Claiming His Secret Heir

She’d always thought she would return, in fact. She’d kept her apartment on Spruce Street and sublet it since then.

“What made you give it up?” Damon asked. He trailed a finger along her shoulder, a light touch with a powerful impact through the simple cashmere sweater dress she’d changed into after the plane trip.

Keen awareness of that touch made it difficult to concentrate. But did he touch her out of desire? Or a more calculated need to reset the relationship button?

“My father asked me come work for him and help him choose which businesses to invest in.” At the time, she’d felt obligated to fulfill the request since she couldn’t have afforded her college education on her own. “I felt underqualified, and worried he only gave me the job out of family loyalty, but I helped him turn an excellent profit on the two companies he invested in before I got involved in the deal with Transparent.”

She hadn’t thought much about returning to her career since leaving Mexico. And yes, she wanted to be a full-time mother to enjoy every moment with Lucas that she could. But would it restore some of her personal confidence, her faith in herself, if she worked on a part-time basis?

“If we hadn’t started a relationship, would you still have recommended your father invest in Transparent?”

“Without question.” She had recovered her memories of the earliest part of their dating first, and she felt certain about her answer. “I knew within the first week that I would endorse it. There was a good energy in the building. Everyone really bought into your ideas.” She hadn’t recommended it that quickly, of course, spending time on the due diligence to make sure the market forecasts and business plans made sense.

But she’d had a strong instinct about the company early on.

“Were you concerned that I wouldn’t be the best CEO to take the company to the next level?”

Straightening, she shook off the allure of his touch and the cozy sensation of watching the snowfall. “Should I look back at my notes? Because I’m getting the impression that there is more to your questions than just casual conversation.”

“You still have your notes?” He lifted a dark eyebrow.

She met his gaze, but she detected only curiosity. Professional interest. She felt a new buzz along her skin that had less to do with attraction and more to do with her work. She’d forgotten the excitement of being a part of a new project, and helping to bring a brilliant idea to life.

“Of course. I did extensive research on your software, from the technical production plans to marketing.” She hadn’t given much thought to Transparent since her marriage. So much had happened in her personal life—from the kidnapping to becoming a mother—that her job was the least of her concerns. But there’d been a time where she lived and breathed her career. “And you must remember that I shared those reports—over a year ago—with my father, since that was part of the terms of his investment.”

“Certainly.” Damon nodded thoughtfully and she recognized that look of deep concentration. When he turned back toward her, his gaze hardened. He was all business. “I had my software tested by a hacker recently, and he discovered a few holes I need to plug before we release it.”

“I’m confused. What does that have to do with my old notes?”

“Nothing.” Damon shifted closer, the blue leather cushion creaking softly as his knee brushed against hers. “But if I know the extent of the research on Transparent your father has access to, I might be able to shift the final product to ensure he can’t ambush it once it hits the market.”

“He wouldn’t—” She stopped herself as she saw Damon’s gaze darken. Even in the dim glow of light reflected from the street lamps outside, she could see the glint of frustration in his eyes. “Okay, maybe he would.”

“Do you really believe that, Caroline? Or are you just saying it for my sake?” His words were clipped, his tone brusque.

“I understand that he resents you for marrying me.” She didn’t comprehend the depth of her father’s fury with Damon, however. She remembered his adamant refusal to attend their wedding. “I know he was frustrated with you before we even met, because you wouldn’t accept his help or expertise—only his financial support.”

“I made it clear that’s all I needed.”

She recalled how Damon’s intractable ways angered her dad. “He’s used to being a valuable asset when he supports a new business.”

Damon abruptly rose from the couch. He stalked the short distance to the windows overlooking the street. “Not to me. I wouldn’t let him beat me at business. But then it got much, much worse when he realized I’d won you, too.”