Page 33 of A Billionaire's Secret

“It’s safe to say I’m in Paradise, a.k.a. Judmont Farm.” I typed hastily and ignored an array of likes and responses that pinged in the pocket of my jeans.

“Come this way,” Christian pulled me toward the main building as if he already knew the lay of the land. “Let’s look at some million-dollar horses, shall we?”

I walked on a cloud, my anticipation growing with each step, knowing I had probably never seen horses like these. I wondered what it would be like to ride one, but I felt stupid asking, so I kept quiet as my boots mashed the damp grass.

My eyes scoured the meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and elegant buildings showcasing a commitment to excellence and attention to detail through the years. We made our way to the charming rustic-style reception, where the staff warmly greeted us.

A gentleman whose nametag read ‘Henry Singleton’ approached us.

“You must be Christian and Victoria,” he smiled warmly and extended his hand toward me first.

“Hi, Henry,” Christian greeted him vibrantly. “I’m so glad William Boyd mentioned your name the other day! We can’t wait to take a look around.”

“Absolutely! Will is a dear friend. We grew up together before my parents decided to move back to England and dragged me with them.” Henry elaborated while I listened attentively, wishing they’d end the small talk and take me to the horses.

“Unless you are hungry and care to eat lunch now, I’d happily show you around.” Henry offered.

Christian looked at me for confirmation and quickly understood my answer, my eyes wet and eager like a puppy’s.

“I think we’ll skip lunch. Or we’ll risk losing this one.” Christian laughed, nodding his head in my direction.

With that, Henry led us outside, and my pace quickened, leaving Christian a few steps behind me. I turned around and silently motioned him to hurry up, but he seemed to enjoy observing me in my element from a distance, hands in his pockets, strolling calmly and playfully mocking my eagerness.

As we approached the meticulous stables, the air escaped my lungs, and my eyes pooled with tears of joy. Before me were six thoroughbred horses of the highest pedigree, their worth unfathomable to my debt-ridden brain.

“Oh my God,” I gasped as I walked on eggshells toward the first horse. “This must be King. I’ve read all about these horses.”

Henry looked at Christian and nodded in agreement. “I’ve been informed that you race, Ms. Victoria. I’m sure you don’t need me to talk too much about these guys here.”

“She’s amazing,” Christian proudly informed Henry and pulled him aside.

I didn’t care what they were talking about. I stroked King’s mane, goosebumps flooding my skin at the touch of the silky texture. Captivated by his intense eyes, I had to force myself to pull away and look around at the other studs.

I took a few steps forward, nodding at each one, but my eyes knew what they were searching for. I had almost reached the end of the stable when I saw him and froze in place.

The world around me ceased to exist at the sight of Mischief—the stunning, majestic direct descendant of Thunder Cat. Thunder Cat had been North America’s preeminent sire for many years, the most expensive stallion on the continent, and the leader of a dynasty that Mischief now headed.

I felt small, insignificant, and unworthy as I gazed into his eyes with wonder and respect. I could feel my legs shaking, eager to jump over him and ride into the abyss. My mind raced into a daydream, and I faintly heard Christian’s voice in the distance behind me.

“Vicky…can you hear me?” He sounded concerned and perplexed as he grabbed my hand.

“Huh?” I turned around, my eyes gray and foggy. “Yeah. This—this is Mischief.”

“I see,” he kept staring at me. “Henry, who’s Mischief? He seems to have possessed Victoria.”

Henry smirked from under his mustache, nodding at me with understanding. “Only the best stud to walk the Earth right now. He’s Royalty, a direct descendent of one of the best racehorses in history—Thunder Cat.”

Christian smiled from ear to ear and squeezed my hand tighter. “Well, what are we waiting for? Saddle him up, please,” he ordered Henry.

“No, I can’t, no way,” I stepped back, looking at them, confused and terrified. “I’m not ready for this.”

“You? Not ready? Nonsense! You’re always ready, and when else will you have the chance?” Christian argued.

I bit my lip, looked at Mischief, and then back at Christian and Henry. “Are you sure I can ride him? I mean, this is not an entertainment horse.”

“We’ll make an exception for you, Ms. Victoria,” Henry confirmed politely. “I have been assured that you are an excellent jockey, and I believe it would also be a great experience for Mischief.”

My eyes filled with tears. I sprung to my tiptoes and flung my arms around Christian’s neck. “Thank you! Thank you for this, you don’t know how much it means to me.”

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