

“Here you go, my dear guest,” James’s voice ended my agony. For now.

“Ah, alas! I’m famished.” I exclaimed and reached for a piece of meat. Maybe with my mouth full, I wouldn’t have to talk or answer any questions.

“I heard you guys talking about Diana. Great girl you have, Chris!” James demolished my dreams of changing the subject.

“Thanks, James.” I faked a smile.

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