Page 5 of A Billionaire's Secret

“I own banks,” I elaborated. “It sounds so boring, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, you’re the Forbes of Forbes Bank?” Her eyes widened as she came to the realization. “I probably should have known that, but I don’t follow news or media much.”

“That’s probably the best decision you’ve ever made.” I laughed. “I’m actually glad you don’t know much about me or my life.”

“So, Diana. She surprised me today.” Victoria ignored my last comment and proceeded straight to the point.

“I’ll be honest, she surprised me too,” I confessed. “Pete, can you bring this lady another of her favorite, and I’ll have a scotch on the rocks.”

“Why do you say that? Were you not expecting her to win?”

“Of course, I always want her to win. But I’m not blind. I’ve seen her slacking and not training to the best of her ability. Not like you must have been, anyway.” I confided in her.

“Well, your horse is the real winner. She’s absolutely perfect.” Victoria’s eyes turned a softer hue of hazel when she mentioned Desert Rose.

“She’s exquisite, yes,” I nodded. “And so is her price.”

“Do you think—” Victoria began but paused and shook her head.

“What?” I insisted. “Go on.”

“Do you think Diana would let me ride her?” She asked, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“Diana?” I looked at her, confused. “Heck, I’ll let you! Matter of fact, let’s go now!”

I sat back and watched Victoria’s eyes widen, and her jaw fly open.

“Now? Are you kidding?”

“Not at all! Desert Rose is home. We had her transported to my farm after the race. And Diana is away for the night. Let’s go!” I jumped off my seat and held out my hand.

Victoria kept staring at me, one foot on the floor and one hand tightly clutching her drink. Then her grip loosened, and she pushed the glass away. She gently slid off her chair and took my hand.

3

Victoria

TheferociousroarofChristian’s Lamborghini echoed through the night, matching the racing heartbeat inside my chest. With a skillful flick of the steering wheel, he unleashed the car's knife-edge handling, propelling us forward with exhilarating speed. The vibrant lights of Louisville streaked past us as we navigated through the bustling streets. The cityscape transformed into a blur of colors, blending with the adrenaline rushing through my veins. It was as if time stood still, and for that moment, the only thing that mattered was the thrill of the ride.

Eventually, the Lamborghini brought us to a halt in front of a set of imposing black iron gates. As they slowly swung open, revealing the grandeur beyond, I sunk into my seat. Christian skillfully maneuvered the car along the long-graveled driveway, flanked by majestic trees that seemed to whisper stories of centuries past.

Finally, we arrived at the main entrance of his estate. Christian turned off the engine, and the silence enveloped us like a hushed secret. He stepped out of the car and walked around to open the door for me. I accepted his hand, feeling excitement and curiosity swirl within me.

A man approached us, and Christian addressed him as Daniel, handing him the fob to the Lamborghini. "Thank you, Daniel," he said with a casual air.

Together, Christian and I walked towards the front door, where a butler-like figure appeared, greeting us with respect and a British accent. "I hope you had a good night, Mr. Forbes. Ma’am.” He nodded in my direction. “Would you be requiring anything?"

Christian turned to me briefly, a playful glimmer in his eyes, before addressing the butler. "No, Edward, I’ll be showing Ms. Victoria around. You can take the rest of the night off."

Edward nodded with a slight bow and left us standing in the lavish foyer. We walked through the grand staircase and elegant decor of the main hall. The walls were adorned with family portraits, telling tales of generations that had lived and loved in this very place. The air was filled with a sense of history and tradition, as if every stone and every beam had a story to tell.

"Don’t mind my grandfather, Sedrick Forbes,” Christian joked as he saw me staring at the large painting on the wall next to the grand staircase. "His father, my great-great-grandfather, started our family business in 1923."

"You look like him," I joked nervously as my head spun from the luxury surrounding me from all angles.

“Ouch! I’ll take that as a compliment,” Christian laughed and opened a small door next to the kitchen, and as we stepped outside, the full moon cast its glow upon us.

“I figure you’re more interested in the outdoors of this house.” He winked at me.

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