The Billionaire's Housekeeper Mistress(47)

He had also stood up to Lynda Twiggley on her behalf—not that she had appreciated it at the time—and she had no doubt he would have dealt comprehensively with Carl’s rudeness if her ex-boyfriend had pushed it any further. He was definitely the kind of man she wanted at her side. If only it could last…

‘I should probably mention that my ex-fiancée will be here today, too,’ he suddenly drawled.

All the lovely warmth she had been feeling was plunged into ice.

He had never spoken of his ex-fiancée.

Daisy only knew of her through Charlie Hollier.

Was this why Ethan had invited her to the Golden Slipper, to show his former love he was happily involved with another woman? Off with the old, on with the new?

‘I broke up with her last year,’ he said matter-of-factly. ‘I wouldn’t put it past her to be rude to you on the sly. If that happens, Daisy, it’s because she didn’t get what she wanted. Okay?’#p#分页标题#e#

She glanced up at him, needing more information than that to ease her inner tension. ‘Why did you break up with her?’

His mouth took on a cynical twist. ‘I found out the money was more important than the man to her. She’s with James Ellicott now. I don’t think he cares why as long as he has her.’

She knew of James Ellicott. The flamboyant billionaire was quite ugly compared to Ethan, his big physique made bigger by a beer belly, his sandy hair thinning on top and a large nose dominating his face. Regardless of his looks, he had acquired a beauty queen and a famous model as wives in the past.

‘Is your ex-fiancée very beautiful?’ she asked.

‘On the outside, yes. And she knows how to trade it. I was completely fooled for a while. I’m glad the wool was pulled off my eyes before I married her. Believe me, that relationship is stone-cold as far as I’m concerned.’

What she had with Ethan was still running hot, but…‘I traded myself for money, too,’ she blurted out, all her insides squirming horribly at that undeniable truth. She had no chance of a really solid relationship with Ethan. None at all.

He halted, turning to her, gently cupping her cheek and chin with his free hand, his gaze burning into hers with absolute conviction. ‘Not for yourself, Daisy,’ he said quietly. ‘Your character is so far removed from Serena’s, it’s like night and day.’ He lightly pinched her cheek and smiled. ‘Now smile back at me because we’re going to have a happy day together.’

She did smile back, intensely relieved that he didn’t see her as similar to Serena, despite their deal, which was still in force. It actually seemed he was dismissing it as of no account at all.

‘That’s my girl,’ he said warmly, and the possessive note in his voice sent hope soaring through her heart again, making Daisy determined to be happy, no matter what happened throughout the course of the day.

Ethan gave her a tour of the amenities provided for race-goers at Rosehill Gardens—every taste and classlevel catered for. There was a buzz of excitement everywhere, people partying, having fun. Some groups were wearing mad clothes and hats, adding to the colour of the scene. Many of the young women were wearing incredibly high-heeled shoes and Daisy wondered how their feet would fare by the end of the day. She was glad that her strappy gold sandals were not so high and easily walkable in because they were doing a lot of walking.

Eventually they met up with Ethan’s friends in the Champagne Bar. Charlie Hollier did a double-take when he saw her. ‘Wow, Daisy! That’s some transformation!’

She laughed. ‘Well, I couldn’t come to the Golden Slipper in jeans, Charlie.’

‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Ethan drawled. ‘You always looked sensational in jeans, too.’

‘Okay, you guys,’ one of the women chided good-humouredly. ‘You can stop drooling and start introductions.’

Daisy, glowing from the compliments from both men, did her best to memorise the new names. Mickey Bourke fetched glasses of champagne for them and it was his girlfriend, Olivia, who raised the background question, her curiosity piqued by the men’s comments.

‘So where are you from, Daisy, and how did you and Ethan meet?’

‘I can tell you that,’ Mickey cut in archly. ‘Daisy was doing PR at the Magic Millions back in January and Ethan was so taken by her he almost carried her off. Had to stop him from making a fool of himself.’

‘January!’ one of the other women, Allyson, exclaimed. ‘But we haven’t seen Ethan with Daisy until now!’

‘Most difficult woman I’ve ever met,’ Ethan rolled out in a tone of mock exasperation. ‘First up she didn’t like me. Didn’t want anything to do with me. On top of that, I interfered between her and her boss and caused her to lose her job, which made me not only unlikeable but a total villain, as well.’