Connor's POV
"Why did you tell her the truth quickly, Connor?" Axel questioned me while I was signing the necessary documents.
"Stacey deserves to know the truth. She was the fruit of undying love, but Mr. Davidson was too in pain to love her as his own daughter. So he turned her into his maid instead," I commented.
"Exactly. Her mother hid massive assets for Stacey, and that money was enough for her to start a new life. You don't have to include yourself in her problem," he said.
I stop and face him, "I left her all alone, Axel. I don't care if she has the same money as mine. I will help her make them pay, and you are not going to open this topic again."
Axel is my good friend. He stays by my side in my ups and downs, so I owe him what I have right now. He was also the reason why I managed to find Stacey and know she's the same woman I had slept with one month ago. It seems like fate wanted us to meet, and for me to help her.
"Mr. Smith," my secretary, Gretchen, came in. "Howard Davidson is here," she added.
I furrowed, "Did he have an appointment? Is his visit on my schedule?"
She looked at the tablet before shaking his head and answered, "No, sir. He mentioned that it was a surprise since he wanted to thank you personally."
I turned to Axel and we seemed to have the same idea running inside our heads. I stood up before approaching my sofa and replied, "Let him in."
She nodded before heading out, and then Howard entered afterward. I beckoned to Axel to leave me and Howard alone, which he nodded before leaving. Meanwhile, Howard went up to me with a massive smile, and beside him was his daughter.
"Nice meeting you finally, Mr. Smith," he greeted.
"Have a seat," I motioned to the sofa in front of me.
They sat down and I could feel the excitement on their faces. His face reminded me of the mistreatment he inflicted on Stacey, and I wanted to erase his smile.
"I apologize for my sudden appearance, Connor. I wanted it to be a surprise, so I didn't tell you."
"Yeah, which is the wrong timing. I have loads of work today but since you're here, I will entertain you." I crossed my legs and leaned on the couch. "What brings you here?"
"After I received your invitation, I immediately came here to thank you personally. I've been trying to contact you for one year, and I'm so excited when I received your invitation. Congratulations," he said.
"I didn't know you're getting married, Connor. This is surprising but I'm happy for you," Cindy interfered.
I gaze at her coldly, "Me too. I wasn't expecting to meet the woman who would accept me despite my flaws."
"My daughter mentioned you to me before, Connor. I didn't know you were the man she told me about, especially since my daughter is good at keeping secrets and I'm busy taking care of—" I cut him off.
"I believe what Cindy and I have discussed before is not necessary to be our topic today. Is there anything I can help you with?" I asked, stopping him from opening the topic I don't want to talk about.
I can see why he brought Cindy here. Howard was expecting me to open a conversation about business, especially since I sent him the invitation. He was making a business proposal with Cindy's connection with me, and I'm not letting him.
"You can bring your daughter, son-in-law, and wife to the party. My wife will be happy to meet you tomorrow," I said.
"We are also looking forward to meeting your fiancé, Mr. Smith. Perhaps we can talk about business as well? You know? I've been trying to make you invest in my company. My son-in-law is a great businessman and I think you will find his intelligence interesting when you meet him," he answered proudly.
I cross my arms, "I heard you have another daughter, Mr. Davidson. Do you think I can meet her?"
I quickly saw how uncomfortable he became after I mentioned Stacey's existence. He looked at his daughter before smiling uncomfortably like he wasn't expecting me to open that topic.
"She's a troublemaker and a headache, Mr. Smith. That's why I kicked her out. Do you have any idea how much shame she put in my family? She got pregnant with someone else's child and wanted Nathan to marry her. Isn't it ridiculous?" He shared with me the information he shouldn't have, but he seemed proud to tell me how he kicked her out.
"No, I have no idea. But let me tell you something, Mr. Davidson. I've been searching for my childhood best friend for so many years and when I found out she was my daughter, I eagerly wanted to see her."
Cindy widened and chuckled, "What? You are Stacey's childhood best friend? The boy who keeps shouting at our porch and begging me to open the gate? You are that boy? I didn't know."
"Because I didn't tell you or anyone. Now, if you want me to reconsider your proposal, Mr. Davidson. Find your daughter because she can be your key to please me," I stated.
I stood up and smirked because I wanted him to beg Stacey. He will find a way to search for her, and I will not make it easy for them since the engagement party is tomorrow. I grabbed the champagne bottle and poured my glass. After that, I drank it.
I exhaled softly, "I made a promise to Stacey's grandmother that I will protect her, so I want you to bring her to me and I will sign the contract right away."
"But Stacey is nowhere to be found. We don't know where she is right now!" Cindy exclaimed.
I clench my fist on how she spoke about Stacey. I face them while holding myself back, "That's your only option."
"We will find her and bring her to you," Mr. Davidson said, confident.
I smiled, "Then you made yourself a deal, Mr. Davidson. I will wait for your update. You can leave now."
He stood up and pulled his daughter, leaving my office. I can see the disappointment on his face. He seemed disappointed turning his back on the daughter that isn't his, especially since Stacey will be his key.
"What the heck was that?" Axel burst after entering my office.
"If we want to turn them into fools, we have to start now."
He put his hands on his waist in disbelief, "What if they discovered Stacey was staying in your house? Worst of all, they'll find you are messing with them."
"Relax, Axel. Everything is under control. They won't find Stacey because I won't let them, so focus on important things. The engagement party is tomorrow and we have to put our focus on that. I can't wait to see their reactions," I mumble.