Sleeping with the Forbidden Billionaire

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Madeline POV

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I feel like the whole floor is spinning around me.

I am breathing hard, my heart is beating erratically.

Meeting with Ms. Barry where she asked me to talk to my little sister on how lying at this very young age is not any good just got me on my nerves.

In a way, I couldn't understand what to tell her.

The helpless in me as I kept my mouth zipped and nodded at her before rushing to work as I was already running late.

Even though I drove like a mad woman, I am still late.

This elevator doesn't go any faster.

My hands have started to shake.

It wasn't this bad before.

But now I get such bad anxiety at every little things.

Sometimes, it's hard for me to breathe.

But I'm trying to be fine.

The minute the elevator door clings open, I let out a deep breath as I adjust my hair before I step out.

“Mr. Bailey is waiting for you”

Vance, my dad's secretary informs me as he notices me rushing towards the office, in a hurry.

Knocking on the door, I walk in quickly, knowing I am already late.

And I don't want to cause any more drama at work!

“What time does your work start?”

His rude voice cuts me right through, making my breath hitches.

My stomach burns in the second.

“I had to meet Stevie's teacher,”

I answer in a low voice.

“Tell me anyone time you have done your job right, without giving me any reasons?”

He scoffs, and his rich deep voice carries a hint of anger.

"I apologize,"

I reply, not knowing what else to say.

No matter what, he will pinpoint at everything I have to tell him.

“Nancy can take care of Stevie.

I want you here at the office.

I'm leaving to Chicago.

And I'm not sure when I'll be back.

In my absence, you will take part in the events scheduled on my behalf.

Keeping the company's reputation, this is vital.

Do you hear me?”

His voice comes out fuming like he hates my sight.

And since the minute I walked inside his office, he hasn't lifted his head to take a glance at me.

Not even a small look,

It is like he hates to even look at me.

The thoughts make me disgusted at myself.

And he dialed, calling out for his secretary who came running in.

Like he was expecting that.

“When is my flight?”

He questions, lifting his head as Vance walked in.

“At five, sir”

Vance answers quickly.

Knowing what he is talking!

“Alright.

I'm leaving then.

I want to avoid being late” my father closes the file he was busy looking at, but he still does not take a glance at my direction.

Like I don't exist!

“What about the John's party tonight?”

Vance questions quickly.

And Howie sighs.

It's weird how his name pops up in my mind rather than what I always call him, dad.

I notice the way his shoulders gets tightened

“Is it today?”

He questions, with a disappointment in his tone.

“Yes” Vance answer, but only after checking his notes.

Making sure he hasn't got the dates wrong.

“Why are you telling me now?

Didn't you know about the trip?

How can you bring this up last-minute Vance, you must be kidding me”

Howie questions through his Gritted teeth , his face red fuming in anger?

“Huh, well” Vance murmurs, as he takes a glance at my direction.

Like he wanted me to help him here.

But I just give him a sad smile, my lips closed.

“Who all are listed on the guest list?

Huh, John is a dear friend.

He promised us to get the Texas project.

What am I going to do now?”

He speaks out, as he sits back in his chair.

Opening His laptop, like he wants to fit the event into his busy schedule.

“All the top A listers are named on the guest list”

Vance speaks out, as he opens the mail on his phone, his hands acting so quickly that makes me nervous.

I could never do that.

“Name one” Howie grits out, as he starts to type something on his laptop.

And I notice the dark circles under his eyes, the wrinkles around them.

It has been months since I saw him smile.

Since my mother left us, our family has changed.

It's like the air around us has started to get thicker.

Darkness surrounding us.

But I'm trying to get things back to normal.

So far, I wasn't any successful, but I had the confidence that I will bring the lost light back to our family.

I checked my phone, to see if I had got any messages.

But there was nothing.

Blank screen with no notifications.

“Mr. Harrington”

Vance took the name, softly like he didn't want to stress out on it.

And my dad shut his laptop immediately with a sudden outburst that was clearly visible on his face.

I was sure he didn't care for the man.

Vance kept his head low, not wanting to add anyone's name.

“Tell the driver, I'm heading out,” Howie spoke out quickly as he got on his step. Ready to leave.

His body rigid, and I wasn't certain if he was breathing alright.

“But John will feel bad.

As you said, this is important,” Vance reminded him.

And finally, my father looked at me.

My body rose straight when his black eyes fell on me.

“You go.

On behalf of me.

Vance, you accompany her.

Make sure she doesn't screw up things for us”

He spoke out with a venomous voice which made me want to tear myself apart.

And he left, shutting the door hard, that the noise echoed in my head.

“That wasn't bad.

Do you have a nice dress? Because this is a high-profile party,” Vance asked,

And I sighed, letting out the breath I was holding on to.

“I can look in my mom's closet…”

My voice trails off as my phone vibrated, indicating a new message.

“Just send me the party memo.

I'll be there”

With that I dialed the number, heading out hurriedly.

Not wasting a single second!

“Hello, Madeline?”

“Hi, Todd.

Yes, what happened to the details I asked you?”

My voice came out half excited and half nervous, hoping to hear any news at all.

It was better than being clueless.

But I want sure if I was ready for the unknown truth.

“Not yet.

Huh, but we have got a clue.

She was last seen in London.

So, I have to get there.

To find some information further, we can find where she can possibly be.

For now, this is all I have got,”

Todd answered, a hopefulness in his voice.

“So when are you leaving?”

I was quick enough to ask him.

This was much better.

We at least know she was somewhere out there.

Alive,

That was such a relief.

I felt my heart calm for a second.

As I rubbed my chest, like a soothing action.

“I can leave by tomorrow.

But I needed money.

To at least cover the flight and stay charges”

He states, his voice trailing off

And I swallow hard.

Whatever money I had, out of the little salary I was paid by my father Howie?

I had given it all.

There was nothing left.

“I'm so sorry Todd,

But I don't have any money right now.

But I promise, I'll pay you soon,” my voice came out weak.

“I understand that, but I'm really helpless.

I had to pay the locals to get the CCTV footage and other information.

I have nothing left”

Todd shrugs

And my eyes pricks with hot tears that I hold behind my lashes

But I blinked them away, quickly.

“Okay.

I'll arrange for the money very soon.

And I'll call you back,”

I spoke out with a strange confidence behind my voice.

There was no way Howie would give me any money.

I was hardly getting paid here.

But I don't blame him, the company is in such bad situation.

But now, in order to find the truth.

First, I had to make sure I got the money to do so.

And I will have to figure out something soon.

Figure out how to get the money.

But before that, the party…