Chapter 20 – Not Some Homeless Man
I kept tuming Mason’s words over in my mind. Use him against Olivia? What did that even
“Explain what you meant I said sharply, leaning forward.!!
mean?:
Mason looked nervous. “I really don’t know, sir. Elena and Rosa didn’t tell me the details. They only said the man is important and they want to use him to hurt Olivia somehow.”
I leaned back, frustrated. “Find out their plan” I ordered. “And find the man too. Report everything to Leo.”
Mason nodded quickly, grabbing the suitcase full of cash like it was his lifeline. Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you!”
I watched him hurry away. Leo came to stand beside me, looking thoughtful.
“You believe him? Leo asked.
I shrugged, “Doesn’t matter. We’ll double–check his moves, I’m not
hot nisking anything where Olivia’s concerned.”
Leo crossed his arms. “You think Rosa and Elena are trying to set Olivia up?”
Iran a hand through my hair. “Feels like it. A classic Cinderella story–evil stepmother, evil stepsister. But I’m not letting them get close to
Leo nodded. “Good.”
We walked to the car, and once inside, Leo handed me a folder
What’s this?” I asked, flipping it open.
“You have a meeting scheduled with Richard Stonewell tomorrow,” Leo said.
I frowned. “Richard Stonewell? Olivia’s ex?”
ally got approved.”
Leo chuckled. “Yeah. Olivia pulled some strings months ago to set up a partnership meeting. It finally
I scoffed. “Funny, I don’t remember agreeing to meet with small companies.“}
Leo laughed. “You didn’t. But you’re meeting him now. Think of it as… tying up loose ends.”
I leaned back in my seat, smirking. “Imagine Olivia’s face when she finds out I’m not some broke guy but Chase Davenport of Davenport Industries.”
Leo laughed harder. “She’ll probably scream first, then demand why you didn’t adopt Rose immediately.
I smiled. “Would’ve done it if I could. But the adoption office said I needed a wife. With Olivia… things just fell into place.”
Leo shook his head. “So when are you telling her the truth?
I grinned. “In two days. At the Davenport Annual Anniversary Gala
Leo whistled. “Big reveal, huh?“}
“Yup. That’s why I bought the diamond dress today,” I said. “She’s going to shine brighter than anyone else.“2
Leo nodded. “And Elena, Rosa, and Richard? Should I invite them too?“:
I smiled coldly. “Absolutely. I want them there to see everything fall apart ”
Leo chuckled. “You’re still petty.”
“And proud,” I added.
We drove back to the office. I told Lea to reschedule the meeting with Richard to the following day.”
Then, wanting a little peace, I decided to take a taxi back to Olivia’s mansion
The sky was already darkening when I arrived. As I walked through the gates, I froze.
Olivia was waiting outside, arms crossed, looking… upset.
“Chase,” she called out the moment she spotted me.
I walked toward her, hiding my surprise.
“What’s wrong?” I asked
She gave me a sharp look. “I know why you stayed back at the mall after we left.”
I blinked. “You do?“%
“You stayed behind to find a menial job, didn’t you?” she said, voice trembling slightly. “You didn’t want Rose or Cynthia to see you doing that.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
“I don’t like it, Chase,” she said firmly. “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
I lowered my eyes, quilt curling in my chest.
She stepped closer. “I don’t want you running around doing odd jobs anymore.”
I looked at her, confused. “Then what do you want me to do?“)
She smiled a little. “Come work at my company“I
I blinked, stunned. “Your company?”
“Yes” Her voice softened. “I trust you, Chase You’re good with people. Smart too. I know you’ll do well.”
My heart twisted painfully. She believed in me
She had no iden who I really was… and still, she trusted me more than anyone else ever had
I swallowed hard, emotions rising. “Olivia,
She reached for my hand. “Please. Say yes?
I looked down at her small hand in mine, feeling like the worst kind of liar
I wasn’t some struggling man trying to survive. I was the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the country
I was supposed to protect her… not deceive her.
But I couldn’t tell her. Not yet!
Not until the right moment.
I forced a smile. “Alright, Olivia. I’ll work for you“ll
Her face lit up, and I felt my heart squeeze tighter
“Good,” she said brightly. “You can start tomorrow”
I nodded, even though I knew tomorrow would bring more chaos.X
The meeting with Richard. The games Elena and Rosa were playing. The secrets I still had to reveal
Olivia didn’t know it yet, but her whole world was about to change.
And I just prayed she wouldn’t hate me when she leamed the truth
She tugged my hand gently. “Come on Dinner’s ready.”
12:23 PM t
