Page 26 of More Than a Billionaire

Skylar’s stomach sank. She was hoping he didn’t know about that.

“Glenda Middlebury mentioned seeing Gus there with Adelia Allen. Did you see him?”

“Yes. They were there.”

“And what was all that business with Genevieve rushing out like she did? I heard she quit.”

“She left for personal reasons.”

“Is this something I need to be worried about?”

“Not at all. It’s been taken care of.”

“It’s a shame to lose her. She really went above and beyond for this year’s fundraiser. I was very impressed with her.”

“So was I, but she decided to move on.” She continued before he could say more. “It would help me and my workload to have Gus back. I didn’t realize all he actually did until he wasn’t there to do it anymore. I always assumed he goofed off in his office all day long like we teased him about, but I was wrong. We all were.”

Dad shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry, Skylar. It’s not the right time. His lawsuit is still a hot topic. Once the dust settles, we’ll revisit this.”

As she left his study, she let out a sad sigh of disappointment, knowing there was nothing she could say to convince him otherwise. Skylar loved her father and respected his decision to protect the company he’d built, but she didn’t agree with shutting Gus out.

Skylar’s phone rang the moment she climbed into her car to head home.

“What are you doing on Labor Day?” Franky asked before she had a chance to say hello.

“Uh, I don’t know yet. Why?”

“How would you like to do the Mackinac Bridge Walk with me?”

“Are you serious?” Though she had lived in Michigan her whole life, Skylar had never taken part in the popular annual tradition. Every Labor Day, tens of thousands of people walked the five-mile suspension bridge, connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan.

“A group of us from the firm are going. Some are bringing their families. I thought it would be fun to bring a friend.”

Skylar couldn’t help but cringe when he said friend. Not that she didn’t love their friendship, but he kept mentioning it, like he was trying really hard to drive it home.

“Sure, that sounds fun.”

“Awesome! What are you doing right now?”

“Just had breakfast with my family.”

“Nice. I saw Gus at the office Monday for depositions.”

“How’d that go?”

“Milton’s friends told their side, and they brought in the bartender, who was working that night. If it goes to trial, there’s a good chance Gus will lose.”

Skylar’s heart sank.

“I saw your ex too.”

She groaned. “I’m sorry. He’s the worst.”

“I didn’t know you dated Clark Kent.”

She chuckled. “I’m not going to lie and say his looks weren’t the first thing that drew me in.”

“He definitely did not look like I expected him to look,” Franky said.

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