Filed to story: The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion >>
Morgan nodded, finding some truth in Danika’s words. “My dad wants me to let you know that things have settled down in the company, Danika. We’ll be sure to turn out profits for you with your investment.”
Danika laughed. “Alright. I trust you guys,”
“Why don’t we have lunch toge-”
“Done with work, Danika? Let’s have lunch,” Christopher cut in, appearing from thin air like those weird gnomes in peoples’ gardens.
Morgan paused and glanced at him. It wasn’t the first time she had seen this man. Her heartbeat increased in pace as she gazed at his face. She quickly shook her head, tossing that idea to the back of her mind. Christopher liked Danika. She’d never dreamed of competing with her.
Danika didn’t know what was going on in Morgan’s mind, but her smile faded upon hearing Christopher’s suggestion. “No need. I’m busy?”
“Busy? With what?” Christopher knew she was rejecting him on purpose. He wasn’t upset, though. In fact, he was determined to stick around.
It made Danika’s hackles rise. “I’ve told you over and over again, Mr. Spade: I am not interested in you. Capisce?”
What could she do to finally get the man to give up on her?
“I know, I know.” Even with those words, Danika knew Christopher wasn’t giving up still. Just as she was about to explode, Christopher held Morgan’s arm. “Why don’t the three of us have lunch, then? That should be okay with you, right?”
Christopher knew Danika didn’t want to be mistaken for dating him, so he could only resolve this by having a third wheel join them.
Morgan was about to refuse when he whispered, “Help a guy out, eh? Your dad’s been trying to get in touch with my family. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”
Jamie Golding was an ambitious man. He had immediately set his sights on Bardoff after their family recovered from its financial crisis, with the Spades being their target. Christopher could always ask his grandfather to help.
Morgan froze, then stared in disbelief at him, surprised he knew who she was.
Christopher said nothing, having secretly investigated everyone connected to Danika.
“Sorry, but Danika and my family are two separate entities. They’re not to be mixed,” Morgan answered. Clearly, she wasn’t going to involve personal gain with her friend.
Christopher stared in shock, first at Morgan, then at Danika. “Birds of a feather really do flock together,” he thought. He never expected to be rejected by so many women all at once.
Danika had overheard their conversation. “We can have lunch together, the three of us, family has to agree to work with Morgan’s.”
but your
“You don’t need to-”
“Morgan, I have shares in your company. This will benefit me, too.” She would profit from dividends if the Goldings had a successful partnership with the Spades. All that was needed was a chance to work together.
“Deal!” Christopher agreed without hesitation. He had done his investigation; the Goldings were clean and wouldn’t harm his family’s reputation.
Morgan didn’t know what to say. She simply followed them into the car, not coming to her senses until they reached the café.
When they were ordering, Christopher went to make a call, telling his grandfather about working with the Goldings.
“Danika, you really don’t have to bother about us if you don’t like him. I’m sure my dad can find better clients to work with, not just with the Spades,” Morgan said, feeling bad about the situation.
“I know, but…” Danika eyed Christopher. “He’s not going to give up even if we don’t have lunch. So, I might as well squeeze some benefit from this.”
She had come to realize that Christopher wasn’t going to let her go so easily after being followed around by him like a sick puppy. Given his tenacity, no wonder he became heir to his family.
Just then, the man came back to the table. “Finished with your orders already? Remember, it’s my treat, so just order what you like.”
He had been feeling great ever since Danika broke up with Eustace, feeling like his hard work all this while hadn’t gone to waste, though he really didn’t have anything to do with the breakup…
“Yeah, we finished ordering…” Morgan replied weakly. She couldn’t afford to offend her family’s biggest client now.
Christopher opened the menu, glancing at Danika. “How do you feel today, Danika?”
“Pretty okay,’ she replied, quietly thinking, “Would’ve been better if you hadn’t interrupted my day.” “Good, good. I was worried you’d be feeling down again,” he said with a smile. “Best to find a better man after a breakup, I always say. Find someone more good-looking and more powerful to piss Eustace Quincey off.” Danika didn’t respond, but Christopher didn’t give up either. “Take me, for example. I’m just as attractive as Eustace, and my family’s more powerful than his. What do you think?
Danika shook her head even though those aspects were true. “You think relationships are as easy as ticking off boxes on lists of things you like?”
“All relationships need work, but you gotta give me a chance first, Danika. How else can we try and make it work?” Christopher responded.
Danika sighed. “Why do you want to be with me so badly? What about me is worth all your time and effort?”
She just wanted the man to be truthful to her. They couldn’t continue like this forever.
Seeing that she was about to implode, Christopher shook his head. “Food’s here. Let’s eat.”
Danika glared at him. “Asshole.”
Christopher really didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t like his grandfather had told him. In fact, the old man had said he’d only reveal whatever it was to Christopher after he successfully made Danika his girlfriend.
At this rate, Christopher would never ever know the truth.
Morgan quietly ate her meal, not understanding whatever was going on between the two. All she knew was that she shouldn’t know too much and finish her food before it got cold.
After some time, Danika suddenly asked, “If I go to Bardoff City with you, will your grandfather tell me why?”
The sudden question made Christopher stare fixedly at her for several seconds. “What?”
“Just tell me if it’s possible,” Danika sighed. She just wanted this over and done with.
Christopher gave it some thought before asking, “So you’re willing to be my girlfriend?”
The moment he asked this, Morgan spoke up. “Danika, don-”
“Hell no!” Danika huffed. “I mean, will your grandfather tell me the truth if I go to Bardoff City with you, not as your girlfriend.” Christopher’s frown wasn’t hopeful. Danika shrugged. “Alright. Let’s pretend I never asked.”
“Hey, don’t give up yet. There is a slight possibility.” His grandfather might actually reveal the truth to Danika if she came knocking on his door.
“You think so?” Danika beamed. A trip to Bardoff wouldn’t hurt. She’d even benefit by knowing the grand truth behind Christopher’s hot-headed pursuit.
Christopher nodded. “I know my grandfather, so yeah.”
“Alright. Give me a couple days to prepare for the trip to the city.”
This was great news for Christopher. They’d finally have alone time together during the trip.
Morgan sighed in relief, then stood up from the table. “I’m gonna go to the bathroom.”
She’d also update her family about the work with the Spades so they could do the necessary.
Her departure left the table with Christopher and Morgan sitting opposite one another.
“I’m curious why you and Eustace broke up. Was he cheating on you?” Christopher hadn’t listened in on their conversation that day at the apartment. All he knew was that the two didn’t look very happy.
“I didn’t expect someone like you to be so interested in gossip.”
“C’mon, you can tell me. I can keep a secret.” He grinned.
Danika ignored him, staying silent.
Christopher sighed, then immediately thought of the next topic to talk about. His gaze shifted out the cafe window. What he saw made him freeze in place.
“Looks like I was right,” he murmured.
“Huh?” Danika frowned. What was he…
She followed his gaze out the window and saw Eustace’s car outside. Eustace stepped out of his car and went to the front passenger seat, where someone sat. The moment light reflected on the pale smooth skin of their legs, Danika’s heart dropped. She had truly hoped Eustace’s companion wasn’t a woman.
Christopher smiled as Eustace walked to the cafe with his companion. “You don’t look too good,” he remarked, glancing at Danika.
“You seem to look quite the opposite.” Danika’s responding stare turned cold.
“Of course. If Eustace’s dating someone else, you’re officially free from him. That’s good news for me, no?” Christopher shrugged.