Page 2 of The Don's Hidden Heir

“Thanks for coming,” I say. Pulling my hand away, I gesture towards the empty seats to my left. “Please have a seat.”

I wait until they settle before I start the meeting. “Thank you once again for taking the time to meet with us today. Shall we proceed?”

Mr. Peterson clears his throat. “Of course. I’ve heard a lot about your new product. Can you tell me more about it?”

I flash a smile at him. “Of course.” Gathering my iPad, notebook and other documents I spent the whole of yesterday night and weeks before putting in place, I step up to the screen where my presentation will be displayed.

Opening my file, I nod at David, my tech guy, to display the power-point presentation on the screen behind me. “Our new diaper, named ‘BabyXMomComfort’, combines a cutting-edge technology with an eco-friendly twist.”

I nod at David to move to the next slide. “As you can see from our reviews, it’s not only super absorbent to ensure dryness and comfort for the baby, it is also chemical free, making it less of an irritant to the skin. The diapers are made from bio-degradable materials which dissolve completely in water, making them environmentally friendly. What’s best, is that it’s sold at regular diaper price so all Moms can afford it for their babies.”

Mr. Peterson bobs his head, his interest piqued. “Do you mind if I ask what led to this new invention?”

“As I single mom with no help around, I often worried about my baby’s comfort while I was busy with work or studies. For years I’ve thought of all the ways I could help other mothers like me, and that was how I came up with this life-changing invention.”

My mind drifted back to seven years ago, when I was just a college student who could barely afford to make ends meet.

I lost my mother when I was eleven, and my dad’s world crashed down quickly after that. He’d started drinking, and soon the loving father I once knew vanished, leaving a monster behind. I pretty much raised myself, taking up menial jobs and doing whatever I could to train myself through high school.

A year after graduating high school, I got admission into a prestigious university here in New York. Life was good, and everything seemed to be going great until I met him. The man I loved with my whole heart, and the man who I now hate more than anyone else.

Dominic Romano.

“You have a really compelling product, Ms. Marconi,” Mr. Peterson praises me. “I’m impressed. However, I’m concerned about the high demand for your products. Do you think your company can meet the projected demand?”

I wear my confidence like a Balmain coat. “We invested significantly in production before the product was released to the public. Our facilities are well equipped to handle the expected growth in demand, and we’ve partnered with top suppliers in the country to ensure distribution demand is met without compromising the quality of our products.”

I proceed to give a detailed explanation on our marketing strategy plan, market domination, possible expansion of our company beyond Europe and diversification of our products.

My stomach churns, anxiety creeping up my spine every second I stand front and center, but I don’t let it show. Working with Mr. Peterson is a dream I’ve held for so long, I am not going to let my nerves ruin it.

When I started my business four years ago, I hadn’t planned for it to explode into a multi-million-dollar company. I’d started with making smaller affordable creams to put food on my table. Like magic, more and mothers supported me, and their encouragement was the trigger I needed to start a baby product company.

While I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, I believe there’s no limit to how far I can go.

“Impressive,” Mr. Peterson says after I finish with my presentation. “Give me a minute.” He turns to his staff, and they hold a small private conversation.

My hands are clammy as I clench my fingers around my folder, waiting for his decision. My heart rate speeds, and I’m swear I’m dying with the anticipation surging through me.

Please approve the contract. Please approve the contract.

Mr. Peterson brings his attention back to me after what seems like an eternity. “Ms. Marconi. I’m quite inspired by your vision and motivation. You’re a force to be reckoned with, and I’m more than happy to invest in your company.”

My heart jumps to my throat. Happiness shakes my insides, and it takes a lot of restraint for me not to jump up and down with excitement. “Thank you for deciding to invest in our company, Mr. Peterson,” I say, the calmness in my voice not matching the happy screams in my head. “We won’t disappoint you.”

He smiles at me. “I’m sure you won’t.”

Returning to my seat, we spend the next hour drawing up a contract and coming to an agreement. Mr. Peterson leaves after we’re both satisfied with the terms of his investment.

The second he is out of the door, my face splits into a full smile, mingling with the excitement on the remaining faces in the room.

“We did it,” my best friend, Moira, says. She’s a tall, slender, blonde with dark blue eyes. I met Moira a few months before I gave birth to Luca, and she has been the biggest support I’ve had.

She’s Lucas’s godmother, and also my company’s legal representative.

“We did,” I answered, vibrating from the exhilaration of my success. “Mr. Peterson is one of my investors. I can’t believe it!”

“I can’t believe it either, girl,” she says, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “By the way, don’t you think you should up my salary? I mean, you’re a rich bitch now.”

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