Page 68 of The Billionaire and the Maid

“Nonno, I’m sorry, but when Ella and I started dating, it wasn’t real. I didn’t exactly tell you the entire truth the other day. She was doing me a favor so that I could appease Mom and Dad and get the CEO position. But then…things changed.” He looks back at me. Shit, did his feelings change just like mine?

“Anyhow, I’m sorry about what happened at the ball. I would never let a man speak to you like that. And if I’d known, well…I’m sorry that happened.”

I feel tears threaten. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain,” I say.

He places his hand on my jaw and rubs his thumb over my cheekbone. “You have nothing to be sorry for, Ella. But there’s more.”

I tilt my head a little, perplexed as to what else he could possibly have to say. “The property, your father’s property, is yours.”

“What?” I yell as I stand abruptly, my fists clenched. “That’s not funny, Chase.”

Chase stands and grabs my arms. “I’m not joking. I had our lawyers pull the property information. The trust paperwork was filed with it and it’s not legal. Your father’s will was on file with the county, and he did not leave the property to Nancy. In fact, she was instructed to put that land in a trust foryou. We aren’t sure how she was able to pull it off, but somehow, she was able to override your father’s will, which isn’t legal.”

“What? For me?”

“Yes, princess. It’s yours. I mean, we’ll need to get some documents filed at the court, but we’ll get it back for you,” he says with a small smile.

“Really?” I ask as the tears start falling.

“Really,” he replies, stepping forward so we are only a few inches apart.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He smiles down at me. “You’re welcome. I know you were upset and if you need more time…” He pauses and I shake my head. “Is that anoto the more time or anoto me?”

I let out a watery laugh. “It’s anoto more time. I missed you,” I admit as I wrap my arms around his waist.

“I missed you more,” he says, stepping closer so our full bodies are touching.

“Can we start again, Ella?” he asks.

“Again?”

“I’d like to take you on a date…as myrealgirlfriend,” he adds.

I bite my lip to keep from smiling. Putting on my most serious face, I reply, “I think I’d like that.”

“Great. How’s tonight? Six o’clock? I can pick you up and we can go to Max’s. I’ll call in a favor since it’s New Year’s Eve,” he suggests.

“That sounds perfect,” I reply as he leans down so our lips are almost touching. “I don’t normally kiss on a first date,” I whisper.

“How about an exception since I just made you a millionaire?” he asks.

I give him a little shove in the ribs, and he pretends to be injured. “Ouch,” he says in a fake hurt voice.

“How about an exception because I’m already in love with you?” he says as we stare at each other.

“Y-you are?” I stammer, sucking in a breath because I can’t believe he said that.

“I am,” he declares.

I can’t stop the smile this time. “Good. Because I’m in love with you too. So I suppose that calls for an exception,” I say as I lean up and press my lips to his.

For the briefest of seconds, I forget anyone else is here. I just relish in the warmth of Chase’s arms and his hot breath and soft lips against mine.

“Woot! Woot!” Greta yells.

“Take it all off!” Gus teases.

---