Page 26 of The Billionaire's Christmas Wish

When Audrey leaves, my place feels like an empty shell. With nothing to do but pace the empty apartment, my mind is racing with everything I want to say to my parents.

What if this goes deeper than Audrey and me? What if my parents reveal a shocking secret that changes how I see them—like a hidden crime, betrayal, or that Audrey and I are related?

I shake off the worrying thought. I can't sit around and let worry gnaw my insides. I need to know what keeps them from accepting Audrey into our family.

I jump in my car and hit the gas hard, making the tires squeal as I speed out of the driveway. My stomach knots up as I clutch the steering wheel.

The palm trees that line the roadside and the waves gently kissing the shore would typically soothe my soul on the drive to Malibu. But today is different. Each passing mile only heightens my unease.

I need something to take my mind off the tension building inside. I’ve been playing phone tag with my cousin Chase for days.

Eager for any diversion, I hit redial on the dashboard. Quick off the draw, he answers on the second ring.

“Frank’s pizza. All our operators are busy, but we’ll be with you shortly.”

I crack up laughing, my shoulders dropping an inch as I exhale. “Thank god for you, man. How’s the new bar going?”

“Ah…. Interesting.”

I’m straining to hear over the music and the racket in the background.

“Why? What’s happening?”

“I need your help with the—”

Suddenly, the background noise drops away, and I hear him again as though he’s gone to a quieter place. “You know who.”

I chuckle at his attempt at discretion. “No problem. I postponed the princess's visit until after filming wraps up, so she’s free to visit you and see your new bar.”

“Sounds like a tough shoot.”

“Don’t ask. But it’s good news for you.”

While living in Paris years ago, I befriended Prince Anders of Rorvik. We’re close friends. These days, he and his family frequently use my farm to escape the public eye.

This Christmas, Ander’s sister, Princess Astrid, is traveling to the United States, and I had promised her a tour of my movie set.

Chase asks nervously, “Will Astrid bring a team of bodyguards?”

“Only one guard. He's highly trained ex-military. You know the type.”

Chase immediately catches my meaning and laughs. “One protective lover is better than a team of bodyguards.”

His words resonate. “Damn straight.”

“Thanks, Luca. One less thing to worry about,” Chase replies, exhaustion evident in his voice.

“Still chaotic at home?” I ask, knowing things have been complicated for him lately.

He sighs heavily. “You know how it is.”

“You don't know the half of it,” I mutter under my breath, my cousin’s words ringing in my head as I consider my family drama.

I approach the gated entrance to my parent's house. “I'll check in with you tomorrow,” I say before hanging up.

The security gate swings open, and I drive past the manicured hedges that line the winding driveway. My stomach knots with anxiety.

This is it. No turning back now.

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