Page 11 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” he says, his voice soothing like warm honey. “We’ll figure something out to reduce your commitments outside of Walker Enterprises. I want your full focus. So, let’s get you back on track and maybe restructure your business model.”

I look into his eyes and feel a little calmer. It’s not just his physical presence that makes me feel safe, there’s something deeper, more genuine about him that I never expected to find in a man like him.

“Thanks,” I say, my voice almost a whisper. “It’s just not like me to see my business tanking. I didn’t want you to have to see this.”

“Look,” he says, leaning forward, elbows on the table. “If anyone can figure this out, it’s you.”

I nod, attempting to believe him. “I just need to regroup. I have strong ideas for your contracts that will come together in the next day or two. No worries, really. This is my priority.” I pull back, not wanting him to see my weakness.

“Or, you know, you could let me help you,” Lucas says, tipping his head, looking straight into my eyes.

#

As we dive into brainstorming ideas and strategies, I glance at him, sharp focus and intensity oozing off his broad shoulders, as he works on helping me reset my business plans. The last thing I ever expected was for him to act as a mentor, but for now, I’ll take any support I can get.

“Alright, first things first,” he begins, his eyes scanning my website on his laptop. “You need more visibility. I’ll tell you what, you can use Walker Enterprises as a reference on your site. Having a well-known franchise backing you up might just give you the edge you need.”

“That would be amazing,” I agree, gratitude lacing my tone. “I can add it there,” I point to the banner at the side, reaching over his hands on the keyboard.

“Exactly,” he says. “Now, you need to focus on finding higher-paying clients. The effort at gaining new clients is the same, so why not go for the top ones?”

I nod, processing his strategy, knowing it makes perfect sense, but gaining access to the big deals is nearly impossible.

“A few high-end clients will replace several lower-paying ones, freeing up more of your time to do other things.” He glances at me for a moment, then shifts his eyes back to the computer.

He starts searching online, and I watch as his fingers dance across the keyboard with surprising grace. He leans in closer to the screen, his brow furrowed in concentration, and I admire the way his muscles flex up his forearms. Focus, Emily.

“Here we go,” he announces, snapping me back to reality. “I’ve found a few leads in my own contacts for potential clients who are looking for someone with your skillset. Why don’t you reach out to them and see if they’re interested? You can use my name as your referral.”

“Lucas, this is incredible,” I say, taking a look at the leads he’s found. They seem like a perfect fit for my business, and I can already feel hope surging through me. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Hey, it’s the least I can do,” he replies modestly. “Just promise me one thing, don’t let them steal your true focus away from my business. I need you here.”

His words send chills through me. “I promise Lucas,” I say, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

#

A few days later, I find myself in Lucas’s office, working on updating my website with the suggestions he gave me. With every piece of advice he offers or connection he shares, I can’t deny that I’m seeing him in a new light. The air between us is electrified, and the tension hangs thick.

“Emily, let me show you something,” he says as he guides me over to a corner of the gym that was recently renovated over the weekend. The space is sleek and modern, the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.

“Wow, this looks amazing!” I gush, already envisioning how great the fighters will look posing there. “It’s exactly what you envisioned.”

As our eyes meet, I feel a shiver run down my spine. He’s so close—close enough that I can see the rise and fall of his chest.

“Emily,” Lucas murmurs. “You need to know that your influence here is making a difference. For the better.”

“Thanks,” I reply softly. “I really appreciate all of your support too.”

We stand there for a moment, caught in each other’s gaze, until Lucas abruptly steps back. His eyes are filled with an emotion I can’t quite place—fear, maybe?

Then my phone lights up. My mechanic tells me he needs to order parts and my car won’t be ready for pick up.

“Damn it,” I murmur, knowing I’m expected at the shelter soon.

“What’s up?” he asks, looking at my phone in my hand.

“It’s just my car. It’s being held hostage at Vinny’s.”

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