MY BILLIONAIRE BABY DADDY

Although Charisa was fortunate as a child, she didn't think of herself as such. She never had to worry about anything because her family was well off. Although she now suspects that her mother became aware of her father's plot and fled, she never even asked why she had left him five years prior.

Now that she had insisted on staying with him, Charisa felt guilty. She needed a sympathetic ear to weep on right now because she had alienated her mother.

Everyone had left her behind. She ended her relationship with her two-year lover. She was abandoned by her friends. Charisa felt miserable and alone. Charisa pondered what would happen once she somehow passed her finals at the end of the spring semester.

Could she possibly return to school? Would she have a home at all? The house she had grown up in was sealed up and locked. This summer, it and everything within were to be put up for sale.

Sitting on her dorm room bed, Charisa gazed out the window. Sylvia, her roommate, had already departed. Since the announcement of her father's death, Sylvia had scarcely spoken to her. Charisa believed Sylvia had the finest excuse of any of her friends. Her father had probably lost a lot of money because he had been an investment in the Edwards Fund.

Charisa could not believe how bright the day was outside. A deep moan escaped her lips. She had refrained from phoning her mom. Although she was certain that her mother would not reject her, she was unsure about how to approach her. She was now in California, on the other side of the nation.

Charisa had picked up her life, but she didn't think she'd have the money to buy a plane ticket at the last minute.

From Charisa's doorway, a gentle voice remarked, "You're still here."

Charisa looked around and saw Chloe, her sorority sister, standing there. She had a package under one arm and a luggage in the other.

"Yes," Charisa remarked, "I'm not in a rush to get anywhere." After placing her belongings at the doorway, Chloe proceeded to Sylvia's former bed. She took a seat, measured Charisa, and gazed at her.

Charisa did not know how to interpret that. She was never close to Chloe. Despite being a sweet girl and a year older than her, Chloe and she didn't share much in common.

Finally, Chloe remarked, "The past few weeks have been difficult for you." "Are you aware of your destination?"

Charisa gave a shoulder shrug. "I'll probably give my mom a call and ask if I can go with her to California." Chloe scowled. "If you can, that's a long way to go."

Even though she did not fully comprehend the scenario, Charisa valued Chloe's ability to grasp it immediately. But that didn't help, and Charisa sighed deeply once more before turning to face the window once more.

You know, I might have an answer for you, Chloe said.

Charisa faced Chloe once more. All she needed was a solution. "What is that?"

My father owns an upstate resort. It pays pretty well, and he constantly needs extra help over the summer. Even though you're staying in the servants' quarters, you still get to stay at the resort for free. As long as you don't mind spending the summer in a room roughly the size of this dorm room, it's not too bad.

Charisa never had a summer job to do. Although she understood the idea, she was unfamiliar with the actual practice. Still, there was something appealing about the prospect of landing a job. She no longer needed to rely on her mother, and if she saw that she was making an attempt to move past things and improve herself as a result, it could help the two of them mend their connection.

She might even agree to do it on more amicable circumstances than Charisa having to relocate to an unfamiliar place if her mother could assist.

"Will it be difficult to find me a job, specifically?" Charisa enquired.

Chloe gave a headshake. According to my dad, anyone who is unable to ask a few basic questions about an investment is certain to lose their money. Chloe stopped and shot Charisa a pitying glance. It's a severe viewpoint. However, it indicates that he will not be opposed to assisting you. Furthermore, you were unrelated to everything that occurred. Your father was the cause of it all.

For the first time in weeks, Charisa gave Chloe a genuine smile. "Thank you so lot. I don't care what he asks me to do. I'll even clean the restrooms.

Chloe chuckled. "It won't be too horrible. Although it will be a lot of work, you will get to enjoy some of it because the resort is lovely and employees always have two days off throughout the week.

Charisa had no interest in enjoying the resort. Charisa was beginning to see the end of a very dark tunnel for the first time since the beginning of the investigation into her father.

She even doubted that it was a train.

********

Stuart Estates was the first place Charisa had ever had the chance to visit. Although she was aware that many of her father's clients likely frequented this resort, it was much more luxurious than anything her family could have afforded. She wishes she hadn't had to work there to witness and appreciate it.

The vast manor house, which was situated in a mountain valley, served as a venue for a variety of gatherings, including conferences, marriages, and family reunions. Although the majority of guest accommodations were in "cabins," which were buildings that had previously been guest houses or were constructed after the original property was renovated, some of the upstairs rooms were still used as private spaces for visitors.

Nevertheless, Charisa believed she would like her job here. It was clear and crisp. Beauty was all around her. Despite her boss Henry Graven's assurance that she would be too busy to notice their surroundings, it was peaceful.

Tall, with dark hair and pale skin, Mr. Graven was a chilly man. Charisa instantly knew the name and tried not to wince. He was among those who lost their retirement funds as a result of her father's scam. By the way he stared at her, she could tell that he recognized her. He wouldn't be allowed to take any overt action, but he wouldn't think twice about firing her if she offered him a good cause.

The majority of her first day was a learning curve as she went from being the one being waited on to actually doing the waiting. She found the rest of the staff to be sympathetic and friendly, and Mr. Graven was reluctantly patient while she learnt. She was grateful that she didn't believe any of them were aware of her situation. She was glad to go to her room in the evening because it had been a tough day.

Her "room" consisted of half of a little cottage that Charisa assumed had formerly been a campground cabin. It now has illumination and a tiny window unit for air and heat control. Additionally, a common bathroom was constructed on top of it for the two apartments. Although it was not as large as her dorm room, it was cozy, well-lit, and most importantly, private.

As she lay in bed, Charisa reflected about her day. There has been a lot going on. Yes, Mr. Graven was correct. She had hardly had time to take in the breathtaking surroundings. She made the decision to alter it. After allowing herself a few days to adjust to the job, she would pause for a few seconds each day to simply enjoy her current situation.

In order to clean up the coffee that had spilled and collect the broken china cups that were now all over the floor, Charisa bent down. She was still learning how to balance trays and carry them. She lost her equilibrium after something-certainly a man's hand, not something else-brushed her thigh over her skirt because of it. She felt embarrassed now as people saw her struggle to avoid cutting herself with the glass fragments and coffee spills.

Charisa stood, being cautious not to tip her tray and spill any of the shards, after the last piece was collected and the last of the coffee had been soaked up. A hand touched the top of her knee as she passed a table. She turned to see a wink from an older man with thick, short grey hair. Trying not to blush, she turned quickly and pushed back into the kitchen galley via the swinging doors.

"Are you alright?" As she put down her tray of shattered cups, Leah, one of the other females on staff, questioned.

"A visitor is becoming clingy," Charisa remarked. She sighed as she started to transfer the shards to the broken-wares collection container. "It just took me by surprise, nothing else."

"Miss Edwards, you ought to handle your tray with more caution." As he passed her, Mr. Graven stopped. "You're fortunate no one was burned."

I apologize. "Next time, I'll be more cautious," Charisa remarked.

She knew Mr. Graven's expression was one of disdain even if she didn't glance up to see it. She completed placing the shards and took her tray to be cleaned after he left. Leah picked up another tray of coffee that had been set up and took it out. Charisa felt comforted. After experiencing something so embarrassing, she did not want to have to return to the dining room at this time.

The remainder of the midday lunch proceeded without incident, and Charisa was relieved that visitors did not give her any more attention than they did to any other staff member when she had to return.

The guests moved slowly from the dining hall to the balcony. The mild rain was still falling outside, but it would soon stop. While the team set up the indoor spaces for the evening festivities, the guests would take part in a variety of outdoor events.

Charisa started clearing the tables after moving to her section of the dining room. She wanted to make sure that there was no significant debris on the floor, but someone else would vacuum it from behind. Like everything else, she was still getting used to cleaning, and as she continued to work, her mind reciting fragments of half-remembered lyrics to keep her going, the rest of the staff had finished and been cleared away.

A hand passed along Charisa's buttocks and across the small of her back. She leaped to her feet and collided with the body of a person behind her. Not that Charisa had heard anyone approach her. She turned to see the same man from breakfast who had the grabbing hands.

"You resemble a small rabbit." He talked in a pleasant voice. He had demanding, even eyes. Charisa tried to put distance between them by holding onto the table, but he closed it again. "Yes, I enjoy hunting rabbits."

"I have to get my work done." There was nothing further Charisa could say. The man cupped her breasts by moving his hands to her waist and then slowly up her sides.

Then everything happened at once. The kitchen galley's sliding door opened. Two additional employees followed Mr. Graven as he left. An older woman entered via the open door from the balcony, followed by two young males. With the sweep of her arm, Charisa's palm struck the man's face, causing him to smack her loudly. It echoed across the dining room before the woman let out a high-pitched scream.

Charisa attempted, but was unable, to take charge of her circumstances. To Charisa's amazement and dismay, Mr. Graven arrived on the scene right away and asked the man, who turned out to be Henry Worthington, if he was alright. The woman cried out that her husband had been struck by a trollop. Mr. Worthington started out by explaining how she had gotten on him. Charisa attempted to speak up and share her perspective, but Mr. Graven or Mrs. Worthington silenced her by accusing her of lying. More people entered the dining room from the balcony as a result of the commotion.

At last, Mr. Graven grabbed Charisa's arm, squeezed it firmly, and walked her away. She attempted to object to his promises to Mr. Worthington that he would handle the matter. He dragged her out into the hallway and threw her around violently, knocking the wind out of her and slammed her back into the wall. Not wanting to miss the conclusion of the drama, visitors streamed into the hall from the dining room farther down.

Mr. Graven maintained a level and severe tone throughout his statement, "I have been very patient with you, but I will not have you accosting our guests."

Charisa declared, "I didn't do anything wrong."

One of the resort's most esteemed visitors was slapped by you. You'll approach him and express your regret.

I won't. What a pig the man is! Charisa's voice was louder than she intended.

Recognizing the gathering, Mr. Graven withdrew his hand and paused. He leaned closer to Charisa and spoke more softly. "Do you realize that you've been fired? You'll gather your things and head to your cabin. I anticipate seeing you go within an hour.

Charisa was at a loss for words. Tears started to fall from her eyes, searing her cheeks in embarrassment and shame, and she turned and raced down the corridor.

Tyler Conroy was an expert in two areas. Stuart's employees would gladly kiss the ground he walked on because Henry Worthington was a misogynist and a womanizer. He was positive that the staff supervisor would have found a way to say the poor child had fallen on his knife or gun herself, even if Worthington had killed her.

In addition, he knew exactly who the girl was. He recognized the face, having seen it in the news earlier. It was plenty for her, if he was correct. The last thing she needed was to be fired in front of everyone here. He grabbed the arm of another employee, a pretty young woman with short blond hair, as the crowd started to gradually thin out.

"I apologize, but before you had a chance to leave, I had a question for you," Tyler said, letting her go.

The young woman answered, "It's okay, sir." "How may I assist you?"

"What was the name of the girl who just ran down the hall?"

Tyler did not blame the young woman for narrowing her eyes. He found himself liking this young woman a lot and felt protective of her.

I don't mean any offense, but I believe you are aware that she didn't deserve what transpired. I believe you are aware of what actually transpired because I believe I have seen you here for a few seasons. All I want to do is make sure she will be alright.

The girl still gave him a suspicious look. She eventually relaxed as Tyler tried his hardest to come across as sincere. Edwards, Charles. You can go see her with me. We are in the same cabin.

Tyler gave a head nod. "I'm grateful. Tell them I drew you away to help me with an errand if they say anything. I pledge to vouch for you.

There was nothing more from the young woman. She just turned, and Tyler realized he had to follow her. She escorted him through the main estate house's side door. Now that the morning rain had ended, the afternoon humidity was rapidly approaching. She brought him to what he assumed to be her personal cabins and the servants' cabins at a steady pace.

Tyler entered a tiny living space that had three doors along two of the walls that were next to him and one on the other, as well as a couch, chair, and television.

The young lady turned to knock softly on the door on the left. "This is Leah, Charisa, my love."

Leah, please leave. Charisa's voice, muffled and heavy with sobs, entered the room. "I don't want to talk to anyone," she said.

Leah turned to face Tyler again, but he nodded and gestured for her to go on.

Leah remarked, "Charisa, a man is here to see you."

With tears streaming down her cheeks and fire in her eyes, Charisa emerged as the door swung wide. Suddenly, Tyler had a lot of respect for her and felt terrible for anyone who had caused that anger. He believed that she might not even be aware of her violent temper.

Before her eyes had a time to look around the room, Charisa shouted, "If it's him, I'll gouge out that bastard's eyes." Tyler saw that part of the fire retreated when they fell on him, but not all of it did. "Who is that?"

"He's among the visitors," Leah remarked. "He was concerned about your well-being."

After observing Tyler for a while, Charisa turned back to her pal. "Assure him I'll be alright."

"May I talk to you for a little while?" Tyler stepped forward.

He could see the helplessness in Leah's eyes as she turned from Tyler to Charisa. She couldn't be acting as a mediator between them because she had responsibilities.

With a sigh, Charisa touched Leah's shoulder. It's alright. Before you get into trouble, you get back up.

Leah paused and glanced back and forth between them. At last, she gave a nod. "Please find me before you leave."

I'll do it. Thank you. Charisa hugged Leah. Leah moved by Tyler after she let go, giving him a cautious glance that he interpreted perfectly. Charisa had a hard enough day, and he did not need to make it worse.

Tyler's focus shifted to the young woman in front of him as she left her room as Leah left the cabin. She merely wore the plain black dress that all of the employees wore. The white apron had been thrown away when she ran from the embarrassing incident, or it had been left in her room.

You've got a good pal. Have you two been acquainted for a long time? Tyler wanted to know more about this girl. By carefully avoiding the spotlight, the media had portrayed her as the distant princess of a malevolent financial king. Here, he didn't see that. He was witnessing a very other scene.

Only a few days. But Leah is a true jewel. Charisa's head cocked to the side. "Why are you in this place?"

Tyler chuckled a little. "You won't inquire as to my identity?"

Charisa gave a headshake. "I recognize you. Almost every magazine features your face, generally in an article about a massive playboy party or a girl who has lost her heart.

Tyler put his hand to his chest and pretended to be hurt. "You hurt me. That's fair enough, though. I'll tell the truth. I am also aware of who you are.

Charisa gave a hard scowl. "So, are you here to gloat?"

Tyler was shocked to feel a sudden, piercing ache pierce his chest. Why he felt so sorry for this young woman was beyond him. She was pretty. Any man would be enthralled by her black hair and vivid blue eyes. But something else had captured his attention. All he wanted was to be able to pinpoint its nature.

"No," Tyler replied plainly. "I sincerely hoped you were doing well. Are you aware of your next course of action?

Charisa gave a headshake. "I am unable to return to New York." The TV still has my face all over it. I suppose I have to hope that my meager salary here will cover my airfare to Los Angeles.

"You don't have anyone who can assist you?" Now Tyler felt sorry for her.

All of her father's assets had been taken, as he was aware from the news stories. He never thought it would make her penniless. He questioned whether anyone had given that much thought.

I spoke with my mom. She is attempting to pursue acting while working as a waiter. She hardly has enough cash to cover her expenses. Charisa hesitated. "What am I telling you?"

What is the reason behind my impending action? At least both of them were acting in ways that Tyler could not understand, and he felt relieved. She had a reason. She was being pressured. He knew he couldn't stop himself now, but he didn't know what his reason was.

"Would you like to be my guest here for the remainder of the week?" Tyler enquired.

He smiled at Charisa's shocked expression. "What?"

Tyler inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "I don't know why your boss was so harsh with you, but I'm positive it wasn't your fault. It is not worth the chance of a sexual harassment case for a few shattered cups. Right now, you have nowhere else to go. Therefore, give it a few days to work things out.