Chapter Forty Four
Damien’s POV
“Did you just say Rosemary will be there?” I breathed into my phone, bewildered.
“Yes, sir. She’s a special guest at Celine Mars‘ party tomorrow night.” Miss Wilson responded. “She’s planning to introduce her to her most influential friends.”
I’d finally caught a break. If I attended that party, I’d be able to speak to that pain in the ass secretive designer and save my company.
But if I didn’t, Rosemary would sign with one of Celine’s wealthy guests.
“I need an invitation to that party. Make it happen.”
I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the sofa.
“Sorry, Bon–Bon.” I ruffled her hair. “Daddy had to take that call, but I’m all yours now.”
She shrugged, nibbling a fry. “It’s okay, Daddy. I know you always have to work.”
With my company nearing a state of collapse, I’d been too busy to spend any time with her. She seemed withdrawn, so I left work early.
“How’s your burger?” I asked, taking a bite of my own.
I’d bought an array of junk food–I wasn’t sure which was Bonnie’s favorite.
“It’s so tasty! Mommy never lets me eat all this yummy food, but with you it’s the best.” She smiled, eyes glued to the TV as she slurped a milkshake. “I’m so happy Mommy’s gone.”
I frowned, not pleased with how she resented her mother. Life had become a shitshow without Celeste, and I was considering bringing her back home so I could have some peace.
Vanessa was a monumental error in judgment.
I switched off the TV, and Bonnie moaned, turning to me.
“Bonnie, I don’t want you talking badly about Mommy.” I said firmly. “She only restricts you because she cares about your health.”
She frowned. “But Mommy is boring and a gold digger. Auntie Vanessa is the best.”
“Gold digger? Where did you hear that?” I asked, not expecting it to be in her vocabulary.
She shrugged and chewed on a gummy bear.
“Auntie Vanessa may be fun, but I don’t want you to stop loving Mommy, okay? She did a good job taking care of you.”
Bonnie crossed her arms. “I wanna finish the movie.”
I sighed, “Look, Bon–Bon. Mommy might come back-”
“Damien!” a shrill voice screamed from the entryway.
And just like that, my head pounded.
“What do you want, Vanessa?” I asked, aggravated.
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter Forty Four
She stormed into the living room, face red.
“You dropped the limit on my credit card?” She asked, furious. “I was buying maternity clothes and had to leave them behind because I couldn’t pay. Do you have any idea how freaking embarrassing that is?”
I stood, glaring at her.
“My ex wife reprimanded me in front of my employees because you didn’t fetch our daughter from school for four days in a row.” I bellowed. “Do you have any idea how embarrassing that is?”
“What does that have to do with my credit card?” She shouted louder.
I stepped towards her. “I warned you Vanessa. You’re here to take care of Bonnie. If you don’t, I won’t pay you.”
“How am I supposed to buy things for our baby?”
I shrugged. “Pull up your socks with Bonnie or figure it out!”
She huffed raggedly before throwing the closest thing to her–a picture frame. The glass shattered on the floor and Bonnie flinched, bursting into tears.
“Shut it, you brat!” she scolded, cradling her belly. “You’re scaring the baby.”
Bonnie’s big eyes widened, and she whimpered.
“Vanessa.” My voice was deadly calm. “Scream at Bonnie again. I dare you.”
Her face paled.
“It’s the pregnancy hormones. They make me go crazy.”
“Don’t give me that lame excuse.” I seethed. “Your attitude towards Bonnie has changed lately. Treat her better, or pack your things.”
“Damien, how could you threaten to kick me out?” Her voice rose again. “What about our baby?”
I ran a hand over my face.
“If you can’t even fetch Bonnie from school, what makes you think you’ll be able to handle a baby?”
“Excuse me? I am a great-” she broke off, yelling.
I supported her as she doubled over.
“What is it now?” I asked, sighing.
“Abdominal pain.” She gasped. “The nurses said I had to stay calm or it would affect the baby.”
“Then don’t pick fights.” I told her as my phone started ringing.
I answered with anticipation.
“Give me good news, Miss Wilson.”
The line was silent and my heart sank.
How was I supposed to convince Rosemary to work for me if I couldn’t meet her?
My secretary cleared her throat. “Sir, I spoke to Celine Mars‘ assistant. If you make a sizable donation to her foundation, you’ll be welcomed at tomorrow’s party.”
2/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter Forty Four
A massive smile spread across my face.”
“Good work, Miss Wilson. Send me the details.” I said, ending the call.
I turned around to find Vanessa leaning close, eavesdropping.
“Babe, I’m sorry I acted so crazy.”
My smile fell. I wasn’t done with her, but I’d let it slide for the fetus’s sake.
“Just clean up the mess you made and replace the frame.” I told her curtly and rejoined Bonnie on the sofa.
I switched on the TV but paid no attention. My mind was turning over and picking apart my game plan for saving
my company.
Vanessa sidled up to me when the end credits rolled.
“Babe, you’re going to a party hosted by Celine Mars, right?” She asked, batting her lashes. “Please let me join you. I’ve never attended such a high–class event before.”
I nodded absentmindedly.
Finally, I had Rosemary in my sights.
