The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 27

Once they had seen all the booths they returned to the judges' table to deliberate. This was the part "I think Delvin had a very clear and neat presentation," Henry said indicating one of the three kids wh "Volcanoes are classic," Emily nodded. "I mean it was an impressive model but he didn't go into much Henry slowly nodded. She did have a point. It was clear he had spent many hours on his model decor mechanics of how a volcano worked.

"I really liked the robots," Emily said glancing at the booth with motorized Lego models. "They were a "What about...ah...Savannah?" Marcus suddenly asked. "Extracting DNA was pretty impressive."

"Ooo! Yes!" Emily smiled. "And she was one of the only ones to have an active experiment and she hyp Henry considered the little girl now that her name was brought up. Savannah wasn't the only one who creativity as her model was clearly handmade. There were several students who had models their par dedication they had to their ideas.

had been dreading and remained silent as the other two did most of the debating. done a volcano.

when it came to the science."

with plastic palm trees as well as plastic cowboys and Indian figurines. All that attention to detail didn't show in his actual research as far as explaining the

un."

zed what and how the DNA could be used. She definitely knows her stuff."

one a presentation on DNA but as Emily pointed out she was one of the few who had an actual experiment. He also thought she deserved points for early bought for them. It certainly made for a nice presentation but models like Savannah's that were handcrafted had a certain charm and spoke of the

They deliberated for a few more moments before they each wrote down their top candidates. With the narrowed they discussed a bit further before Henry wrote down their final selections on the official ballot. Emily and Marcus nodded in agreement before it was turned in and stamped official.

With the results now unchangeable they followed the Anna Silver principal to the stage where a table creative, as well as fourth through second place and the much coveted grand prize.

"Once again, thank you all for attending and supporting our young scientists. The judges have made t Marcus stood with the others as the prizes were called. The crowd politely applauded as the winners s cheers were. No doubt it was a point of pride for the school to see their kids do well.

The biggest cheers were naturally for the highest finishers. Fourth, third and second earned quite a bi Science Extravaganza at the end of the school year.

"And the grand prize today goes to...Savannah Torres for her DNA extraction experiment."

hies and ribbons waited. All participants would receive a ribbon for participating but there were special prizes for best experiment, most interactive, most

al decisions. For best model, Delvin Patrick for his impressive volcano."

up to the table to accept their trophies and ribbons though it was clear which schools had sent extra spectators judging by how concentrated some of the

ention and everyone eagerly waited to see who got the top prize. All four top finishers were important as they were automatically entered into the City-wide

The Anna Silver crowd immediately roared with excitement startling Marcus as he hadn't realized this was her home school. Startled and embarrassed Savannah hesitantly approached to accept the large ribbon and trophy that was shaped like a beaker. Blushing deeply she shook her principal's hand as well as those of the judges quietly thanking them.

Marcus couldn't help but smile at her nervousness. During her presentation she had been full of confidence but now she was very self-conscious. Even so she smiled brightly for the photographer there to record the results. Once the pictures were taken she quickly retreated to her booth. Those who hadn't taken part in her experiment were certainly eager to do so now.

With the judging done Marcus let out a relieved sigh. Glancing at his watch he saw it was nearly three o'clock. He could head to the hospital and get some work done but he didn't have much interest in that. Perhaps he would head home and relax for the rest of the day. He knew his grandfather was probably eagerly waiting to hear all about the science fair results. "Savannah!"

Marcus looked up at the shout carrying over the milling crowd. His gaze widened as a pair of young boys burst from the crowd and ran toward their grand prize winner. They threw their arms around her waist. She laughed patting their heads as she admonished them, "Carlos! Tony! You shouldn't run! Where's mom?"

"She's coming. See," the boys pointed as their mother emerged from the crowd carrying a tiny little girl who clung to her.

Marcus's jaw dropped. He had to be seeing things. It simply wasn't possible. And yet he couldn't deny the sight that was in front of him: his mystery woman, without a mask and no uniform. Finally he could admire her gentle face and body all he wanted committing it to memory...her and...four kids?

The little one seemed small for her age. Even from a distance Marcus could tell she was interested in everything and just as eager as her brothers to take part in the activity around them but was being held back by her mother. Or perhaps she was just afraid of losing the little girl in the crowd. Their mother seemed pensive but there was no denying the love in her gaze as she looked at her progeny.

But Marcus felt betrayed. Savannah was ten years old which meant his mystery woman had her long before they met. Yet he was certain she hadn't been wearing a ring. A boyfriend then? Why was she in his room? Some fling to make her boyfriend jealous? And what about the other kids?

Marcus felt a tightness in his chest. They couldn't be more than four or five. How could she come to his room looking for a fling when she had a family? He was disgusted that the woman he had fantasized about for so long was with someone else and they had kids. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

***

"Boys!" Regina exclaimed, "what have I said about running from me in a crowd?"

"Sorry amá," they said together though their guilt was certain to be forgotten next time.

"Hi amá," Savannah greeted.

"Hello baby," Regina hugged her, "sorry we're late. Oh, what's this?"

"I got first place!" Savannah said when her mother noticed the trophy and ribbons.

"You did! Oh sweetie, congratulations!" Regina gushed hugging her again. "I knew you'd do well!"

"You did good Savannah? Yeah!" Gabriella cheered.

"Thanks Gaby!" she chuckled hugging her little sister. "I was inspired by you, you know."

"Really?"

"Yep. Because you are the most special person in the world."

"What's wrong with the banana?" Carlos asked poking at the squished banana in the bag.

"Oh don't touch that!" Savannah slapped his hand. "That's my experiment. Here, I'll show you how it works."