The Daring Billionaire’s Wife by Lypstical
Chapter 104

Dominic

"I can't say I agree or disagree with you," I say to Vanessa. "You're the one who knows your father best. Do you really think he's hiding something?"

"Maybe I'm just thinking too much, she says dismissively, shifting in her seat. "It just felt like there's something he wanted to say but chose not to say it." "And what gave you that idea?"

"I know him."

"You know what I think? You're just thinking too much."

"Maybe you're right." She leans back in her seat, relaxing her shoulders.

"Are you absolutely certain that Shane won't try anything stupid?" I ask.

"To be honest, I've been a little worried, but the look on his face was clear enough that he wouldn't say anything that would get him in trouble."

"Good."

As the car falls silent, I replace myself thinking about earlier when I arrived with her father and she was so happy that she kissed me. I've kissed her so many times now and it's more than I can count, yet during that single moment, my heart actually skipped a beat in surprise. I know she was acting, but it was just so sudden for me.

"Hey," she says, grabbing my attention again.

"What is it?"

"Tell me about your time spent at the orphanage and hospital."

I smile a little, always glad to know that she's interested to replace out about the children even though she was there a few days ago.

As I tell her about my time there and how the children were asking about her, she faces my direction, brightly smiling at me.

The awkwardness between us naturally fades and it's like that moment in the study never even happened, but I'll never forget what it felt like when she rejected me.

Unlike the other time when we just came back from my parents' house after dinner, the car comes to a stop in the yard and we head inside together.

Just as we approach the elevator, she stops and says, "I was actually thinking about something."

"What is it?"

"It's something I want to add for the children at the orphanage in the courtyard but I don't know if you'll agree with it."

"Just tell me."

I get even closer to her, paying attention while she describes her idea to me. Impressed, my lips curve into a smile. "How did I never think of that?"

"Do you like it?" She chuckles, pressing the button to the elevator.

"I love it and I'm certain the children will love it, too." I lead the way inside.

"I bet they will. I can already imagine their faces and their screams. Hey, you better give me credit for this."

"Do you think I'll take it away from you?" I raise my eyebrows.

"I'm just saying. I know you like to show off."

"You're right about that."

We chuckle at the same time and then the elevator falls silent again, but this time, it actually feels comfortable even though we say nothing to each other.

She steps out before me once we get to our floor and I follow right behind her, trying not to look down at her voluptuous figure.

"There's something I haven't yet told you," I say to her just as she gets to her bedroom door.

"Yeah?" She looks in my direction, raising her eyebrows a little.

"When I was coming back from the airport with my father-in-law, he mentioned the call from the accident and that's when I remembered that I was supposed to do something today." Her eyes widen as she covers her mouth, figuring out exactly what this means.

"Oh no. Now that I think about it, what will you do now?" she asks.

"It's simple." I smirk a little, already feeling confident in my plan before I even say it. "I've hired some actors."

Her jaw drops and it takes her a moment to speak, making me wonder what she thinks of my plan. Then, she bursts into laughter while shaking her head.

"What's funny?" I ask, feeling a little offended.

"That's your plan?" She places her hand on her stomach, which seems like it hurts from her laughter.

"My plan is perfect. I don't understand why you're laughing."

"I can't believe that's going to be your way out."

"Well, do you have any better ideas?"

"No, I don't."

"Then I'm going with this one. After this, they won't bother me at all."

"When did you even arrange all this?"

"Right when I excused myself while my father-in-law was here."

"Wow, that was st."

"I couldn't have done it so quickly if not for Frank. After this, everything should be back to normal tomorrow."

She giggles. "I can't wait to see this. When is this happening?"

"Tomorrow at 2 p.m."

"What?" She frowns. "I won't be able to make it. I'll be at the women's conference. Can't you change the time?"

"No. That's the only time I could think of since I'm very busy all day and you know that we have a celebration with Mike in the evening."

She pouts. "Well, can you at least take a video or something? I still would like to see your ridiculous plan."

"Hey, at least I thought of something." I hold my head high.

She shakes her head, facing her bedroom door again. I also head to mine, glad that I can have these types of conversations with her without any awkward tension. I'm certain that starting now, it's all gone. "Dominic," she says, her voice softer.

"Yes?" I look over my shoulder.

"Never mind." She waves her hand dismissively, quickly stepping inside and closing her bedroom door.

It takes me a few seconds to proceed to open my door as I wonder what she was about to say. With a shrug, I get inside, thinking about tomorrow's plan. It'll definitely turn out perfectly.

Even after a few minutes, I smile a little, thinking about how she laughed at me.

Vanessa

It's 12:30 p.m. and I'm on my way to the conference with my four bodyguards just in case the press will overwhelm me.

With ten minutes to go before I get to the hotel, I call my father and it doesn't take long for him to pick up.

"I was just thinking about you," he says. "I was certain you would call me soon, the same way you did this morning to replace out if I had my breakfast."

"Then you know what I'm about to ask you." I chuckle.

He sighs. "Yes, I've had my lunch."

"Please drink a lot of water as well."

"I already did that. Are you on your way to the conference?"

"Yes."

"It's a shame you won't be present when we get to see who this culprit is." He sounds a little harsh.

I cover my mouth for a second just so I don't burst out laughing.

"You know I don't hold grudges or things like that," I say to him. "That's why I'm not too concerned with this. The conference is more important to me. Please take it easy. I know you might have a lot to say." After the call with my father, I immediately call Dominic, unable to wipe the smile off my face.

"Hello?" he says from the other end of the line.

"I hope you have everything in order because my dad has a lot to say to this fake culprit."

"I bet my mom even has more to say to her."

"What if she slaps her?"

"I warned the actress of that possibility and she's actually okay with getting slapped by my mom as long as I pay her more money."

"I still can't believe this is happening. This plan is crazy."

He proudly chuckles. "As long as it works, then it's good."

"I guess I'll talk to you later. Bye."

"Yeah."

After the beep, I sigh deeply, thinking about last night. Right before I entered my bedroom, I stopped Dominic and was about to wish him a good night because things seemed to be going well between us. I only stopped myself because I thought it would be a bit too much. I'm just glad that even now, everything is fine between us. It almost feels like we're becoming friends.

My arrival at the hotel attracts attention from the photographers, but my bodyguards quickly swing into action, shielding me from all of them.

Though my plan is not to say anything, I end up answering just two questions then head inside.

The reception is just like last time - a special seat for me in front, something that I didn't even need but at this point, I'm used to it.

As the event begins, I keep looking down at my time until it's 2 p.m. I can't help but wonder what's going on right now with Dominic. The thought of it actually makes me giggle a little but I have to compose myself because of the audience.

Right when it's time for a break, I head to the restroom, my bodyguards accompanying me on the way there and they wait outside as I go in alone.

I run into two women inside and smile at them, then proceed to one of the stalls.

After I come out and stand in front of the mirror, I touch up my makeup as the two women head out and at the same time, another one comes in. She stands right next to me, her short black hair styled in messy bangs with a length right above the shades on her face. I ignore her for a few seconds as I finish up quickly, but replace it strange that she just stands still with crossed arms.

Even though her eyes are covered by the shades, it still feels like she's looking at me. Staring at her through the mirror for a few more seconds, my eyes widen when I realize it's Carmella in disguise.