Page 129 of My Big, Fat, Secret Billionaire Baby

It’s an excuse that’s starting to wear thin, even to myself.

A few minutes later, Charlie, who’s been stationed downstairs since the paparazzi incident, pings my private line. “Mr. Briggs is in the lobby, Leo. Thomas is bringing him up.”

Right.

Luca doesn’t have direct elevator access to the penthouse anymore.

Fucking revoked it for all my former ‘associates.’ As in fuckbuddies and fair-weather friends. Probably should get Sabrina and Mia officially added to the secure manifest sometime. Though honestly, Sabrina seems to enjoy the escorted rides up with Thomas. They’re always yapping away like they’re old friends by the time the doors open on this floor. Maybe she sees the old guy as the father figure she never had. Whatever. As long as Thomas keeps her happy anddoesn’t start offering unsolicited parenting advice like Dom...

Limping, I make my way to the living area. It still hurts to walk, but it’s getting easier by the day. At least I don’t need a cane anymore.

I take a seat on one of the bigger leather couches, and exhale in relief, glad for a break from the pain.

The private elevator dings and Thomas ushers Luca into the living area.

My business partner.

The guy who got me into half the shit I’m now trying to climb out of.

He looks… rough.

His designer suit is still impeccable, his hair is perfectly styled, but there’s a frantic energy about him, and a tightness around the eyes that even his expensive sunglasses can’t quite hide.

He’s high.

And not just a bump to stay sharp.

We’re talking next-level wired.

“Leo!” he exclaims, his voice a little too loud. “There you are! Been MIA for weeks, partner. What gives? Hibernating? Enjoying your… extended paternity leave?” His gaze lingers on the highchair in the corner of the room, the colorful play mat spread across the rug.

“Thank you, Thomas,” I say, dismissing my household manager.

He nods and disappears. He’ll be waiting for Luca next to the elevator.

I address my business partner once more. “I’ve been working from home, Luca, as you well know. Managing the fallout from the tabloid leak,remember?”

Luca paces restlessly across the room. “Problem is, Leo,perception. You, holed up here… playing house… it’s not a good look. Investors are antsy. They need to see Maxwell & Briggs at full throttle, not… this.” He gestures again, encompassing the scattered toys that have drifted in here from the nursery. “This PR manager of yours, I don’t think her campaign is working.”

My own frustration starts to simmer. “Sabrina’s PR strategyisworking. We’re containing the damage, rebuilding confidence.”

“Containing the damage?” Luca scoffs. “Leo, we should bemakingwaves, not just riding them out! We’re Maxwell & Briggs! We define the fucking IPO market! And right now? We look… domesticated. Neutered. We haven’t had an IPO since your goddamn accident.” He stops pacing, turning to face me. His eyes glitter with that familiar, dangerous energy. “You know what wouldreallyrestore investor confidence? Show them the old Leo is back? The one who takes risks, pushes boundaries?”

I know where this is going. “Don’t, Luca.”

“Red Bull Chamonix,” he says, his voice dropping. “It’s six months from now. They’re already scouting the new lines. They called me this morning. Asked about Team Maxwell & Briggs. Asked if we were ready to defend our title.” He takes a step closer, his gaze burning into mine. “Imagine it, Leo. Back in the suit. Back on theedge. The ultimate PR move. Show the world you’re not just recovered. You’re fuckingreborn. That’s the narrative we need right now. Not… diaper duty and lullabies.”

The old pull is there. Stronger than I want to admit. Chamonix. The roar of the wind. The absolute focus. The silence. The feeling of being truly, terrifyingly alive.

Part of me, a dark, reckless part I thought I’d buried, yearns for it.

For the escape.

For the oblivion.

But then I see Mia’s face in my mind. Those trusting green eyes. Sabrina’s hesitant smile. The fragile peace we’re starting to build here.

“I’m not going, Luca,” I say, my voice flat.

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