Romance: Bad Boss: Billionaire Romance Boxed Set by Stephanie Lex Page A

believed that they deserved a better lifestyle.
    That was why Dad was so determined not to lose his position with the Henderson’s. It meant a lot to Dad to be able to provide for his family, even though I despaired at how he pampered to their every want.
    Though he had been determined that I attend university. Knowing how much I longed to be a nurse like my mother had been before she was killed in a road traffic accident when I was just four years old.
    I knew that Dad had remarried so that I was taken care of. And I still believed that my stepmother only accepted his proposal thinking that he had some kind of connection to the Henderson’s other than just being in their employ. Perhaps considering that one day my Dad would come into some kind of wealth from them.
    It had been such a relief when I got a scholarship for university, knowing that Dad was concerned about the costs for my education. At least now that was one thing less that he didn’t need to worry about.
    As I opened the door to the trophy room, Dad lifted his head. Giving me a beaming smile as he put down the silverware that he was polishing. I ran into his arms, hugging him tightly. Although I had only seen him this morning, I loved this time alone with Dad.
    Joining Dad with a trophy in hand, we both began the arduous task of shining the numerous items in the room. There were various sporting trophies which filled a glass cabinet along one wall. Once these were buffed and polished, we would move on to the other expensive ornaments that adorned the room.
    “So, how have things been here today?” I asked.
    “Hectic,” Dad chuckled, “Charles is back from his trip.”
    I groaned and rolled my eyes. Charles was the Henderson’s only child, and he took complete advantage of that fact. He was the son of a billionaire and expected to be treated like royalty wherever he went. Charles didn’t care who he was rude to, or who he offended or hurt.
    There were many tales of him circulating around the town. How he wooed women to his bed, just to reject them the following day. Or there were those who he dated for a while, simply to leave them broken hearted when he grew bored of their company.
    Charles had often caught me alone along one of the halls of the mansion. Putting out his arm to prevent me from passing. Although I kept a smile upon my face, his crudeness made me cringe inwardly. Shaking my head in refusal as he tried to get me to agree to a date with him. Finally relenting once he realized that he could not break my resolve.
    My friends at university thought that I was crazy not to go on a date with Charles. To experience the luxury that he enjoyed every day. Eating at fine restaurants, and staying in fancy hotels. But none of that interested me. I wanted a man to love me for who I was, not because they could shower me with gifts.
    There was also my own self-worth to consider. I didn’t want to be just another of Charles’ conquests. Our date soon becoming the gossip of the town.
    Although I may have a curvy figure, I still believed that I was worth more than a mere one-night stand. And that belief stood for any man, no matter what their bank balance.
    I hadn’t dare to tell anyone in my family of Charles’ advances. Not wanting to upset Dad, and knowing that my stepmother would want me to begin seeing him for her own financial gain. She had often told me that I would end up alone, not as thin and beautiful as her own daughter.
    It was something that I had grown used to over the years. How my stepmother and her daughter teased me and belittled me at any opportunity. Always when Dad was out of earshot. I could have told him many times, but I didn’t want to cause him anymore pain or anguish. Simply waiting patiently for the day when I could afford a place of my own.
    The door to the room opened, and I was shocked to see Charles standing there. His skin was tanned from his recent vacation, highlighting the bright blue of his eyes.
    As the day was warm