Chapter Three

Leonardo

Stepping into a cake shop brought memories of childhood. Memories like fighting for cakes with my siblings, waiting for the delivery man, and running around with pieces of cake all over the mansion. I love cakes. It's part of my childhood. I wished I could go back there but I needed to figure my life out. I stood at the cake shop reminiscing old times with different flavors brushing through my nostrils.

I was enjoying the feeling when I turned to a large number of people struggling to get into the shop. They were already cursing me with their looks and I couldn't care less. I was there to see Rylee. It wasn't going to take long until I convinced her to go home with me anyway. Some were cheering us on and hoping to get my contact or at least perceive my scent. I hadn't been on television for a while but was still popular. Good name attracts good people.

The paparazzi were everywhere the next minute. I had no idea how they knew I was going to be there. I haven't been on television for 6 months. I occasionally do TV shows to promote the product we were working on. This must be a good sign. I have my fans. I am a popular multi-billionaire. I was not surprised at all but this is a private affair. I wasn't about to tell everyone I planned on having a surrogate. I mean what could be a better option? Choosing from my numerous girlfriends who had eyes for my wealth?Hell no. I needed a safe place to have a conversation and the cake shop was too crowded for that. I signaled my assistant to dismiss the paparazzi and I brought the shop out.

“Tell the clients everything has been bought”

That was a great move. The clients left showing signs of disappointment. I should have brought the whole building. The city of Los Angeles. The location is strategic and it would fetch me more money. I wondered if they were selling. I was calculating the inches and width of the building when a female worker approached me.

She was a slim blonde with a perfect skin. She dressed well with a fruity Cologne to accompany her fits. From her tone and appearance, I could tell she was the boss. She seemed cheerful and excited.

“Hello Sir”

“I’m Miss Jolie”

She offered her hand. I smiled and took it.

She thanked me for buying them out and proceeded to talk about how we could expand the business. She was pitching her ideas and how could invest in the business but I was already getting fed up. it was nice hearing her talk about business the way she did because she quite understood the basics of the business world. I was impressed but if I had my way I would have offered her a position at my company.

Looking around without any glimpse of the girl I was looking for, I had to cut her short.

“I’m here for Rylee”

“Where is she”

She took a step back and rounded up her “presentation “.

“Why are you looking for Rylee”

“I’m the manager here”

“What is the issue, I can handle it”

“Rylee is my employee”

“It's private Miss Joile”

“I need to talk to her”

“Private Problems?”A guy said over the counter. He was a tall dark Man. He looked like he saw a ghost.

“Yes, it's private”

“Do you know where she is right now?”

“No, Sir,” He said scratching his head.

“I am here. I’m Rylee”

“What do you want Sir?”

There she was

The girl. That girl.My surrogate.Rylee.The girl that will give me a handsome heir. I have dreams about it every day. Douglas said She would make a beautiful baby. I have never listened to my assistant regarding anything but I guess he was right all along. She has good genes. physical structure, straight legs, good skin, and great hair. She’s Perfect. She would make a perfect partner if she was well-traveled and probably educated. I needed someone powerful in my circle. My father had recommended powerful women, those from our circle but I wasn't attracted to any of them. I was still searching. if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Nevertheless, she would be my surrogate. it was a win-win situation.

I was lost in her eyes.

“Yes…”I stammered

“I’d like to talk to you “

“Could I have a moment please”

“Yes”

I motioned to the chairs in the corner. I led the way to a corner and she followed me.

“I am Leonardo. I know you have heard about me”

“Let's cut to the chase”

“I want you to be my surrogate “

“I need an heir to my company and I need it in 9 months”

“I’ll pay one million for implantation and confirmation and one million when it's finalized “

“I assume you are over 18 years”

“I had this discussion with your parents, I needed to get your consent and paperwork signed”

I readjusted my suit and waited for a response. She was mute the entire conversation. She occasionally raised and head to have a full view of my face. She must have been impressed. My personal Barber was doing a good job after all. I was expecting her to go on her knees and thank me but she didn't move.

“I‘m not interested, Sir” She finally said a word and went on to talk about why she could never be my surrogate. it would have been better if she declined respectfully. The admirable Rylee I met a while back turned vicious. She spilled words that pierced my heart and I was convinced she had it rehearsed.

“I’ll pay back your money in full” She added.

I was furious. She looked at me as though I was a disease. She chose words coated with sarcasm. She talked about how she wouldn't allow her worst enemy to choose that life. She gave me the option of paying it back by the end of the year. I know she had a misrepresentation of my life and the kind of person I was in her head but I couldn't care less. She was arrogant and I was determined to teach her a lesson.

“24 hours”

“I give you 24 hours. I need my money back”

“24 hours or the deal is sealed”

“Douglas will pick it up at 10 am”

“Don't test my patience”

“Else you won't like my reaction”

I made the warning so clear that my intention was well known by her colleagues. They were shaken by how I went from a calm gentleman to a furious man storming out of their shop.

Rylee

She pushed me to the wall

She had no idea what was coming for her.