The Renegade Billionaire

“You’re welcome, but it was a waste of time.”

“No, it wasn’t.” The judge’s ruling would keep Andrea close to him.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll explain later. It’s clear Draco wanted to punish me. Now that he’s had the chance, I want to forget about it.”

“If you get any more harassment, call me immediately.”

“Of course.”

“Can I give you a lift to Thessaloniki in my car?”

“No, thanks. My driver is waiting outside to take me to the heliport. First though, I need to phone Andrea. She needs to know today’s outcome.” I have to tell her she must stay in Greece under a court order.

They shook hands and Myron left, leaving Stavros alone in the courtroom. No sooner had he pulled out his cell phone than he thought he heard the door open. He turned his head to discover Tina hurrying toward him. Her father was nowhere in sight. As she drew closer, he could see she’d been crying.

She put out a hand. “Please, Stavros. I’m not here to cause you more trouble. My father thinks I’m in the restroom and he’s waiting for me in the limo. I don’t blame you if you hate me forever.

“The truth is, I’m not pregnant, but my parents think I am. When I get home I’m going to tell them I made it up because I didn’t want to lose you. If my father doesn’t tell your parents the truth and call off this lawsuit, then I will. That’s all I have to say except I’m sorry I put you and Despinis Linford through this. What you told me at your house brought me to my senses. You were right. I can’t let my parents’ expectations drive my life anymore.”

Stavros got out of the chair and hugged her. “We’ve both had to learn that lesson the hard way. Your truth has set both of us free. Good luck to you, Tina.”

“You too, Stavros.”

He phoned Myron immediately and told him what had just transpired. Myron said he’d get in touch with the other attorney to put a stop to the case. He doubted Tina would suffer from contempt of court since it was her father who’d engineered it.

Two hours later, Stavros rushed inside the building in Thessaloniki where Andrea worked. He wanted to deliver this news in person. But when he approached the receptionist at PanHellenic Tours, she told him Andrea had quit her job and wouldn’t be coming back. He asked to speak to Sakis but learned the owner of the company was out of the office on business.

Something twisted in his gut. Was she still at her apartment packing, or had she gone without saying a final goodbye to him? She wouldn’t do that to him, would she? He had to find out and took a taxi to her address.

No one answered the door. At this point, he tried her phone again, but all his calls went to her voice mail. Wherever she’d gone, she didn’t want to be found. That was obvious. He didn’t know where to turn. Frantic at this point, he left for the heliport to take the helicopter back to Thassos.

Once he reached the house, the emptiness of his life loomed so large it was unbearable. He couldn’t stay there. As soon as he changed into jeans and a sport shirt, he got in the Jeep and drove to his office. There was a ton of work for him to catch up on while he waited for her to return his phone call.

Theo’s car was still out in front. Another car was parked next to it. He didn’t recognize it, but it didn’t matter. After unlocking the main door with the remote, he headed for Theo’s office, but as he passed his own, he noticed the door was open. He always kept it locked. Who’d been in there? And why?

“Stavros?”

He’d know that feminine voice anywhere and spun around in shock. There was Andrea, sitting in his desk chair looking sensational in a yellow sundress he’d never seen. She had an uncertain expression on her beautiful face, as if she didn’t know what to expect from him.

“I’ve been waiting several hours for you. When you weren’t at the villa, I didn’t know what to do but come here. I hoped one of your partners could tell me where you were.”

Stavros was afraid he was hallucinating. “How did you get here?”

“My dad’s car. Theo let me in.” She got to her feet. “Was the hearing ghastly?”

The hearing...he’d already forgotten about it. “Draco’s attorney managed to make it as hideous as possible. When he’d finished my interrogation, the judge said he’d give his verdict after Tina’s baby was born and the DNA results were in.”

“Was she there?”

“Yes.”

She bit her lip. “How horrible for you. I should have been there to support you.”

“Andrea—Tina approached me after it was over. She admitted that she’d lied about the baby in order to hold on to me.”

“Oh, Stavros—” The happiness in her voice was something he’d never forget.