The Billionaire's Replacement

CHAPTER FIVE - A DANGEROUS SECRET

Emma's POV

“Why would you ask about my father?” Jeremy's brows were furrowed in confusion at me.

I gulped a lump down my throat. “I-I…” I stuttered. I couldn't exactly tell him that was my own father because then, he would discover my plans and I wasn't ready for that.

“Gabriel!” I blurted out.

Jeremy's brows furrowed even deeper so I knew I had to explain deeper.

“What I mean is, I heard Gabriel mention the name so I wanted to know who he was.” I shrugged.

Jeremy's face suddenly turned pale. He ran a hand through his hair. “Don't ever ask me such question. Respect my privacy.” He snapped at me, his voice was cold.

I didn't understand the sudden switch in his attitude but I knew it had something to do with the name “Alexander Bennett”

I scoffed and walked away, heading back to my room. As usual, I could barely catch a glimpse of sleep, every time I closed my eyes, I remembered the picture of my father.

Morning came by quickly. One of the maids had come into my room earlier to remind me about breakfast. I wasn't completely used to the luxurious lifestyle.

I walked into the dining room, hoping to find the table empty, but Jeremy was already there. He looked different this morning.

His usually neat appearance was still perfect, but there was something almost awkward about the way he avoided looking at me.

I sat in his opposite direction and remained quiet as well.

After a few seconds, he cleared his throat. "About last night..."

My heart skipped, Was he actually going to apologize?

Jeremy finally glared at me with his usual expressionless gaze. “I meant what I said. Don't cross the line.” He spat out bitterly.

Of course! Was I actually expecting the arrogant Jeremy Bennett to apologize?

"Fine." I shifted my gaze to my breakfast.

"I have something to finish at the office." Jeremy suddenly rose to his feet and grabbed a cup of coffee.

I nodded.

"If you need to leave the house, take the bodyguards with you."

"I won't be leaving." I mumbled.

“Good." I expected him to walk away but he paused, his eyes fixated on me. It was like he wanted to say something, I expected him to say something but instead he just turned around and walked away.

I didn't think too much about him, I had bigger things to worry about.

As soon as I finished breakfast, I decided to find the office I'd discovered the previous night.

I needed answers and I couldn't wait for Gabriel.

He already made it clear to me that I had to gain Jeremy's trust before he would give me any answers and honestly, gaining Jeremy's trust seemed impossible so I had to take my matters into my own hands.

I needed to know why my father's photograph had been there.

I needed to know who Alexander Bennett really was.

I had barely taken a few steps out of the dining room when a familiar voice echoed from behind.

"Mrs. Bennett."

I turned and my gaze landed on Jeremy's annoying brother. Damon stood at the end of the hallway, His hands were tucked casually into his pockets, that irritating smile already playing on his lips.

"I wanted to apologize."

I scoffed, raising a brow at him. "For what?"

"For yesterday." He paused to shrug before continuing. "I suppose I was a little rude."

His smile widened and at that point, I knew he was only here to taunt me. It seemed like that was the only thing he was really good at.

“You suppose? That doesn't sound like an apology.” I muttered.

"Well, to be fair, I wasn't entirely wrong."

I stared at him in disbelief. I was honestly curious about Damon. I wanted to know why he was that way with Jeremy. Why did they hate each other so much? What was the real reason for the feud between them?

I had so many questions but then, it really wasn't my business. After all, Jeremy asked me not to cross the line so I was going to focus on the real reason why I married Jeremy in the first place.

"If you would excuse me, I have something else to do." I turned to walk away when all of a sudden, Damon blurted out.

"You're not curious?"

I halted in my steps and slowly looked back.

Damon's smile widened. He had finally gotten my attention.

"Curious about what?" I raised a brow at him.

He took a few steps toward me."About Isabella. Damon's ex wife.”

My stomach tightened. Was I curious? Of course, I was. I wanted to know what made her run and if it was actually something alarming. Something that I needed to be worried about.

He watched my reaction carefully. "Everyone in this house will tell you she simply ran away."

“Isn't that what she did?”

Damon chuckled. “Why do you think she ran away?”

I shrugged. “How am I supposed to know that? There could be a million reasons why. She could have been a gold digger or maybe she cheated and she was too embarrassed to face Jeremy.”

“Is that what he told you?”

I rolled my eyes. “As if.”

“Well, you sound very interested in finding out why she left. If you really want to know why she left..." His eyes locked with mine. "I can tell you."

“Sounds like you are trying to strike a deal with me.” I said in a questioning tone. “Because if you are, I have nothing to offer.” I mumbled.

Damon shook his head in disagreement. “No, I don't need anything from you. I just want to be sure you actually know what you have gotten yourself into.”

Damon's words made it sound like I stepped into a lion's den or something but he did have a point. There had to be a reason why Isabella ran away and I feared that reason would affect me.

I said nothing.

Damon smiled again.

"Unless you're afraid of what you'll find out."