Rise of the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello

Author:Ruth Cardello [Cardello, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
Amazon: B00CW0PD8A
Published: 2013-05-17T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Jeremy and his mother entered the large mansion and were instantly greeted by its owner, Alessandro Andrade, while his staff took their coats. Alessandro’s wife, Elise, swept in to talk to Therese, which Jeremy had to admit was more than a small relief. Whatever Elise said to Therese elicited a shy laugh from that carried across the room and made Jeremy feel better about having brought her.

Out of earshot from the others, Alessandro clapped a hand on Jeremy’s back. “We have been waiting for you. Is it true that we have another reason to celebrate today?”

How could he know?

Mom.

Jeremy shook his head, and Alessandro’s smile fell away. Jeremy sought and found Jeisa looking at him from one of the adjoining rooms. As soon as their eyes met, she looked away.

Alessandro followed the direction of his gaze and referenced the man at Jeisa’s side. “Is that her . . . ?”

“Father?” Jeremy finished for him. “Yes, it is.”

Alessandro gave Jeremy’s shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. “Ah, how fate taunts the lovers. Did you know he was coming?”

Jeremy pocketed his hands and with some sarcasm said, “We wouldn’t have flown down in a helicopter full of roses if I had.”

After a hearty laugh, Alessandro asked, “So you didn’t propose?”

“Not yet.”

“Then there’s still hope.”

Jeremy looked back at Jeisa, who was introducing her father to Jake and Lil. He said, “I don’t know. She said she hates me.”

Alessandro moved his hands up and down like a balance scale. “Love and hate are close friends and are easily confused. Give me a woman who hates me over one who is indifferent to me any day. The sex is always better.”

Jeremy’s head snapped around. Did he really just say that?

Alessandro shrugged and smiled. “Don’t tell my wife, but sometimes I get her angry just to spice it up.” The older man dismissed Jeremy’s surprised look. “You’ll understand after you’re married awhile.” He tossed his chin at Romario and said, “Papa doesn’t look very happy with you, my friend.”

Jeremy didn’t spare Jeisa’s father a glance. “I don’t care what he thinks of me.”

Alessandro’s voice deepened as he said, “Yes, you do. And so does Jeisa. You’re a good man, Jeremy. I have no doubt you’ll win him over as I did Elise’s father. Show him that you will be good to his daughter and he’ll overlook many things.”

A weight lifted from Jeremy’s chest. He and Alessandro had spoken at length during several past functions and Jeremy felt comfortable with him. He was exactly what he appeared to be: a self-made man who loved his family very much. Alessandro and his brother, Victor, shared an enjoyment of people that made everyone feel like a part of their family, regardless of the length of their acquaintance. Across the foyer, his mother was huddled with Elise and appeared to have discovered the same quality in her. It was good to see his mother laugh again, and he regretted not doing more to remove her worries earlier. This is all going to work out.

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