The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 32

When Regina arrived the door was open. She took a deep breath. In truth she had been hoping Mary was busy and put this confrontation off for a few more minutes. Knocking on it Regina entered with a frown. It was odd that it was so quiet. In fact she hadn't seen anyone on her way to the boss's office though more than a few gave her curious looks backstage. No doubt they all wondered what the consequences would be. A sense of foreboding settled in her heart. "Close the door, Gina," Mary sighed. "Have a seat."

Regina complied. She had a feeling there was going to be a conversation after all the ruckus. There was no doubt in her mind how it would go. She only hoped she could talk Mary out of firing her. "Well, tonight was exciting," Mary said after a moment.

Regina gave her a tired look hoping they could cut out any idle chatter. It was best for both of them if they skipped to the point. Mary seemed to understand.

"So...what is your connection to Doctor Pierce?"

"...I'm sorry, who?"

"The masked man who trashed my club."

"...None," Regina said realizing Mary was referring to Marcus. Why would he choose that pseudonym?

"A man does not get into a brawl over a woman he has no connection to," Mary shook her head. She had her own suspicions but she wanted to hear it from Regina if she was willing to talk. "He seemed to know the other guy. Maybe they have some rivalry," Regina shrugged.

Mary's gaze narrowed at her excuse. Technically it wasn't a lie. From what Marcus had said it did seem like he recognized the other man. Sure the masks hid half of their faces but that wouldn't be enough to disguise their identity from someone who knew them and was paying attention.

"Well...it cost me a table, two chairs and half a dozen glasses as well as a bottle of one of our best Bordeaux. Not to mention the dry cleaning bills I have to cover as well as all the drinks I had to comp. And since you were in the middle of it...this is what we are going to do," Mary leaned forward sliding a check toward her. Regina accepted it noticing it was a lot less than usual. "I'm withholding your bonus tonight. It'll be used to pay for damages."

"What? You can't. I didn't do anything. I need that money."

"Regina, I like you. You're smart. You know someone has to pay. So you'll pay...or you can find yourself another job."

Regina sat shaking. Of course someone had to pay and Mary would never risk her club's reputation by making the patrons cover it. The burden would always fall on someone else. That was the way the world worked. There was nothing she could do about it and no way for her to fight it. In the end the reasons didn't matter. Fighting back tears she stood and walked to the door check in hand.

"If you really need the money I'm sure Doctor Pierce can get it for you," Mary said as Regina reached for the handle.

She almost laughed at the suggestion. Marcus Avery didn't even know she existed. And even if he did, he would never lift a finger to help. He would just make it harder for her and the children to survive. Remaining silent she let herself out shutting the door a little harder than necessary.

Mary's brow furrowed. Did she read the situation wrong?

"Are you sure it's all right?" the MC stepped in from the other room where he had been manning the teller window. "I mean...after the older gentleman's ultimatum."

Mary sighed remembering that strange night all too well. She had never imagined such a prestigious figure would make an appearance at her club. They had practically rolled out the red carpet, giving him a private room in what used to be the theater's balcony seating.

She had thought he only meant to take in the atmosphere and she was ready to comp his entire stay in order to keep his interest. However she didn't expect him to enter the bidding or to put up the highest bid ever. Mary had no idea what they talked about but after Regina returned to the stage for her second performance the client requested her presence.

He had a very simple edict, "If anything happens to that woman, if she is ever hurt by being associated with this place, I will hold you personally responsible. And I will destroy everything you built. Understood?"

"...Yes."

"Good."

Mary tapped a finger on her desk. He returned every so often and like the first night was given a private room overlooking the stage. Whenever he attended he always put in the highest bid for Regina's time. Mary had asked Regina once what they talked about and her answer was, "He doesn't really talk. His friend is a little chatty."

Mary frowned. She was fairly certain his friend was a servant or valet of some sort. They certainly weren't of equal status. As strange as the situation was it was containable. But now it was getting complicated with Marcus Avery taking an interest in Regina as well. There had to be a reason and yet Regina acted as if they didn't have any connection at all. Did she just not recognize the men behind the masks or did she really not know how they were connected?

She said she needed the money, but why? One request from either man would certainly solve any financial issues. Meanwhile if Regina had gotten injured tonight it might have cost the entire club its existence. "Should I look into it?"

"Are you insane, Willie?" Mary looked at her companion. They had shared a night or two together but it was never anything serious. Mary hired him because he knew how to be discrete. "When it comes to these families the less you know the better." "Then what do you plan to do?"

"The only thing I can do. It is best just to sweep it under the rug quickly. Whatever Regina has going on is her own business."

He nodded as a knock on the door interrupted further discussion. He sighed saying, "Speaking of money. That's probably Madeline with her weekly complaint."

"Send her in. This situation I can at least handle."