Page 48 of Forbidden Billionaire Next Door

"I know. I'm sorry I'm just in the middle of something; can I call you back." "Oh, sure." He hangs up.

It stings my heart. Like a small blade has been slipped between my ribs. He didn't even say goodbye. In fact, it feels as though he actually could not wait to get off the call with me. Is he avoiding me?

I wish I knew what was going on!

Me: What are you guys up to today?

Claire: I have a date this evening, but I'm free till then? What were you thinking?

Me: Ooh, a date! Another Tinder disaster? :)

Claire: We can't all have hot billionaire daddies OK!

Samantha: ya, Gianna, some of us have to use Tinder just to get a little lucky every now and then!

Me: Gross hahaha. Do you guys want to do lunch?

Sam: I'm in. Shall we do it at that place?

Claire: You know if you just say 'that place' we are all going to end up at a different place. I think you need to be more specific.

Sam: the place with those big plants around the entrance. The one Gianna loves so much. I swear if that plant fit in her car she would have stolen it already.

Me: oh that one! Yes let's meet there.

Claire: 11?

Sam: See you there!

Me: See you there!

I absolutely love this place. They have a sort of city jungle theme going on with real plants everywhere. Most of these restaurants use fake plants, but the owners of this place are plant lovers and take pride in their plant babies. It's like an indoor-outdoor sanctuary.

To my relief, neither of them has mentioned the video of the fight. We have already spoken about it a little bit over chat, but I am not in the mood to get into it again.

Claire and Samantha are chit-chatting about Tinder and how awful it is. Personally, I have never been on Tinder and no matter what direction my life goes in I will never be on Tinder. It just is not my thing. It seems dirty and shallow. They are teasing each other and trying to rate who has had the worst Tinder date.

They laugh and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. I want to talk to them about Hudson being so distant and how it is worrying me, but also want to just enjoy not having to think about that right now.

Sam looks at me and raises her eyebrow. "How are you handling that ridiculous clause Hudson's ex put in the custody contract? I mean how nasty can a person be! She obviously has it in for you and put it in there just to hurt him!"

What? Me?

I am so confused. "Uh - what clause?"

Samantha choked on her wine.

"Oh. Shit. I am so sorry Gianna. I thought - I just assumed you knew!"

"What clause, Samantha?"

"You know my office drafted the contract. I just happened to see it when my boss asked me to make copies. Fuck, Gi, fuck."

She shifts in her seat, her expression one of horror.

"Just spit it out. Please!" I cannot take this anymore.

"Karla put a clause in the custody contract. She is willing to give Hudson one hundred percent custody if he signs the contract to say he will never date you or be romantically involved with you in any way." She did what? That's why he skipped breakfast. He is not allowed to see me.

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