Page 56 of Billionaire's Second Chance

Dad’s fork clanged on his plate. “Tell me it’s not the same Ava as your lead star.”

“Same one.” I nodded, looking away from the shocked stares flying my way.

Francis shot up from his seat. “How many more girlfriends until you learn? When will you stop dragging everything I worked so hard for through the mud?”

My hand balled into a fist as blood rushed through my veins. He wasn't the only one who had invested all his blood, sweat, and tears in this business.

“Do you realize it isn’t always about you?" I got up and faced him. "I've worked hard for my own success!"

He didn’t say a word, just continued pacing.

“I have my own legacy to protect now, too, Dad, and I don't take any of this lightly." I shoved my face in his.

He looked away. “Why do I doubt that?”

“Come on now, Francis,” Mom grabbed his hand as he paced by her. “How often does Damon discuss a love interest at the dinner table?”

Dad didn’t respond, but he reluctantly returned to his seat. I followed suit.

I wasn’t surprised at his reaction. I didn’t need his approval, either.

"Did you two fight or something?" Quinn, who had been frozen until now, asked.

"No," I brushed her off.

“Then, why the long face,” she prodded, traces of concern taking over her gaze.

“It’s complicated, Quinn," I frowned. "I'm keeping all this under wraps. With the scandal I just survived, it’ll be a travesty if the public finds out we are seeing each other.”

“A private relationship then,” Mom said. “That’s not so complicated.”

“You don’t get it,” my eyes darted between the two females on the table. “It isn’t just my entire career on the line. It’s hers too."

Mom smiled, failing to hide her excitement. “So, when do I meet her? We'll keep the secret.”

Meet her? The only people who knew about this were at this table—and Greg, maybe. If the media got wind of this, it’d take a miracle to get out of it. Even if I did, it’d dent her career.

Quinn sipped more wine. “Wow. The great Damon Alexander is concerned about someone else’s career above his. Now that’s a miracle.”

“Shut up, Quinn,” I shot back at my sister.

“Do you love her?” Mom asked while my father rolled his eyes.

Please don’t get her hopes up, Damon.

I shrugged. “All I know is that I haven't felt like this in a very, very long time.”

“That’s good enough,” Mom rejoiced. “You could bring her here along with some other stars in your movie. Spin some story about coming to see your Dad. Then, I’ll get to see this girl that has won my son’s heart.”

Dad wiped his mouth. “There’s no way I’m supporting this.”

“Francis,” she turned to him. "Damon needs his father now, not his boss."

My father stood up again. “Not until after the movie airs.”

Could I wait till then?

“So much protocol,” Quinn said, placing her hand over mine. “If you ever need somewhere to hide, I have a quiet place downtown. Completely paparazzi-proof.”

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