The Tycoon's Paternity Agenda Read Free Page B

doubtful he would be able to concentrate on work anyway. Too much on his mind.
    He stepped into his office, stopped at the wet bar to pour himself a scotch, then sat behind his desk and booted his computer.
    â€œHey, boss.”
    He looked up to find Emilio Suarez, Western Oil CFO, standing in his open doorway.
    Western Oil was in dire financial straits when Adam inherited it from his father, and Emilio’s financial genius had brought it back from the brink of ruin. Though he was from a Puerto Rican family of modest means, through grants and scholarships Emilio had graduated college at the top of his class, which was what had caught Adam’s attention when he was looking for a management team. Emilio had become an irreplaceable employee—not to mention a good friend—and worth every penny of his ridiculously exorbitant salary.
    Adam gestured him inside. “You wanted to talk to me?”
    He came in, shutting the door behind him, and stopped to pour himself a drink. “I got an interesting call from my brother today.”
    â€œThe federal prosecutor, the one in Europe or the other brother?”
    The “other” brother was the family black sheep. A drifter who only called when he needed something. Money usually. For bail, or to pay off loan sharks.
    â€œThe prosecutor,” he said, taking a seat opposite Adam’s desk. “And if anyone asks, you did not hear this from me.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œYou know Leonard Betts?”
    â€œBy reputation only.” He was a financial wizard and according to Forbes, the richest man in Texas. It had been said that everything he touched turned to gold.
    â€œYou ever invest with him?” Emilio asked.
    He shook his head. “He always seemed a little too successful, if you know what I mean. Either he’s extremely lucky—and luck can run out—or he’s shady.”
    â€œYou’ve got good instincts. According to Alejandro, he’s been under investigation by the SEC, and it’s looking like he and his wife will be arrested and charged for a Ponzi scheme.”
    Adam shook his head in disbelief. “His wife, too?”
    â€œAnd her parents. Or at least, her mother. Her father died a few years ago.”
    â€œSo it was a family business.”
    â€œI guess. I just thought I should warn you that, although it’s unlikely, there’s the slightest possibility that when the media gets wind of this, my name may come up.”
    Adam sat straighter in his seat. “You’ve invested with him?”
    â€œNo! No, my market is real estate. This is more of personal connection.”
    Adam frowned, not sure he was liking what he was hearing. It would be in the company’s best interest to stay as far removed as possible from this scandal. “How personal?”
    â€œIn college, I was engaged to Isabelle Winthrop. Betts’s wife.”
    Adam’s jaw nearly fell. Emilio had never mentioned knowing her, much less being engaged to her. Or anyone for that matter. He was so fiercely against the entire institution of marriage, Adam wouldn’t have guessed that he would have been planning a trip to the altar with any woman. “I had no idea.”
    â€œShe dumped me for Betts two weeks before we planned to elope.”
    â€œDamn. I’m really sorry, Emilio.”
    Emilio shrugged. “Honestly, she did me a favor. We were young and stupid. We would have been divorced in a year.”
    Something in his eyes told Adam he was making light of an otherwise painful situation. But he didn’t push the issue. If Emilio wanted to talk about it, he knew Adam was there for him.
    â€œThere’s no doubt she was a gold digger, but I’ll be honest, I never imagined her capable of helping Leonard bilk his clients out of millions of dollars.”
    â€œWell, if your name does come up, we’ll use Cassandra.”
    Cassandra Benson was Western Oil’s public relations