Page 81 of My Bestie's Billionaire Dad

"No," Hunter's voice is low. "Not yet. But I have a feeling she'll show."

"Oh, you do, do you?"

Hunter laughs at my sarcasm. "You're underestimating Kait, she's not one to hold grudges, especially not against you."

"A billionaire psychic. Now, there's a niche market."

Just as I'm about to hit him with my next sarcastic jab, the door swings open, and in walk my parents. It's the first time Hunter is meeting my dad.

Dad had been on the sidelines for a while, his battle with the big 'C'. Chemotherapy is a rollercoaster that no one wants to ride. But my dad is stubborn. My mom says it's where I get my stubbornness from.

She's not wrong.

He pushed through every nauseating wave, every energy-draining session. And finally, we got the news we'd all been hoping for. "Your Dad's in remission."

"Hunter... I'd like you to meet my dad."

Hunter extends his hand. "It's great to finally meet you, sir."

Dad looks at Hunter, a quick up-down scan. Then, to my surprise, he clasps Hunter's hand firmly in his. "Hunter. I've heard a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope."

This is Hunter in his element, confident and charming.

"You've been taking good care of my little girl here, I've been told."

"Well, she makes it easy."

The two men continue to banter, swapping stories as if they've known each other for years.

I excuse myself from the conversation and head toward the buffet table when I hear a familiar laugh. Turning around, I find myself face-to-face with Kaitlyn.

"Kait!" I practically yell. I wrap her in a tight hug. "You came!"

"Well, I couldn't let my best friend down, could I?" Kaitlyn breaks the hug and gives me a teasing grin. "I've got to admit... I never thought I'd see the day when you'd score yourself a sugar daddy. And not just any, but my very own father. You always were an overachiever."

I roll my eyes at her, trying to suppress a grin. "Oh my God, Kait! Don't start with me."

"What? I can't help myself." She laughs. "But don't think for a second that this means I'm calling you 'stepmom.' I've always wanted a sister, though."

I swat her on the arm, unable to hide my laughter. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"But you love me anyway."

"Unfortunately." I sigh dramatically. But in truth, I love this girl so much she doesn't even know.

"I'll catch you later, Maya. I'm going to go say hi to my dad." Kaitlyn winks at me before heading toward Hunter.

I watch as she embraces him and they share a genuine father-daughter moment. The sight of them hugging, their faces lit up with smiles, eases the tension in my heart.

I turn my head and spot Steve at the entrance and wave him over.

"Maya, it's so good to see you!"

"And you, Steve! Thanks so much for coming out to celebrate with us. It means a lot." I give him a hug.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

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