Page 18 of Billionaire Accidental Daddy

“Not really. But thank you,” I say. “If only you still had a seat on the board,” I joke. The bylaws state that all Ashfords and their spouses can automatically join the board if they want. Unfortunately, Mom lost hers in the divorce.

“You know,” my mom jokes, “that’s another reason to prioritize your dating life.”

“Huh?” I say, not following.

“If you fall in love and get married, your wife could sit on the board. So it would be good for your personal lifeandyour business life.”

“Mom.” That’s crass, even for a woman as used to old money politics as she is. “I’m not going to marry someone for a vote.”

“Oh calm down, I’m joking,” she says. “But I do think taking your dating life a bit more seriously could have benefits you haven’t considered.”

“Why do I get the feeling you’re about to tell them to me?” I ask wryly.

She’s doing just that when my office door bursts open. It’s Amelia, dressed to kill in this strappy black minidress with retro beads that shimmer and sparkle when she moves.

She’s practically vibrating with excitement.

There’s something gold and shimmering that makes her eyes even more captivating, and her legs in those heels...

A smarter man would tell her to leave, because after weeks of secretly passing notes, striding into my office is the polar opposite of discreet. Even if it is after 7:00 p.m. on a Friday night.

But apparently, I’m not a smarter man. Because I hear myself saying, “Mom, I need to go.”

I hang up and cross my arms. “What?”

“So, I was in the bathroom...No, wait.” Amelia turns around and closes the door behind her so no one will overhear. Then she says, “Gerald McDonald is a board member, right?”

“Yes,” I say impatiently. “Although I have no idea how that can possibly relate to you using the bathroom.”

“Not using. Changing.” Amelia gestures to her outfit. “Anyway, not the point. I overheard two of the secretaries talking. It turns out McDonald helped his son cheat on a standardized admission exam to get into Harvard.”

I frown. “McDonald’s company runs one of the biggest standardized test companies. If he used it to cheat...”

“His professional reputation would be ruined,” Amelia says.

I hesitate. If I blackmail McDonald, I can get him to vote my way. Which would mean a tie between my vision and my dad’s.

But I don’t love blowing up a kid’s life. And I like even less the idea of letting McDonald get in the way of other kids having a fair shot at college if I keep his transgression a secret.

“Why aren’t you happier?” Amelia asks, confused.

I run a hand through my hair, thinking. “It pains me to say it, but ethical qualms.”

Amelia smiles. “Aww, you do have a heart.”

“Blasphemy.”

She laughs, almost giddy. “Don’t worry, that’s the best part. The kid never went to college. He’s off DJing somewhere in Europe. McDonald risked his reputation for nothing. He doesn’t have an active role in his company anymore, and they tightened security since then so people can’t cheat that way. No one’s hurt if we keep silent.” She steps closer to me. “But if we say something...”

“He’s humiliated, and the company’s stock tanks.” And knowing McDonald, he’ll do just about anything to prevent losing his reputation and his money.

“Goddamn,” I say. A slow smile spreads across my face, as it dawns on me that Amelia’s just handed me my tie vote. “I could kiss you, Amelia.”

Her eyes dart to my lips, and for a second I regret saying it, until I notice the heat in her eyes.

I straighten, moving away from the desk.

Amelia steps back. “Anyway. What time is it?”

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