Page 1 of The Don's Hidden Heir

Chapter One

Elena

Today is the day I die.

Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit too much, but I’ll rather win the contract or die trying. Failure is not an option, not after months of sleepless nights preparing for the moment that starts exactly an hour from now.

My stiletto heelsclinkon the polished marble tiles of my company building as I move briskly through the hallway. It’s barely seven in the morning, and the clicking of a keyboard from the reception desk is the only signal of a presence which isn’t mine in the hallway.

“Good morning, Ms. Marconi,” Grace, the receptionist on duty greets as I come to a halt in front of her sandstone desk. Her sapphire blue eyes gleam as she beams a smile at me.

I return her smile, although my eyes are heavy with sleep. After spending the entire night preparing my presentation for this morning, I was only able to get three hours of sleep before getting Lucas ready for school and driving to the office.

And everyone knows three hours of sleep is barely enough to get an adult human through a day. I think I’ll function on zombie mode for the rest of today.

Not that I am complaining, though.

I expect that much being a single mother, and CEO of one of the biggest multi-million-dollar baby care products company in New York. And I am only twenty-seven.

“Have the conference room ready.” I glance at my Cartier secret phoenix décor watch to check the time. It’s ten minutes past seven a.m. now. “The meeting starts in fifty minutes.”

“Sure, ma’am,” Grace answers. Her eyes are just as heavy with sleep as mine, but she manages to wear the brightest smile I’ve ever seen on any one. Grace has worked with me for three years now, and at the end of this deal, I plan to sponsor her an all-expenses paid trip, and also surprise her with a promotion.

It’s long overdue anyway.

The company is bustling with investors lately, and that is thanks to the latest hypoallergenic diapers we launched two weeks ago. Of course, it isn’t just the fact that they are hypoallergenic that does the trick, it is also really affordable, and comfy for babies.

I invented those diapers for single mothers who can’t afford good luxury diapers for their babies. I also invented the product because it reminded me so much of me…when I was pregnant with my son Lucas.

That is story for another day, though, for now, I have a meeting to prepare for—a meeting with one of the biggest investors in the country. Mr. David Peterson, politician, investor, and the biggest fish in the business industry.

It isn’t very often he takes interest in investing in businesses like mine, but when he does, it is usually a big hit. A smile tugs at my mouth before I realize I’m still standing in the reception area. “Thank you, Grace,” I say, then navigate my way to the elevator and press the button with numbernineon it.

When I get to my office, I spend the next thirty minutes scanning through my presentation. Time rolls by quickly, and my phone bleeps to remind me there’s only five minutes left before my meeting.

I reapply my lipstick, grab my briefcase and leave the office. My confidence is like a crown, and I wear it with pride as I walk into the conference room and sit at the head of the table.

My team and board of directors are already taking up part of the long mahogany, conference desk to my right when I sit down.

Mr. Peterson comes in ten minutes later, and I swear he is more down-to-earth than the media outlets reveal. Mr. Peterson is a middle-aged man with short brunette hair he loves to gel, and eyes which are almost grey. He’s wearing a pair of denim pants and a plain, sky-blue shirt.

He’s always been a simple man from what I’ve heard, and a humble one, too. I would say that is the reason he is loved by the public. It isn’t every day you come across a billionaire who doesn’t think he is made of gold and diamonds.

I stand up and shake his outstretched hand. “I’m Elena Marconi, CEO of Babies and Moms,” I introduce myself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Peterson.”

“The pleasure is mine,” he says. His smile doesn’t fade or falter for a minute. “This is my lawyer, Ms. Skylar Campbell.” He twists his head toward a tall caramel-skinned woman. She’s wearing a two-piece black suit with an inner which matches her red lipstick. Her braids cascade down her back beautifully.

I shift half my attention to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Jones.”

Her smile is even more beautiful. “The pleasure is mine, Ms. Marconi. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”

I bite back a grin, and a blush even. “I hope you confirm those good things for yourself.”

We both chuckle.

“Oh,” Mr. Peterson recalls. He gestures towards a guy to his right. “This is my CFO, Mr. John MacPherson.”

Mr. MacPherson extends a hand to me. “I’m glad to finally meet you, Ms. Marconi.”

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