Page 17 of Interview with the Billionaire

Now he considered Ashton Stone to be both his son and a friend. One day, hopefully, a business associate, too. The man definitely had the talent, something that made Damien incredibly proud.

“Oh.” Maggie frowned. “I was under the impression we’d have the entire family. Plus I really wanted to get a photo of the two of you. For the article. And I wanted to get his thoughts on you, your business, your relationship. I know that readers will be interested. After all, I doubt there’s anyone in the country who didn’t hear at least something about the fallout when he announced himself as your son.”

“No,” Damien said cooly as Nikki squeezed his hand in solidarity. “I imagine that’s true. But it’s also behind us. I have a good relationship with my son.”

Maggie smiled warmly. “I know. That’s the point. Readers saw the drama. Now they should see where it settled. How well it settled.”

“I don’t disagree on principle, but as I said, he’s unavailable. But I’m happy to give him a call and find out when he’ll be back.”

“I appreciate that. We can move ahead today, and if he gets back in time, we can do another shoot for the two of you, as well as at least one portrait with all the Starks—you two, the little ones, and Ashton.”

“If you’ll excuse me a moment, I’ll try to get in touch right now.”

Maggie smiled—a rare, genuine smile that he’d seen all too infrequently when they were going out. More frequently, he’d seen a manipulative smile.

Another sign, he hoped, that she’d truly changed.

He excused himself, then dialed Ash’s number while stepping back inside.

“Hey, Daddy-o,” Ash said, answering on the first ring. “What’s up?”

Damien chuckled. “You sound upbeat.”

“Just had a great meeting for the power system. Pretty sure I’ve landed my final investor.”

“Congratulations,” Damien said, meaning it. In truth, he’d wanted to invest himself. But Ashton—his son—had wanted to go it alone. To prove he could. And damned if Damien hadn’t understood that. “That’s an incredible feeling.”

“It really is. But unless you’re clairvoyant, you didn’t call to congratulate me.”

“No, that’s just a pleasant bonus. I was wondering when you’d be back in the country. The reporter is here, and really wants us to get some photos together. Plus she wants to interview you.”

“This whole dog and pony show is supposed to help promote the Sports Center, right? So a big deal for you and Uncle Jax?”

“That’s about the whole of it.”

“Well, I guess I’m your favorite son, then. Too bad for Bradley. I can be in LA by lunch tomorrow.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. To be honest I was already thinking about it. To see you and Nik and the kids. But I’m happy to have you feel indebted to me. Maybe you’ll raise my allowance?”

“We’ll negotiate,” Damien said with a laugh, once again amazed and thrilled this man had found his way back into his life.

“So what’s this reporter’s name?”

“Maggie Bridge.”

“Magdalena Bridge? Magdalena Spicer?”

Dread crawled up Damien’s spine. “You know her?”

“Know her? We went out once after she interviewed me for an article about the system. Now she’s showing up at events I’m at. Basically stalking me. And she’s—it doesn’t matter. But no way am I getting close to her.”

“I don’t blame you,” Damien said, working to control his temper. “I’ll cancel the article.”

“No, no. Don’t do that. Truth is, she’s a solid reporter. I’ve read her stuff. But she’s a nutcase on the personal side. But that doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

“No, but I’m keeping the topic of you out of the overall interview. If she has a vendetta, how unbiased do you think this article will be?”