Page 16 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

I take several deep breaths and look up at the ceiling, fanning my face.

Lucas’s gaze is sympathetic. “We couldn’t believe it either at first. But we have concrete proof now. I’ve compiled all the evidence we need.”

“Have you taken it to the police yet?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet. I wanted to tell you and Maggie first so you could both decide how you want to handle the situation.”

“Thank you for that.” I take one last deep breath, trying to steady myself, and drop my hands to my side. “I don’t want to go to the cops without talking to Maggie, but I do think it’s time to confront this asshole. He needs to know that we’re onto him. I want him to lose sleep worrying about what we’re going to do.”

Lucas hands me his phone, showing me just a few of the screenshots he’s gathered as evidence. “You can send him a message from my phone. Let him know we’ve uncovered his scam?”

“I’ll demand he return all the money, or else we’ll go to the police. We’ll give him until tomorrow to do the right thing and if he doesn’t comply, we’ll take legal action and make sure everyone knows what he’s done.”

“Oof,” Lucas says with an evil little grin. “Look who’s got their claws extended.”

“He deserves it!”

I take the phone, my fingers trembling with a mix of emotions. Anger, betrayal, but also a fierce determination to protect our foundation and those we aim to help.

“He won’t get away with this,” I say firmly, my jaw clenched in determination.

Lucas nods in agreement. “We’ll make sure of that. And regardless of what happens, the foundation’s mission won’t be tarnished. We’ll continue to fight for ARPKD research and support those who need it.”

I nod, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me. “Thank you, Lucas. We’ll face this together.”

As I type out the angry message to Booker, a mix of emotions swirl within me, but one thing is clear. No one will exploit the Owen Foxworthy Foundation, and tonight’s Enchanted Evening will be a triumph for those who truly deserve our support.

***

The fairytale-themed fundraiser is in full swing, and it’s almost easy to forget about all the drama from earlier as I look around and admire all the hard work that went into making this evening a success.

Twinkling lights and elegant decorations are everywhere, immersing guests in a magical world. I feel like an actual fairytale princess in my shimmering silver gown and the faux-diamond jewels in my loose hair, as I mingle with the attendees, expressing my heartfelt thanks for their unwavering support of the Owen Foxworthy Foundation.

I’m mid-conversation with some donors when a handsome man catches my eye. He’s dressed in a simple but perfectly tailored black tuxedo and my heart starts beating faster as he approaches me with a sexy grin on his face.

God, I’ve missed that smile.

“Abby, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Alec says in his Russian accent, taking my hand and kissing it gently. I’ve missed that voice, too. “You look stunning tonight.”

“Thank you, Alec. You look quite handsome yourself.”

“I was hoping I’d get the chance to see you again,” he says, his green eyes locked onto mine. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

I nod eagerly, falling for him all over again. Maybe I should feel differently about the fact that he dropped me so easily, only to waltz over a year later as if nothing has changed, but I just can’t bring myself to be bitter. I’ve thought about it a lot since that day, and he hasn’t done anything wrong. We owed each other nothing, and he never once implied our time would be anything but what it was. I knew that at the time, and I’d made my choice. What happened afterward was nobody’s fault.

We step onto the dance floor, and I’m immediately drawn into his strong arms. As we move together, conversation flows effortlessly between us. We talk about the foundation, the progress we’ve made, and our shared passion for helping those affected by ARPKD.

“I know I’ve said it before,” he leans in a little closer, making me melt into his arms, “but your dedication to this cause is truly inspiring.”

I smile, feeling a rush of pride when I see the genuine admiration in his eyes and hear it in his voice. “Thank you. It’s been challenging at times, but it’s all worth it to make a difference in people’s lives. Of course, you know that, though.”

His gaze softens as he looks at me. “You’ve done more than just make a difference, Abby. Your work has brought a lot of hope to so many families.”

My heart aches to tell him about the babies, but I hesitate, not wanting to overshadow the magical evening with such big, heavy news. Not yet, anyway. Instead, I let him twirl me around the dance floor as if I don’t have a care in the world.

But my little slice of heaven is interrupted when I overhear a couple talking about Booker Carlson’s absence at the event. A fresh wave of anger surges through me as the memory of his deception comes rushing back.

I grimace at the thought and, of course, Alec notices immediately. “What is it, beautiful?” His concerned tone and the way he called me beautiful are almost enough to make me forget what I’m so upset about in the first place.

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