Page 150 of My Big, Fat, Secret Billionaire Baby

“Oh, sweetie.” I can hear the tears in her voice now. “A baby doesn’t change a man like that. Not fundamentally. It might make him pause, it might make him try for a little while. But that pull… that need for... escape... novelty... it’s stronger. I know you wanted to believe. I did, too, with your father. But you have to protect yourself, Sabrina. And you have to protect Mia. Because no one else will. Always remember that.”

Protect Mia. That’s the bottom line, isn’t it?

My own stupid, hopeful heart can take a beating. It’s had practice.

But Mia… she deserves better.

She deserves a father who chooses her, unequivocally.

Not one who sneaks off to cheat death while pretending to be at the office.

“I know, Mom,” I whisper. “I know.”

We talk for a bit longer, but I’m not really listening to what she’s saying. She’s trying to soothe me, I think. Comfort me. But it’s just not penetrating. Finally I say my goodbyes and hang up.

The next hour passes in a blur of unanswered emails from increasingly agitated investors and snarkysports bloggers. I manage a few more deflections, a few more vague statements, but my heart’s just not in it.

The professional mask feels suffocating today. Like a carefully constructed lie wrapped around a completely fraudulent core. Because how can I project an image of Leo Maxwell as a stable, responsible leader when I know, with a sickening certainty, that the reckless daredevil is still very much alive and kicking?

Not to mention, he’s a liar.

My mother was right.

He chose the fall.

He’llalwayschoose the fall.

It’s in his DNA.

This opulent cage feels suffocating. Leo is still ‘at the office,’ or so his schedule says.

More like ‘at the jump site,’ high on adrenaline and who knows what else.

The thought makes me sick.

I can’t stay here. Not right now. I need to breathe air that doesn’t smell faintly of his expensive cologne.

I need to talk to someone whogets it.

My fingers, surprisingly steady, dial Tatiana’s number.

“Hey,” I say when she answers. “Emergency strategy session needed. You free? Because this… this involves needing to understand the billionaire psyche, and you’re the only expert I know.”

And maybe you can talk some sense into me before I completely lose it.

“Sabrina? What’s wrong?” Tati’s voice is instantly concerned.

“Leo. He… he jumped again. There’s video. It’s a mess.”

A sharp intake of breath on her end. “Oh, Sabrina. I’m so sorry. Of course. Come over. Bring Mia. We’ll figure it out.”

“Thanks, Tati. I… I really need this.”

I hang up and quickly text Jonas and Terrence, my newly assigned shadows.

Heading to the Rossi residence.

They’ll coordinate the armored transport. At least that’s one less thing to worry about, getting Mia safely across town. Unfortunately, I havehimto thank for that transport.

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