Page 70 of The Payback Adventure
Laurel sat next to her. “Henry means the world to Brett and me. He’s a generous, caring man who loves to have a good time.”
“Funis Henry’s middle name,” Brett added.
“But he’s also a bit…eccentric. A cross between Cupid and a fairy godfather,” Laurel explained. “Henry enjoys throwing himself elaborate birthday parties and creating wild adventures to send two friends on so he can play matchmaker. That’s how Brett and I met. Cynthia met Cade that way in April.”
April wasn’tthatlong ago, which confused Elisabeth even more. “How could Henry afford to do that if he lost everything? I don’t understand.”
“Henry didn’t lose all his money.” Brett sat on the other side of her. “He hasn’t lost any.”
Her apprehension grew. “He has…money?”
“Henry is extremely…well off,” Brett said.
A rich playboy…Her mind reeled.
“Cynthia thought it was time to teach Henry a lesson because he thinks he knows what’s best for his friends. Henry also enjoys playing matchmaker with his friends outside of his birthday too. Anyway, she decided to give him a taste of his own medicine, but she also wanted to show him that most people aren’t in his position and can’t throw money around to make things better.” The look in Laurel’s eyes softened. Or was that pity? “Cynthia sent Henry on his own adventure to your berry farm.”
Elisabeth felt as if her breath had been cut off and her chest would burst. But she held herself together. She needed to know more. “Please tell me everything.”
Brett explained about being the son of the Davenports’ housekeeper and growing up with Henry, and about Wes Lockhart, introducing Henry to his friends, who later became known as the Billionaires of Silicon Forest, and how Henry had played matchmaker with all six of them. Laurel told herhow Henry was a well-known philanthropist, who’d donated billions of dollars, and how he had two godchildren because of his matchmaking efforts and wanted more so he could spoil them and make them his heirs since he didn’t plan on marrying or having a family of his own.
Elisabeth’s hands tightened so much her knuckles turned white. She didn’t speak. She couldn’t. Not when she sat stunned and numbed by the truth.
Henry wasn’t poor and homeless. He was a billionaire who loved having fun. He wasn’t interested in the farm or having a family or her. He’d been playing games with Elisabeth from the start.
Brett and all the other references had all been a part of Cynthia’s plan. Cynthia had gotten the twenty-five thousand dollars from her boss, Wes Lockhart. They had all…lied to Elisabeth, including Henry.
Especially Henry.
“I understand now,” Elisabeth forced through tight lips. She had to get out of here. Now.
Another worried glance passed between Brett and his wife. Brett’s eyes narrowed. “Are you okay?”
“I need to use the restroom again.” Elisabeth picked up her purse and stood. “Excuse me, please.”
Laurel rose. “Want some company?”
“No…thanks. I know my way now and won’t get lost this time.” A faint hysteria laced the words. As Elisabeth left the waiting room, she reversed the directions and found the restroom quickly, but with each step, she struggled for control.
She refused to cry. She’d wasted too many tears on Toby. She wouldn’t do the same with Henry.
When she got inside, Elisabeth splashed water on her face. She didn’t know what else to do.
Henry had lied to her.
She ached with a pain so ragged, so deep, she feared the hurt would never go away.
Everything had been a lie.
The laughter, the smiles, the kisses. His time on the farm had been nothing more than a rich man’s adventure. A joke. A bet. Payback for him putting his friends at the mercy of his whims.
Toby might have broken her heart, but Henry had shattered it beyond repair. That wasn’t even the worst part. This time, the kids were involved. Sam, Abby, and Caitlin had fallen in love with Henry too. He’d brought smiles to their faces, laughter to their hearts, joy to their lives. He’d changed them; he’d changed everything. The kids would be devastated.
What would Elisabeth tell them?
She dried her face.
Tell them the truth.
