Her Billionaire Secret: Part 4: An Alpha Billionaire Romance Read online

  “I watched Kathryn's final film—the one in which Fay made her debut.” He had to do this gently, this was Claire's father. “Her outstanding performance wasn't only down to her fine acting.”

  “You seem to have got to know Claire exceedingly well.”

  “I like to think so. She means the world to me.”

  Erland stood and looked at him for several seconds. “Son, come walk with me in the garden.”

  Something had broken Erland Tyler's reticence to speak about Claire. As Tevis walked with him out into the sunshine, the composer talked about his relationship with his first wife and how different his second marriage was.

  Slowly they made their way down to the small building at the end of the long lawn. Erland ushered him in.

  “This is my sanctuary, the place where I create my music. It is also the place I learned to finally let go of Kathryn.”

  “Did Claire try to do that here too?” Tevis spotted the wall full of photographs and childishly drawn pictures.

  “No, Claire had a breakdown. She disappeared into her own little world. We went away together so she could recover but she never really did. She didn't let go until yesterday—I'm not sure she truly has yet.” The sadness in Erland's voice showed the depth of his sorrow over Claire. “I couldn't help her, Tevis. I was the wrong one to try and do it. I hurt as much as she did.”

  He sat down in a battered old chair and looked up at Tevis. Not wanting to put Claire's father at a disadvantage, he took a seat on the sofa opposite before responding.

  “In the film, she played the daughter of a dying actress. She didn't have to act, her emotions were real.” His voice turned husky and Tevis struggled to get the words he had to say out in the open. “I know Claire, the real Claire and that film brought my emotions crashing down. Her performance made me cry.”

  “She adored her mother.” Erland looked at him sadly. “I didn't want her to do it. I tried to talk her out of taking on the role but she was so damned excited to be working with her mother.”

  “She didn't get a happy ending in the film.” The last scenes of the film had broken his heart. Josie had been right to make him watch it when Claire had left.

  “She didn't get it in real life either—she lost her mother twice. That and the reaction of the press pushed her into depression. It was too much for anyone, let alone a fifteen-year-old child.” Erland pushed his hand through his greying hair, his eyes looked haunted. “I took her away, covered up our tracks, and tried to make sure everyone would leave her alone.”

  “You did well. The Claire I love is feisty, independent and—” He almost said damned sexy, but he didn't think Erland would appreciate that comment about his daughter. “She reacts passionately, cares deeply and tries to protect those around her—especially those she loves. I'm the reason she ran back to you.”

  “I know. She told me.”

  “I never meant to hurt her.”

  “You didn't. Claire has her own demons to deal with. You’ve given her the strength to tackle them.”

  “You think so?”

  “I know so. Tevis, give her space. She has to sort this out for herself. This is one thing, one part of her life, that neither of us should interfere with.”

  They sat comfortably for a few minutes, each focusing on their own thoughts about Claire. Erland broke the silence.

  “How did you find out about me? I spent a lot of money ensuring there would be nothing that could lead an investigator to me and then on to Claire.”

  Tevis smiled. “In a strange way, it was Claire herself.”

  Erland raised one eyebrow.

  “She picked up a guitar at my brother's wedding and played the most beautiful set of songs. She has your musical talent.”

  Erland laughed. “You try telling Claire, she doesn't believe me. That wouldn't be enough to make the connection. How did you do it?”

  “Her favourite song is 'Claire's Lullaby'.”

  Erland smiled. “Her song.”

  “The one you wrote when she was a baby. I listened to it. It could have only been written by a father for his daughter.”

  “So I didn't cover my tracks well enough,” Erland sighed.

  “You covered them very well, but I wasn't the one who worked it out. My housekeeper Josie recognised the song. Kathryn sang a version of it to a baby in one of her early films.” Tevis left Erland to consider what he was telling him for a few seconds. “It was a surprise to find the name Tyler credited. Though it didn’t list your first name and it took a while to find out it was you.”

  “Everyone assumed Kathryn had written it. It was simpler to leave it that way, particularly as she didn’t want people to know she was married.” He studied Tevis intently. “You were damned determined to find my daughter.”

  “I had some help and a lot of luck.” Tevis knew he'd never have found Claire if it hadn't been for Sam and Josie. He'd been so close to losing her for good. Even now he didn't know if she would let him into her life again.

  “The baby was Claire. She doesn't know about that film appearance.” Erland frowned. ”I never released the rights to the song, except for that one time. Kathryn begged me to let her sing it to her in the film.”

  “I'm glad you allowed it because it led me here.”

  “What are you going to do now?”

  “I plan to follow Claire to see what she does, but first I have one more thing to ask of you.”

  Erland looked at him. “And what would that be?”

  “Would you make me a strawberry milkshake?”

  Chapter Four

  CLAIRE

  Isabella Price was waiting for her at the rear of the Stanford and Henderson building when she arrived at seven o'clock. Even though it was now evening, neither of them wanted to risk being seen together. Not yet anyway.

  Claire's phone call earlier in the day had been hurried but it turned out Isabella was keen to talk to her. She welcomed Claire with a wide smile.

  “Come on up, we'll talk in my office. I have a pot of tea and biscuits ready for us both.”

  “I was worried about contacting you. I'm sorry I let you down. I should have returned to work last Wednesday.”

  “Claire, I'm the one who should be apologising to you. I'm fairly certain it was someone here who exposed you in the first place.” She ushered Claire into her office, which unusually for Isabella Price was scattered with paperwork. The normally pristine surfaces were stacked with files. She pointed to the mess, “I've started working my way through the terms of the original injunction.”

  Claire stared at the files. “All this relates to the case ten years ago?”

  Isabella smiled as she poured them both a cup of tea. “Some of it does. I'm looking at similar cases to see if I can find precedence for extending it.”

  “Isabella, I have some money of my own, but I'm not sure I can afford your fees.” She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Isabella was only supposed to be looking at producing a legal agreement for her.

  “Don't worry. It's all taken care of.”

  There was only one person who would do this. She hadn't told her father what she intended to do. Tevis knew enough to come straight to Isabella. “I can't take Tevis Drummond's money. I've caused him enough hurt.”

  “Tevis isn't covering this. I am.”

  It was an unexpected answer and she shot Isabella a startled look. “Why?”

  “Two reasons, besides the obvious one that someone in this firm intended to hurt you—which on its own is sufficient.”

  Isabella seated herself behind her desk and indicated to Claire she should sit down too. Once Claire was sitting opposite her she continued.

  “Firstly,” she smiled, “I loved your mother's work. I was a bit of a fan.” Isabella looked at her sheepishly. “I knew who you were within a week of you starting here. It gave me pleasure knowing I was doing something for her family.” She took a sip of her tea. “Secondly, the man who secured the injunction on your behalf was Edw
ard James.” She glanced over Claire's head. “That's him in the photograph.”

  Claire turned and looked at the picture of a young woman standing next to a much older man. They were both in the standard legal dress of white wig and black gown.

  “He died several years ago,” Isabella continued, her face now containing sadness. “He gave me my first chance. I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for him. He was the finest lawyer I've ever had the pleasure to work with.” Isabella nodded to the paperwork piled on her desk. “The one thing I know for definite is that Edward will have thought to protect your future. Somewhere among this is the means to keep the press at bay.”

  “I still want next Monday to go ahead.” If Isabella was looking for a way out for her, it wasn't what she wanted. She had to go through with what she'd decided to do.

  “Yes, I understand. Everything is being put into place as you asked. All this extra work is an insurance policy. Something I can do—something I want to do.” Isabella stared at her, making her feel slightly uneasy. “Can I ask you something?”

  Isabella's tone had slipped smoothly from chatty to working mode. Claire felt like wriggling in her chair. She was looking at her in a way that made Claire feel instantly defensive. Claire supposed it was a trait of Isabella's profession.

  “If it's not too personal.”

  Isabella never blinked. “Why don't you have any money? Your mother left you a large inheritance.”

  And you don't think that isn't personal. Damn it, Isabella how far are you prepared to go?

  “I believe in standing on my own two feet. I want to make my own path with my career.” Surely that would be enough.

  It wasn't.

  “So where is the money?”

  Claire answered tersely, she didn't see what any of this had to do with what they were discussing. “It's in two charitable trusts. Every penny of it, along with the continued royalties due to both Kathryn and Fay Tyler.”

  Isabella took a legal pad out of the drawer of her desk and picked up her fountain pen. “Tell me more, this may be important.”

  ***

  TEVIS

  Sam Rendall handed over all the information he'd obtained to Isabella Price.

  “Can I ask how you came by all of this?” Isabella eyed the files suspiciously but Tevis could tell she wanted to open them and start reading. Her fingers flicked at the edges of the cardboard covers.

  “No,” Sam responded curtly, obviously not intending to elaborate.

  Isabella raised her eyebrows at Sam and Tevis wanted to laugh. It was like watching a school teacher dealing with a naughty boy.

  Tevis interrupted before sparks flew. ”I'm sure it's all been obtained legally.”

  Next to him, Sam didn't even flinch.

  “If it wasn't, then I don't want to know.” She eyed Sam suspiciously. “You understand?” Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

  “Completely understood,” he smiled back, his eyes crinkling with amusement before turning serious again. “The red file concerns information on the breach in your data security—and the specific actions of one of your staff—a Mr Derek Jones. He often stays late in the office. You should know this doesn't only affect Miss Bretton. It appears to have been going on for some time.”

  “I appreciate that you are prepared to remain silent about this, Mr Rendall.”

  Tevis watched the interchange between the two with hidden amusement. Sam made no comment on the fact Isabella refused to use his first name even though he'd asked her to.

  “It's for you to deal with,” Sam responded smoothly. “The blue file relates to Claire. If you need anything else, contact Tevis. He knows how to get hold of me. Sam stood and strode over to the door, opening it wide. He turned and looked back the lawyer. “It's been a pleasure to meet you, Isabella. I hope we can do this again.” The door closed behind him with a slam.

  Isabella's eyes narrowed slightly but she never said a word. She turned instead to Tevis.

  “Mr Drummond, I have an event arranged for Monday afternoon. Would you like to come along as my guest?”

  “I'm not sure—” Tevis paused, realising from the look on Isabella's face this wasn't some social or charitable engagement. She was staring at him pointedly.

  “You will, of course, have to stay out of sight. I'm having it filmed for legal purposes. You could watch the event on the screens in the next room.”

  “Are you trying to tell me something?”

  “I am telling you nothing.” Isabella picked up her pen and scribbled down a note. “This is the address. Monday at three o'clock if you are interested.”

  Tevis took it and noted the central London hotel address. “I'll be there.”

  The meeting was over and Tevis stood to leave.

  “Mr Drummond, one last thing I would like you to note.”

  Damn, that tone of voice again. Now he felt like the naughty schoolboy.

  “When I send one of my staff to deliver an item on my behalf—,” Isabella stared him down, but he swore she had a twinkle in her eye, “don't detain them for four days.”

  Chapter Five

  CLAIRE

  Claire paced the room, occasionally staring through the hotel window to the street below but most of the time her gaze turned to the clock placed in the centre of the coffee table. She had fifteen minutes to pull herself together. Her composure had disappeared after Isabella had shown her the recording equipment. It made what she was about to do all the more real.

  Fran looked up from the paperwork. New documents had been arriving every few minutes.

  “It's going to be okay, Isabella is handling all this. She'll be at your side.”

  “She isn’t going to be answering the questions,” Claire muttered back, as she continued to wear a track in the cream coloured carpet.

  Fran ignored her. Today she wasn't here as her friend, she was in the room sifting through the legal agreements coming in. “We've received signed responses from most of the major publications.”

  “Has the owner of Citrus Gem Magazine sent one through?”

  Fran shook her head. “I suspect they're going to leave it until the last minute.” Her mouth turned downward in disgust. I can't believe Derek Jones sold them information about you.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand why you sent them an invitation. They caused you a lot of harm.”

  Claire looked at Fran. It was odd hearing her comment about the magazine. A copy of Citrus Gem had regularly been on her desk. Until now. It was unlikely she would buy one in the future. Their actions had resulted in the office of Stanford and Henderson being turned upside down. Fran had been involved in the search for how much information had been leaked to them over the years.

  “I need to have them covered by the same agreement as the rest,” she responded to Fran. ”They can't run outside the pack.”

  Isabella walked into the room. For someone organising a secure and orchestrated event, she looked almost serene. Comfortable even. She smiled at Claire and glanced over at Fran.

  “I have the final agreement.” She waved the paperwork in front of their faces. ”Signed by the big man himself, the owner. Whatever the journalists of Citrus Gem Magazine do from now on, they are answerable to him. I have his assurance he will keep them on a tight leash.”

  She handed the papers to Fran and crossed the room to Claire. She patted her arm and gave her an encouraging smile.

  “Are you ready?”

  Claire nodded. Her throat was dry and butterflies danced around her stomach. She closed her eyes, focused on what she had to do, and then opened then again.

  “Yes, Isabella, let's get this show on the road.” Fay Tyler was back and this was going to be the biggest performance of her life.

  ***

  The babble of voices went silent as she walked down the length of the room with Isabella and Fran following closely behind. Head held high and immaculately styled, she knew her image was so close to that of her mother that everyone in the room would be making a comparis
on.

  She intended it to be that way. She wanted to show the world, make them understand, that Fay Tyler was no longer a child. No longer someone to mess with. She headed towards the small stage on which stood three chairs and a table. The only sounds in the room were the footsteps made by her small group.

  Taking a seat, she didn't lift her head until both other women took their seats on either side of her.

  Then slowly, ever so slowly, in the exact manner her mother had taught her, she lifted her gaze. With the attitude of someone to be reckoned with, she scanned the room with a slight smile on her face.

  As Isabella Price talked through the terms of the agreement their companies had signed, Claire continued to hold their gaze, looking at each journalist for a few seconds before moving on to the next in the row.

  “Miss Tyler will only answer questions which are not deemed an invasion of the privacy and dignity of her, her family, and friends. As per the signed agreement I have received from each of your publishing companies, you will not attempt to interview her or her friends and family outside the designated press conferences to which you now have access.”

  There was a shuffling among some of the journalists but not a word uttered.

  “There will be no photography at this session. Six photographs will be issued, four of them of Miss Fay Tyler and two from her personal collection showing her with her late mother.” The interest in the room intensified. The family had never released any images. “May I remind you,” Isabella continued, “these pictures remain the property of Miss Tyler and you cannot sell them on. Your magazines are in the unique position of having access to images never published before. If you do not adhere to the terms of the agreement, you will not be invited to any future press conferences with Miss Tyler and legal redress will be taken.”

  Claire knew she had the advantage. None of the journalists had been allowed to bring a photographer along.

  “Finally, for now, if any of you object to this press conference being recorded you should leave” Isabella pointed to the cameras strategically placed around the room. “This interview is being filmed and the digital records will be held securely in the vaults of Stanford and Henderson Law.”