The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 25

Marcus arrived early at the hospital to continue where he left off. He wanted to get as far as possible before the science fair he promised to attend. There was still a lot to do at the hospital but heeding Julius's advice he had to set priorities. disgrace. Clearly they were expecting him to return to his old ways.

Last night he had read articles about the previous administrator and realized his grandfather had downplayed the public's reaction. Though he had only been on the job for two days the media was already speculating on whether he would only add to the hospital's

Five years ago he wouldn't have even hesitated. He and Leonard would be out every night regardless of the work he was expected to do the next day. But after five years he didn't want that anymore.

His grandfather was right about him needing to reinvent himself. It still amazed him that his grandfather would sponsor such an event like a science fair. But then again maybe it shouldn't. His grandfather had always put great stock in scientific advancement and he loved children. If Miles Avery had any regrets it was that he didn't have a family as large as the Worthington's and nothing would make him happier than to have a houseful of kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

It was one of the reasons so much of the Children's Hospital was non-profit or otherwise subsidized. Going through the books himself Marcus knew it made almost no profit and what it did make was invested in its various programs. Yet it continued its mission of prompt and top-of-the-line care for all families regardless of their means.

Marcus understood why his grandfather was so adamant Elizabeth would never have a seat on the Board. As soon as she laid eyes on this place she would call it a sinkhole and either shut it down or charge everyone an arm and a leg just to get passed the door. There was no way Marcus would let anyone tear down his grandfather's legacy like that. The bottom line be damned.

He would pick up his grandfather's torch and lead the way. To do that effectively he needed public opinion on his side as much as the Board's cooperation. Reinventing his image was imperative. He couldn't help but wonder if his grandfather planned it from the beginning. It made sense. Send Marcus away for five years, let the media frenzy die down, invest in some harmless sponsorships then place Marcus in the spotlight again.

It was actually rather clever. His grandfather probably didn't anticipate the former administrator's exit to be so controversial but what was done was done. They could use it to their advantage and paint Marcus in a better light by comparison. As long as he didn't revert to his old ways it wouldn't even be that hard.

He leaned back squeezing the hacky sack absentmindedly. Without intending to the action had become a stress-reliever. If only Coda or Lyra were around to pick up his mood. A pensive smile formed. Julius didn't know how lucky he was to have those little scamps. No. Julius knew exactly how lucky he was.

What would it be like to leave work knowing a soft, gentle woman was waiting to embrace him? Not to mention the bright, happy faces of his children all eager to greet him and wanting to tell him about their days. Was it any wonder Julius never wasted a minute in hurrying home after work each day?

No doubt Silas, Lucas and Nicolas all did the same thing. Silas in particular had quite the houseful. For the life of him Marcus didn't know how Silas and Ava did it without an army of nannies considering how many kids they had. He supposed it was easier now that Alexis and her brothers were grown but that still left five under the age of twelve. And Ava was pregnant again. There was no mistaking the truth of the rumors. While researching information about the administrator he had caught some pictures of the couple and there was no mistaking her baby bump.

Marcus smirked. He just couldn't imagine having that many rugrats underfoot. Sure, one or two, but eight? Marcus shook his head, never. He pictured his mystery woman singing brightly on stage. There was no doubt in his mind what kind of mother she would be. The way she sang: so full of life, warmth and love. He could almost picture her holding a little one in her arms. A little boy...no, a little girl that looked just like her. Marcus would treat their little girl like a princess. That part would be easy. He recalled how Julius adored his daughters and wasn't afraid to act silly around them.

Marcus wondered what the public would think if they ever got a hold of images of the infamous Julius DaLair dressed in a pink tutu having a tea party with a teddy bear and a giraffe in a bow. But Julius couldn't have been happier in the candid photo Macey showed Marcus. She even offered to send it to him. Now Marcus was sorry he had declined. It would be nice to have some leverage over the DaLair maverick.

Glancing at the clock Marcus sighed and stood. Closing down his computer he stood and straightened his jacket. Pocketing the hacky sack he headed out. It wouldn't do to work late as he had a science fair to attend in the morning. His grandfather had warned him to be at the venue early. Not only was he a judge but he was his grandfather's representative. Tomorrow he would begin the arduous task of rebuilding his reputation. He wondered just what surprises awaited when he went back to school.

***

Streamers in red, white and blue hung along the gymnasium walls where classes displayed art projects in honor of the day's current festivities. It was the day before MEA break so the school was all too happy to declare a free day for the kids. Every classroom was having their own mini-science fairs biding their time until the official judging so they could take their classes through the gym to see the official entries.

The students occupying tables in the gym were finalists from several different schools. They were the best and brightest among their classmates and were hoping to take the honor of grand prize back to their school. The gym was crowded with gushing parents and excited kids but the finalists were easily recognizable in their neat clothes and obvious nervousness.

"Right this way, Mister Avery," the Anna Silver principal led him through the sea of organized chaos.

As instructed by his grandfather Marcus had parked in the teacher's lot and walked up to the doors expecting to check in at the office only to have the principal anxiously waiting. The principal's lean physique gave him the appearance of being taller than he was. For the occasion he wore a gray tweed suit. Marcus was fairly certain in a school with so many young kids he didn't always dress so formally. The teachers too seemed to be wearing their best to give the school the best impression it could.

Marcus was quite certain they had nothing to fret over. Having done some research of his own he knew the school maintained one of the highest ratings. In addition it had gained notoriety for its music program sponsored by the Prescotts who had donated murals painted by Aubrey Worthington herself. By now it was probably the most famous primary school in the entire city given that the Prescott triplets were counted among its alumni.