The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 73

Before Regina could respond a server paused offering a tray of flutes filled with champagne. Marcus took one without hesitation but she was tempted to decline. Then she noticed one glass was a little different, the liquid inside slightly darker. With a frown she picked it up and gave it a sniff before tasting it. There was no mistake. "Sparkling cider," Ava confirmed holding up her own glass. "I don't like drinking either."

"That's because you usually have a bun in the oven," Sarah smirked.

"I do not!" Ava exclaimed.

"Oh sweetie," Aubrey chuckled. "You and Silas are like rabbits. How many are you up to?"

"L-like you're one to talk," Ava stuttered blushing red even as Silas leaned down to kiss the nape of her neck. "Do you hear what they are saying?"

"I don't mind," Silas muttered low making her blush even deeper as the others laughed.

Regina silently looked from one to the other, stunned. This was certainly not the kind of conversation she expected from New York's elite.

"Still feeling surreal?" Aubrey asked turning back to Regina.

She tried to smile but it was forced. Though she was beginning to relax a bit she still wasn't sure how well she fit in. She was just too different from them.

"It may seem overwhelming now but once you replace your pace you'll be fine," Sarah assured her. "And when everyone sees you on stage you'll really blow them away."

"Stage?" Aubrey repeated. "Acting or music?"

"... Well, both," Regina was hesitant to admit.

"She has a fantastic voice," Marcus added.

"Excellent," Aubrey smiled. "There's a piano in the corner. Maybe you and Ava can give us a performance later."

"You play?" Regina looked at the petite woman.

Ava nodded suddenly shy.

"She's a prodigy," Silas said before Ava elbowed him. She was always embarrassed to receive praise for her musical talent. After all, she was hardly the only musician in their usual group. There were also Alexis, Caden and Macey to name a few and that was only scratching the surface.

"Well, I'm not sure it would be appropriate," Regina muttered.

"Why on earth not?" Aubrey asked. "Sweetie when you have talent it's okay to flaunt it."

"It's just..."

"Just what?" Aubrey glanced at the mingling crowd. "Them? Are you worried what those airheads who can't hold a tune between them will say?" Regina frowned.

"Oh sweetie, don't mind them," Aubrey shook her head. "It doesn't matter what you do...they are going to have something to say so you might as well give them something to talk about. And just between us...this room needs more color and I'm not just talking about skin tone. I'm talking culture, interests, ambition. There are almost fifty women in this room and you can practically count on one hand how many of them have actual jobs. Three of them are in this group." Regina glanced at Sarah and Ava. Both were nodding.

"All these women and their only ambition is hanging out at the spa, shopping and buying more things they already have in a different color. It's depressing. All they want is a rich man to take care of them as if they are god's gift to the world. So get up on that stage, girl. Show them what it means to earn that spotlight."

Regina's lips twitched with a smile. She really didn't know what to think of this woman in front of her: fierce, outspoken and unapologetic. Regina had never met anyone like her before and she suddenly felt a fire to somehow live up to her, channel her confidence. "I knew it," Sarah said, "I knew introducing Aubrey to you was a good idea."

Regina glanced at her.

"Aubrey is the ultimate cheerleader. She knows just how to stoke the fires and stir you up," Sarah explained. "She also has one mean right hook if that man of yours gets out of line."

Regina blinked and looked at Aubrey who shrugged, "It's called an attention getter."

This time Regina joined them in their shared laughter. Her gaze drifted across the room and she suddenly stiffened.

"What is she doing here?"

Though she intended to keep her voice low the others heard and followed her gaze to see a woman in a white off-the-shoulder gown. It was simple and elegant but not particularly flattering as its irregular profile hid her figure rather than flaunting her curves. "Who is that?" Aubrey asked. "Elizabeth Quenn," Marcus sighed. "I didn't realize she would be here."

"Quenn?" Ava repeated shaking her head. "I don't know her. She wasn't on my list but that's Vincent Hudd with her. Maybe she came as his plus one. Who is she?"

"You really should pay attention to the gossip columns," Sarah chuckled taking out her phone and playing the video that had been circulating all week.

The others watched it before looking at Marcus. Lucas whistles low giving Marcus a nod of respect. Silas raised his glass as well. Both of them had their own experiences with clingy, devious women and could relate.

Clearing his throat Marcus looked at Regina only to see she was still staring at Elizabeth. If looks could kill she would have been burnt to ash.

"Regina?" Marcus tried to get her attention. "Forget her. Regina?"

"Even if I stood on a table," Regina muttered before finally tearing her gaze away and looking at their small group.

Without a word she handed Marcus her glass before stalking off toward the other woman. She was shaking by the time she reached the other side of the room. Regina was so angry she was surprised smoke wasn't coming out of her ears. As she reached her target Elizabeth finally took notice of her. Elizabeth wrinkled her nose as if catching a bad smell, "Looks like they'll let any riffraff in here."

Regina clenched her jaw but she didn't hesitate reaching back and delivering a left cross straight to her nose. Elizabeth stumbled back her nose squirting blood all over her gown. She waved for napkins but everyone was too stunned to move as they stared at Regina with a mixture of awe and fear. Finally a server brought her napkins. Elizabeth quickly pressed them to her nose glaring at Regina.

"If you ever come near my children again I promise no one will ever replace your body," Regina declared shocking those around them.

Turning on her heels Regina walked back the way she came. All eyes followed her but this time she didn't feel the least bit self-conscious. Returning to Marcus she took back her drink without a word. She took a sip looking up to see everyone staring at her in awe. Regina had been so meek when she first entered the room. They hadn't expected that kind of action from her in the slightest. Only Sarah had any idea where the true motivations for such a confrontation came from but she was hesitant to explain with so many ears around them. Besides, it was Regina's story to tell though Sarah doubted it would remain a secret for long especially after tonight.

The silence was finally broken by Aubrey, "Damn girl. When you want to give them something to talk about you don't play. Respect."

"You better watch yourself, Marcus," Lucas warned. "She's a firecracker."

"Don't I know it," Marcus smiled but there was no fear in his gaze. Fear was the last thing on his mind as his arm encircled Regina's waist and he pulled her close. There was only one thing on his mind and she had no trouble reading it.