Page 78 of My Big, Fat, Secret Billionaire Baby

Focus, Sabrina.

Back to the PR plan.

Phase Two involves carefully curatedpublic appearances. Charity galas (with appropriate dates,notlike that boobs-in-your-face Jen girl, thank you very much), industry panels focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly investments, maybe even a softball interview with a friendly outlet focusing on his recovery and renewed dedication to the firm.

You know, the whole rebuilding the brand image thing. Projecting stability.

What we've been doing so far seems to be working. Slowly, anyway. Leo mentioned yesterday that two major pension funds that had previously paused commitments have already scheduled follow-up meetings.

Small wins, but wins nonetheless. My professional brain clicks with satisfaction.

See? Control the narrative, and you avert the crisis. PR 101.

The government, especially the intelligence services, have known this for years. And private businesses are finally catching on, thanks to people like me.

Still, if only my personal life were so easily managed.

Mia suddenly lets out a frustrated wail. The block tower has, inevitably, collapsed. Her lower lip trembles.

Here come the waterworks.

I automatically start to get up, ready to deploy Mommy Rescue Mode, but Leo holds up a hand, stopping me.

“I got this,” he says from across the room, sounding surprisingly calm.

I hesitate, sinking back onto the ridiculously comfortable sofa.

Okay. You got this, do you? Fine. Let’s see how Billionaire Dad handles a level one meltdown.

Leo scoops Mia up effortlessly, settling her onto his lap, facing him. He ignores the fallen blocks.

“Uh oh,” he says softly, his tone gentle, completely different from the sharp, clipped cadence he uses in business calls. “Big crash, huh? Was that the red one? Did the red one do it?”

He points to a stray red block.

Mia’s crying hitches as she looks where he’s pointing, momentarily distracted. She sniffles, rubbing her eyes with chubby fists.

“Yeah, that red one’s a troublemaker,” Leo continues conversationally, bouncing her gently on his knee. “Always causing problems. Should we put him in time out?”

He makes a funny face, crossing his eyes slightly.

A watery giggle escapes Mia. She reaches out and pats his cheek, leaving a slightly damp spot.

My breath catches. He… he soothed her.

Just like that.

No panic, no awkwardness.

Just… gentle distraction and a goofy face.

My own father, in the rare moments he was actually present, would have either ignored me or gotten frustrated.

Leo catches my eye over Mia’s head, a small, self-deprecating smile touching his lips. Like he’s surprised himself. He looks… different, suddenly. Less sharp edges, more… warmth.

The strength is still there, the undeniable power in his build, even with the lingering injury, but it’s tempered now by this unexpected gentleness.

Thiscapabletenderness.

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