Page 60 of Paparazzi Perfect
“What do you mean?” he asked.
I leaned closer, lowering my voice. “When we got off the boat the day we arrived in Sydney, father dearestsummonedme to his office. He told me not to see Ivy again. Ever. I told him to go fuck himself, but then he threatened to hurt her and her dad. My access to all funds has been cut off.” A vein in my neck twitched. “I’ve been playing ball with the asshole ever since.”
Dyson’s smirk evaporated, “What the hell? Poor Ivy, that’s…” He looked toward the sky, searching for the right word. “Insane.”
“Correct. Someone lock him up and throw away the key.”
“Damn, bro, you should have told me earlier. I could’ve helped.”
“I’ve been struggling, trying to figure out my next move. Long story short, that’s why I have no real money at this point. But I have a plan—” I turned to check we were still alone. “I think I have a buyer forThe Canoe. The registration is in my name, so yeah, it’s got to go.”
“That’s too bad. I know you love that beast.” Dyson’s shoulders slumped. “Smart decision though. Sheesh, it’s hard to wrap my head around it all. Karlos has gone full psycho. Sorry, man. What a bastard.”
“Thanks, that’s an understatement. But I have been wondering how to invest the money when the boat sells. So, tell me more about this startup. Why the confidence in this one? You always do well, but what makes it different?”
He gave me a crash course on the latest developments in biotech, the advanced scientific techniques driving the industry, rising stocks, and solid business connections he’d made in San Francisco.
That, combined with BioBuild’s pioneering mindset and innovative problem-solving in the diagnosis and prevention of disease, had led to an ideal opportunity to fill a gap in the market.
“It is an amazing opportunity,” he said in a low voice, stretching his arms out. “But hey, I get it if you want to take some time to think it over. No pressure, all right?”
“None needed. I’m all in! Thanks man, I owe you. This is exactly the opportunity I’ve been searching for. It’s the perfect way for me to generate some assets of my own, ones that havenothingto do with my father.”
Dyson held his chin high; that mischievous glint was back in his eyes. “Done. And once we make some seriousmoney, wecan start that nightclub you mentioned earlier.” He smirked happily.
“You wish.” I nudged him. “But remember, the sale has to go through first. And if this startup goes belly up, I’ll hunt you down, so you had better be right,” I said with a glare.
“Oh, I’m right, baby, don’t you worry about that. But hurry with the money. The market won’t wait for you. And it’s moving fast.”
“Got it.” I nodded. “You’ll get it as soon as I get it.”
“I can’t believe your asshole father cut you off,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Does that have something to do with my booking you those covert flights to the Gold Coast?”
“Yeah, it has everything to do with it, man. I need to repay you for the flights too.”
“Please,” he scoffed, “this lunch is payment enough.”
“I’m glad you’re here. There’s more to tell you… that was only the tip of the iceberg.”
I told him about the eradication of my college offers, except for the University of Sydney, about being a virtual captive in this house, being set up with Bella (he groaned loudly), and all about the paparazzi incident (more groaning), before filling him in on my covert visit to fix things with Ivy.
“I have no words…” Dyson said looking aghast.
I gave a single nod.
“He’s lost his shit. I mean, I knew he was a handful, but that—that’s just next level.”
“Tell me about it,” I replied. “It’s been a nightmare.” I felt a slight sense of renewed hope after venting to Dyson.
“We’ll figure it out. We just need some time. Karlos won’t win. Not this time,” he said, jumping to his feet. “Now, come on! Let’s get you down to that stunning beach. Have you even been for a swim since you moved in here?”
“You got me. But in fairness to me, I have been alittledistracted.”
“Fun is not optional, my friend. Have you learned nothing from me? Grab your stuff. We’ve got waves to surf, and I have women to meet. Not in that order, obviously.”
I chuckled at his eternal optimism.
We each grabbed a boogie board and sprinted across the road to the beach, the hot sand scalding our feet before we leaped into the water.
