Impulse (Billionaire Secrets 5)

“Likewise.” Theo’s curious gaze suddenly fell on Simon’s father and he smiled. “Is that your father, Simon? I recognize him from some of my earlier research. It would be great to meet the man who made you who you are. The man who helped you achieve all this success.”

Heather swallowed her bitterness. There was no point in telling Theo the truth. The truth would just get her head bitten off all over again. But she wasn’t going to lie to herself, because she knew that deep down Simon knew the truth, even if he was pretending otherwise. His father wasn’t the least bit responsible for all the success he had managed to achieve on his own.

Chapter 7

This was exactly why he hadn’t wanted the documentary producer bumping into his father. In the aftermath of his argument with his girlfriend, Simon now had to deal with a nosy producer recognizing his dad.

“Yes, this is my father,” Simon finally said.

His father stood up from his seat and headed over to them. “You actually recognize me?”

“Absolutely,” Theo replied with a grin. “I’d love to get to know more about you if we get the chance to do the documentary.”

“Documentary?” His father’s eyes lit up. “Am I going to be a part of it?”

Simon groaned inwardly. This was his worst nightmare. His personal life colliding with the media. And a man who didn’t deserve to be recognized—yet. “We haven’t finalized anything yet, Dad.”

Agnes smiled. “Well, we’re in luck. Earlier today the board signed off on your request, Simon. The board has agreed to support Blue Naught in whatever way you would like.”

He fought the urge to swear. Truth be told, he had only come up with using Blue Naught as part of his ultimatum because he didn’t actually think the board would go for it. Their willingness to give in to his demand showed just how determined they were to get this documentary project off the ground.

“I guess that means we’re making a documentary,” he said, still in disbelief.

“That’s absolutely terrific.” Theo reached for his hand to shake it enthusiastically. “This project is going to be incredible.”

When he pulled his hand away, a sinking feeling of dread settled into his stomach. Despite the dread, he had made a promise. Besides, Blue Naught was finally going to get the attention it deserved and that was great news. If only he and Heather hadn’t argued earlier. He’d be more confident that he could share his concerns and his ideas with her, but from the frown on her face she was obviously still upset with him.

And she had a good reason to be. Even though she had been harsh with his father, he knew that he shouldn’t have let things get so heated. Especially not at work and in front of his father. He might have been stunned at the way she had come at his dad, but there was a better way to deal with their differences.

“I’m going to make sure we all sign off on the contract and send the paperwork to you, Simon, ASAP. Plus, the board is going to be thrilled,” Agnes said. “And speaking of the board, we’re going to be holding that get-together for you and Heather. I know you don’t like long, drawn-out affairs, so we’ve decided to turn next week’s annual board dinner into a celebration of you and Heather.”

“Wow, that’s amazing,” his father said. “I’d love to go to a fancy party like that.”

Simon cringed. Events of that nature were almost always for staff members, and not friends or family. Somehow he was going to have to let his father down gently in front of all these people. “Dad, I don’t think—”

“Simon, you could get me a snazzy suit and everything,” his father continued.

Agnes paused. “Well... we don’t usually have outside guests, but if your father joins us maybe that means the dinner could be a good opportunity for Theo and his crew to get some documentary footage.”

Every fiber of his being was already rebelling against the idea, but they were all staring at him expectantly. It was like the worst aspects of his personal life and professional life were about to collide, and he had no way of stopping the i

nevitable crash. If Heather and his father argued at the upcoming dinner, it was going to end up being taped. That kind of footage could sink Dover, now when it was only starting to get good press.

He glanced at Heather, her eyes wide with anticipation. There were risks involved with having the event recorded, but how could he deny her this shot at advancing her career? The board was finally beginning to warm up to her. They were trusting her with this huge documentary project. Even if he was still angry with her, there was no way he could deny her this opportunity. She was an amazing worker and she deserved to have this chance. “Yes, my father can join us, and the documentary crew can also join us for the dinner. It sounds like this is going to be a good opportunity for all of us,” he conceded.

“This documentary is going to be big. I can just feel it,” Agnes said. “Now that everything has been decided, Theo and I will leave you all to your plans.”

“I’ll be seeing you and Heather later today,” Theo said to Simon before he followed Agnes out of the office.

“Wow, things sure do happen fast around here,” his father said.

“Too fast,” he said with a heavy sigh. He was starting to miss the days when he could lock himself in his college dorm and just code in peace.

Heather walked over to his side. “It must have been tough to agree to invite the documentary crew to the dinner.”

“It was,” he said tersely.

“Thank you for that,” she said softly. “That means a lot to me.”