My Billionaire Boss Is the Father of My Six Babies
Chapter 2
"Are you the only one living here?"
The leader—Ariel Hamilton—pulled off his sunglasses and studied her like he was trying to read her mind.
"Yes, it's just me. Do whatever you want—I'm not scared." Nicole Webb lifted her chin, eyes flashing with defiance.
"That old pickup outside—is it yours?"
Nicole hesitated, then nodded anyway.
"Good. Looks like you're exactly who Miss Brynlee's been looking for." Ariel flicked a hand at his men. "Take her."
Nicole dragged in a breath and glanced back at the house.
Stay safe, my children. Mommy will come back to you.
"Mommy!" The kids sobbed, their little faces streaked with tears.
"Why are you taking our mommy away?"
"Bad men! Give us our mommy back!"
The moment the men in black dragged Nicole away, the children cried even harder.
"Don't be scared, kids," Mark said, his eyes shining with forced optimism. "I'm pretty sure they won't hurt your mom. They probably have their reasons. Let's wait here and be patient. Maybe Mommy will be home soon."
In the car, Nicole sat wedged between two bodyguards in the back seat.
"Miss Brynlee's suddenly interested in this country girl?"
"Yeah. Not sure if this is gonna please him, but we'll bring her back for now..."
"Hey—where are you taking me? And who the hell is Miss Brynlee? Do I know her?" It hit Nicole then: these men probably weren't sent by River Johnson. They belonged to someone else entirely.
"Stop asking questions. You'll find out soon enough." Ariel sounded impatient. His gaze snagged on her wild hair.
"We're here. Get out."
The bodyguards pulled her out and marched her into a lavish estate. A grand equestrian arena, a rooftop garden—Nicole was speechless.
Her family had moved among the elite, but she'd never seen anything like this. Whoever owned this place was obscenely rich.
"Sit here and wait." Nicole was shoved onto a bench in the grand hall.
Mathew Rogers came down the opulent staircase, his daughter's hand in his.
He was devastatingly handsome—well over six feet, with a magnetic presence and a stare that demanded obedience.
The little girl clutched a worn-out doll and wore a simple vintage-inspired dress. There was something oddly mysterious about her...
Nicole froze.
That doll.
She'd seen it in her father's study. When he left for Europe, he'd taken that exact doll with him...
Her father had been arrested the moment he came home—and executed soon after...
"Brynlee, is this the scruffy little creature you wanted to find?" Mathew's cold eyes swept over Nicole with disdain.
The little girl's face flushed with an emotion she didn't recognize, her little heart pounding like crazy.
She'd never felt anything so overwhelming.
"I want her."
The little girl pointed at Nicole with imperious certainty, her English perfect.
Nicole felt heat rush to her cheeks.
"Would you mind telling me why you brought me here?"
Mathew gave his daughter a slight nod. She obediently hurried upstairs.
Now it was up to Daddy to handle this.
Mathew strolled toward Nicole with an easy elegance, his gaze lazily taking in her messy hair, heavily made-up face, and sun-kissed skin.
Nicole looked up, confused, and met his icy gaze through her thick glasses.
"Unattractive." Mathew looked away with cool indifference.
Just looking at her hurt his eyes.
"Do you always insult people like this? Ever heard of manners?" Nicole snapped, frustration boiling over.
What a waste of a good face. He'd be better off mute.
"I'm just being honest. If you're unattractive, it's better to know."
Mathew reclined on the luxurious sofa, every movement dripping with sophistication.
"Starting today, you'll stay here and work for me."
"What? You want me to be your mistress?" Nicole gasped in mock horror and hugged herself. "Let me make one thing clear—I'm not for sale!"
"As if." Mathew's expression twitched, his handsome face darkening. "What makes you think I'd want someone like you as a mistress?"
Nicole considered that. He had a point.
With the way she looked right now, even a burglar would keep his distance at night.
"Then why drag me here? There has to be a reason. I haven't done anything to you."
"Lee. Explain." Mathew's cold gaze landed on his butler, who stepped forward at once with gentlemanly poise.
He pulled a contract from a folder and handed it to her.
"Ms. Webb, we're offering you a legitimate position. Mostly, we'd like you to stay on as a caretaker and keep Miss Brynlee company. If you agree to the terms, please sign here."
That little girl, Miss Brynlee, seemed sweet enough. But this man... rude and more than a little intimidating.
She needed to think carefully.
Nicole chewed on the pen, hesitating. Then her eyes hit the salary section, and she nearly choked.
Ten thousand dollars.
Ten grand a month just to be a caretaker? She'd hit the jackpot.
Forget caretaker—for that kind of money, she'd volunteer as a punching bag.
Besides, she was curious about where that doll came from...
"Is this where I sign?" Nicole scrawled her name on the contract and flashed a sunny smile. "When do I start?"
The butler blinked, momentarily thrown.
"Tomorrow morning. Eight o'clock. Orientation first."
"Got it. No problem. I'll be there on time. Thanks, boss. Anything else? No? Then I'll be on my way."
Nicole waved cheerfully and left in high spirits.
Mathew's sharp gaze followed her out. "Keep an eye on her."
The butler bowed. "Yes, sir. I'll arrange for someone to watch her and report back to you."
*
Nicole climbed out of the taxi and checked the side mirror. Two figures were trailing her.
She let herself in, locked the door behind her, and signaled for the excited children to keep quiet.
"Quiet! I'm being followed."
The kids nodded, trying hard to contain their excitement.
"Mommy, we're so glad you made it back safe! We were about to call the police."
"Yeah, yeah! Look at Little Kolson—his eyes are all puffy!"
"Don't worry. Mommy's fine. Where's Uncle Mark?"
"Uncle went out to find out what happened to you!"
Just then, Mark burst through the door, relief flooding his face. "Nicole... you're back safe and sound."
"Yeah, Brother! And I got a job!"
"Really?" Mark looked stunned. "What kind of job?"
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