Page 61 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

"Another round, please," I slurred, waving my hand to catch the bartender's attention. She hesitated, probably wondering if I could handle any more. I shot her a charming smile that promised her a hefty tip, and she reluctantly agreed. "Don't worry… last one."

"Cheers to living life on my own fucking terms," I toasted to myself, downing the next glass in one swift motion.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath as the door to the bar swung open, revealing my mother in all her glory. The sight ofher sent a chill down my spine, despite the warmth of the alcohol coursing through my veins. Her steely gray eyes locked onto me, and I could see the disapproval etched across her perfectly made-up face. Her lips pursed into a thin line as she took in the numerous empty glasses littering the bar counter around me.

"Jesus Christ, Hugo," she snapped, striding over in her designer heels, her slim figure wrapped in a tailored suit that screamed wealth and power. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Having a drink, Mamma," I replied sarcastically, gesturing to my glass collection. "Care to join me?" I raised an eyebrow, knowing full well she wouldn't touch the stuff.

"Very funny," she said icily, her gaze never leaving mine. "You're making a fool of yourself."

"Am I now?" I retorted, playing with the glasses gathered before me. "I'm just enjoying myself, Mother. Something you should try sometime."

"By getting absolutely wasted in some dingy American bar?" She crossed her arms, her manicured nails tapping against her forearm impatiently. "This is beneath you, Hugo. And quite frankly, it's embarrassing."

"Sorry to disappoint you," I shot back, my voice dripping with bitterness. "But you should be used to that by now. It's just official. I'm not even going to try to gain your approval anymore."

She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Don't be so dramatic. You know your father and I only want what's best for you."

"Best for you, you mean," I corrected, feeling the anger boiling inside me. "You don't give a damn about what I want."

"Enough!" she hissed, her eyes narrowing. "You're making a scene."

"Good," I growled, turning around, my elbow hitting the glasses and making a symphony of clinking. The bartenderrushed to catch a few glasses and clean up the mess around me. "Maybe it's about time we had this conversation in public, where you can't hide behind your perfect façade."

"Watch your tone, Hugo," she warned, her voice low and dangerous.

"Or what?" I challenged, standing up to face her. "What are you going to do, Mamma? I’m already disowned and cut off from the family fortune. Looks like you haven’t talked to Dad yet, huh?"

Her cheeks flushed with anger. "Maybe then you'll learn about Italian family obligation and responsibility."

"Responsibility?" I laughed bitterly. "You're one to talk. You've never given a damn about me or my sisters. You're too busy chasing status and power to care about anyone but yourself."

"Get your head out of your ass, Hugo," Mother snapped. "You're a grown man, not some petulant child. Grow up and start acting like one."

"Fine," I spat, my voice taut with frustration. "You want me to act like an adult? Here's something for you then: Simone is pregnant."

For a moment, Mom seemed stunned into silence, her mouth moving wordlessly as she processed the information. Finally, she found her voice, and it was laced with venom.

"Is that supposed to be some sort of joke?" she asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Does it look like I'm fucking joking?" I snapped, the tension between us reaching its breaking point.

"Jesus Christ, Hugo," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really are a piece of work, aren't you?"

"Excuse me?" I demanded, my blood boiling. "You've just heard that you're going to be a grandmother, and this is how you react?"

"Of course, I'm not thrilled!" she hissed, her anger matching mine. "That girl has been nothing but trouble since you met her."

"Simone is not trouble," I defended, bristling at her words. "She's a good person, and she's going to be a great mother, whether you approve or not."

"Ha!" she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You're so naïve, Hugo. Can't you see she's just after our money? She's probably ecstatic to have a child with you. She'll be set for life!"

"That couldn't be further from reality, Mamma," I growled, my fists clenching at my sides. "Simone isn't like that. You don't even know what it's like to be a genuine person. Most people don't care about status or money. I've learned that on my own, in the real world. And you know what? I'm scared shitless about having a child. I don't want to fuck them up like you and Dad supremely fucked up your children. I wish I had a better example so I wouldn't keep running away and not facing things. Simone doesn't care about money or status. She loves me, and I love her, and we're going to raise this child together. God help her because she's got a mess called me on her hands now too. Thanks to you and Papà."

"Love?" she snorted derisively. "Surely you don't believe that nonsense. She's got you wrapped around her finger, and now she's trapped you with a baby."

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