Millionaire Daddy

by Piper Stone

  He closed the door and stood over her desk. “Good morning, Jenna. I wish this visit was under better circumstances.”

  “Sir?” She could barely hear him, given her heart was thudding against her chest, the sound echoing in her ears. She was woozy, her skin clammy.

  “As you know, the business has been under a crunch and we’re being forced to make some cuts.”

  “Cuts? What do you mean?” She slunk further in her seat.

  Exhaling, he looked away before speaking. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to let you go. I simply have no other choice.”

  * * *

  Dominick was absolutely elated with the outcome of the meeting with Mr. Porter. Finding him on the golf course had meant a captive audience. After a few tense minutes, the man had allowed him to talk. Maybe he’d have to consider upping his golf game so to speak. And to find out that the man had a penchant for all things kink was delightful, especially given what he knew Troy must have told him was a surprise. The man’s incredible acreage was going to be used for a business venture both men agreed would be the pinnacle of their days in the real estate industry.

  And he couldn’t wait to share this with Jenna.

  But that would have to wait until later in the day. What he had to do at this point left him with a bad taste in his mouth; however, he refused to be made out as a fool. If he’d only looked closely at the divorce papers earlier, he might have noticed that she’d obviously forged his signature, although the likeness was damn close. What he’d read had been interesting to say the least. Her clause regarding any perceived indiscretions had been genius and he’d inadvertently fallen into her web. However, he had total faith in his divorce attorney. The man was a shark and was no doubt laying down the law to Catherine’s attorney. Forgery was a crime.

  He was swinging by his house to collect the actual papers on his attorney’s request. Then the boom would be dropped. With her actual signature, he could make certain that she didn’t receive a dime in alimony. And if what he suspected was true, both she and her new fiancé would find themselves trying to dig out from a hole they’d crafted with their greed. Now, he was going to add the cement.

  He rolled down the long driveway, heading for the guardhouse and as soon as he neared the building, Sam made certain to flag him down. Slowing, he rolled down his window. “Good afternoon, Sam.”

  “Mr. Asbury. You have a visitor and she refused to leave. Said she’d wait until you arrived.” Sam pointed to the other side of the gatehouse, to the small parking area meant for visitors without a pass.

  Bristling, he expected seeing Catherine’s car. When he noticed an SUV that he didn’t recognize, a bad feeling pooled into the pit of his stomach. “Who?”

  “Camille Jameson. I’m sorry, sir. I tried to tell her that I had no idea when you’d be back.” Sam’s face was full of apprehension.

  “That’s all right. I’ll drive around and talk to her.” What in the hell was Camille doing here? He pulled around, parking behind her SUV.

  Camille was out of the car, storming toward him the second he slapped the gear into park. “How fucking dare you? What is wrong with you? Don’t you have enough money? Clout? What are you trying to do, ruin her life? Don’t take her down with you. She doesn’t deserve your wrath.”

  “My wrath? Camille. I’m not certain what you’re talking about. Maybe you haven’t had a chance to talk with Jenna yet. We had a discussion last night and worked everything out.”

  “Yeah? Well, that was before you betrayed her yet again. What did you think you were going to accomplish by letting the world know about her past? Don’t you have everything you need in this world without humiliating her?”

  He was taken aback, absolutely confused by her words. “I honestly don’t understand what you’re talking about at all. I’m sorry.”

  “Yeah, not as sorry as you’re going to be, you asshole. My husband is an attorney and trust me, we will find a way to take you down.” Camie hissed as she moved closer, her hand fisted.

  “Calm down and tell me what’s going on.”

  “As if you don’t know. On top of the crap you pulled, she lost her job today and no doubt because of the article. You’re a loathsome piece of shit.”

  “What do you mean she lost her job? What?” A fog immediately settled around his eyes.

  Camie cursed under her breath as she yanked out her phone. “Fine. If you don’t believe me.”

  “Who does she work for? Why did she lose her job?” He was out of breath, anger surging into every cell in his body.

  She tapped on her phone, every move laced with rage. “Here. You’re the only person that knew about her past and that she’s an orphan. The only person.” Shoving the phone in his face, her hand shaking, she glared at him.

  He blinked twice as he looked at the headlines. Taking the phone from her hand, he scrolled through the article, written by yet another freelance reporter from the Observer.

  Local wealthy land developer, Dominick Asbury is reported to be in a relationship with poor orphan waif, Jenna Parker while still being married…

  Lights flashed in front of his eyes as he read the rest of the piece, complete with pictures taken of his desk after Jenna’s appearance. The portrait that was painted of his relationship with both women was jaded, full of lies and innuendoes, depicting Jenna as being out for his money and nothing else.

  “Where does Jenna work?” he demanded.

  “As if I would tell you,” Camie huffed.

  He closed the distance until he was standing over her. “Tell me. I need to know. This is very important.”

  She wavered, shaking her head several times. “Fine. Willowsby Manufacturing. But if you do anything further to her, you will face my wrath.”

  Oh, dear God. Karma was indeed kicking his ass. He gathered every ounce of the man inside who knew without a doubt that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jenna and spoke from his heart. “Camille. I need you to listen to me very carefully because I’m going to tell you the truth. I will be happy to provide you the name of my personal attorney in order for you to check the details of what I’m about to tell you,” he half whispered, anger blinding him.

  “You better believe I’m going to check with your attorney. In fact, we’ll make certain the man hears about the restraining order that will be filed.”

  Christ. This had gotten way out of hand. “I love Jenna more than I can show or explain. Please, if you really care for her like I know you do, listen to me.” As he began to tell a story, he closed his eyes, praying for perhaps the first time in his life. Please, God, allow me to do the right thing and fix this. Please.

  Less than thirty minutes later, Dominick arrived at Troy’s office. The various rushed calls made during the drive had been rewarding enough and while his bank account was going to suffer, his mind would be put at ease. No one was ever going to hurt his baby girl again, not as long as he was alive.

  He pushed open the heavy glass entrance doors and walked inside, taking long strides past the pretty, young receptionist, who called after him.

  “Mr. Asbury. You can’t just go back there. Mr. Asbury!”

  Ignoring her pleas, he turned the knob on Troy’s office door, tossing it hard enough to hear the doorframe clanging.

  Troy jerked up from his seat, moving around his desk. “Dominick. What’s wrong?”

  “You son of a bitch.” Issuing a hard punch, he caught Troy in the chin, the force reeling his former friend backward, pitching him over the edge of the desk and into the wall.

  Troy dropped like a rock, stunned. He moaned as he immediately slapped his hand over his jaw, blinking several times. “I don’t…”

  “Don’t say a fucking word to me. You can have Catherine and whatever is left of her financial kingdom she thinks she’s going to build off my company. However, keep this in mind. If you so much as try to hurt Jenna again, so help me God, I will destroy both of you. Do. You. Understand?”

  “Dominick. No. It’
s not what you think. Listen to me.” He struggled to stand.

  “I’m through with listening to assholes like you. I’m done. Stay out of my life or I will have you disbarred. And that rag newspaper you confided in? I’m buying it. We’ll see what interesting information they’re going to provide now.” He glared down at the man then turned on his heel, walking out. Next on the list? Catherine Willowsby Asbury and her father, the man who owned Willowsby Manufacturing.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I don’t care about what it’s going to cost me. I have no love of money at this point; however, I want Catherine to have nothing after this. I mean other than her father’s money.” Dominick rubbed his eyes, the dull ache in his head a reminder of his ridiculous actions as of late. He took a swig of his scotch as he paced the floor.

  Two long days had passed since the blasphemous article had surfaced. Damage control had been a joke, but at some point, another pseudo celebrity would take his place on the hot seat. Just a matter of time, that is, if he had the time. Rumors regarding the Asbury board of directors had already surfaced, and the information was condemning.

  He heard what his attorney was saying and all he could do was laugh. John Swenson was the best divorce attorney in the state of Virginia and also the most expensive. Dominick could purchase another company for the amount of money he’d spent on attempting to end his marriage. At least John had bent over backwards in order to try to find any dirt on Catherine or her father regarding Jenna’s loss of employment. At this point, there was little to go on. Given Virginia was a right to work state, Jenna’s dismissal had been her boss’s right, a man who was no doubt pigeonholed into following orders. There were no requirements for the reasons why Jenna was terminated, even though he knew pressure had been placed on her boss. It was the way of the world and his baby girl had been caught in the middle of his nasty divorce.

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  “Dominick, I hear what you’re saying but the prenuptial that you signed and the various accusations that Catherine provided, including some pretty scathing pictures, precludes the divorce agreement. Unfortunately, the fact she changed the document midstream, even if you swear in a court of law and can prove that’s not your signature, the prenuptial is still damning unless you can catch her in something else.”

  “And forgery isn’t a crime?”

  “If we can prove it, maybe, but I’m telling you, might be tough,” John stated.

  “How about marrying my corporate attorney? Does that count?” He burned from the idea.

  “I can find no evidence of that. None. And I’m not certain if or how that would matter anyway. If you want my opinion, I think she told you another story,” John stated. “For all I know, she could have been using Troy Banner to toss you into an uncompromising position. The woman is the Ice Queen. You said it yourself.”

  He’d said a hell of a lot more than that. “She’s a conniving bitch but I doubt Troy would allow himself to be used.” No, Troy was smack in the middle of this scheme of his own accord. He continued pacing, seething given his world was unraveling. “So, I need to find evidence that she planned the takeover of my company, using any indiscretions against me. Is that what you’re saying?” Dominick polished off the drink, resisting pitching the glass at the window.

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. If you can find any hard evidence that she is working with Troy Banner, let alone that she is romantically involved with the man and especially during the last few months, then we can nail her.”

  He heard the words and knew that Catherine wouldn’t be that stupid to leave any kind of evidence. He’d been played. “My company is destroyed.” Shaking his head, he couldn’t believe he’d allowed himself to be duped.

  “Not destroyed, Dom. You’ll still be a minority shareholder in Asbury Associates, but Catherine will own the majority of the stock, which means she’ll control all the decisions.” John exhaled. “I’m sorry, buddy. I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear.”

  “You’re doing all you can. I know that.” He laughed as he realized that he’d been a fool to sign the pre-nup all those years ago. He’d given it little thought when her father required the paperwork prior to the exclusive and very expensive wedding ceremony. He’d spent the better part of the night going over the thirty-two-page pre-nup, something he should have done years ago. The only way she could get ahold of his company was by infidelity or criminal activity. And he’d signed on the dotted line after her father had infused capital in what had been at the time a dying firm.

  “I’m going to ask you something that you’re not going to like but it’s important that we look at every aspect. Did you ever stop to think that maybe Jenna Parker is a plant and that she’s helping Catherine with this?”

  Anger swelled within him and he swept his arm across his desk. The clanging noises as various items clamored to the floor made him snarl. “Never. Jenna Parker is also a victim here.”

  “Okay. I had to ask. Try to breathe and let me do some additional digging,” John said quietly.

  Breathe. Right. “You do that.” He tossed the phone onto his desk, immediately grabbing his glass and moving toward the bar. Tonight wasn’t the time to stop drinking.

  The loud rapping on his front door couldn’t have made him any angrier. Which neighbor dared interrupt him? He poured his drink, carrying it with him before heading for the door, flinging it open. A cold chill slithered down his spine. “What. The. Fuck.”

  “Don’t slam the door in my face, Dom. You and I need to talk. Please.” Troy stood with one hand in his pocket, his brow furrowed, his eyes haunted.

  He resisted punching Troy again. Violence wasn’t going to solve anything at this point. “How did you get in here?” He noticed the stack of files in the man’s hand and almost laughed. What else could he add to the end of his entire world?

  “I told the guard I was your attorney. Yeah, I kind of strong-armed him. And I’d like to continue being your corporate attorney,” Troy said, his eyes locked on Dominick’s.

  “You must be dreaming, buddy. As if that is going to happen. Did you come here to gloat? Get your rocks off?” Laughing, he stepped away from the door, walking further inside. Yeah, he’d hear the asshole out. Why not?

  Troy followed him, closing the door. He took careful steps into Dominick’s office. “Let’s get one thing clear. I’m not involved with Catherine in any way. I never have been.”

  “As if I can believe you.”

  “If you’ll just listen to me, I think I can help you.”

  Dominick glared at Troy, giving him a hard once-over. “Fine. Spill it then leave. I’m in no mood for crap.”

  “I’m not the man sabotaging you. I would never do that kind of thing, Dom. I realize we’ve been at odds during various business deals, but I respect you and your firm.”

  He simply shook his head.

  Troy walked closer. “I get it. Hear me. I had certain suspicions during the last few months and I should have said something to you earlier, but nothing was concrete. Still, I’m sorry. More than you know.”

  “Suspicions? Of what?” Dominick’s words were biting.

  “Certain aspects of alterations made on proposals, conversations that seemed off to me. I started paying closer attention, but nothing was glaring, at least until recently.”

  “And why should I buy any of this shit?”

  “Because you need to spend time looking at the interior workings of the company you made. You. Your father might have developed Asbury Associates, but you gave it heart and soul.” When Dominick remained quiet, he exhaled. “Everything you need to know is in these files. If you’ll just get your head out of your ass for a few minutes and take a look.”

  Hissing, he was ready to take another swing. “Fuck you!”

  “Okay. Okay. Please. Take a look at what I’ve managed to gather. The information, if you put the pieces together, leaves a clear trail. Emails. Copies of forged signatures. Just read it. That’s all I’m asking.”
Troy held out the files, giving him a half smile. “For what it’s worth, I’m so sorry about Jenna. I was crass at first and that was just shitty. I know how much she means to you. Please allow me to help.”

  Dominick glanced down at the material, finally opening the folder and scanning several pages. After a few seconds, he allowed a heated breath to escape.

  * * *

  Jenna stood against her car, studying the house through dark sunglasses, holding the unopened bottle of wine like a lifeline. She was in the same place, uncomfortable and out of sorts, that she had been almost four weeks before. Several ugly thoughts roared through the back of her mind. Everything in her life had changed, wrecked and all because of a ridiculous idea. Several days had passed but the pain was still unbearable. Dominick had called several times, finally stopping after the second day. Over. Everything that mattered was over.

  She wouldn’t be here if Camie hadn’t called or texted at least fifty times.

  Come to my party or else. It’s your birthday.

  Whoopidy do.

  Hiding under the covers had proven to be comforting. At least Camie had stayed with her the first night, allowing her to cry and snivel, drink and feast on peppermint patty ice cream. Sighing, the various pep talks had allowed her to get dressed, fill her car with gas and drive here, but the rest? She didn’t even want to be seen by anybody, especially since she was the laughing stock of the entire city. How many crank calls had she received? Dozens.

  The concept of getting another job was slim to nil. Maybe changing her name was a good idea. After waiting for another solid five minutes, she willed her feet to move, walking across the street. There were several cars lining the street, no doubt ready to have a blast. Maybe she’d stay inside, all alone. By herself. Just the bottle of wine.

  A slight smile crossed her face as she immediately headed around back, anticipating laughter and frivolity, actions she wasn’t going to be able to fake. Not a snowball’s chance in hell. As she neared the gate, she was surprised she didn’t see anyone, even though the pool was glistening, the tables and chairs immaculate. Maybe she was early. She eased inside and stood, turning in a full circle. This was the kind of house she’d always wanted: a pool for the kids, a grill for her husband, beautiful landscaping. All sweet peace.