FROM GRIT TO GRAND: A BILLIONAIRE IN GUISE

DEREK'S EMPTY CHASE

Martha spun on Derek, eyes wide, flashing shock mix with confusion, her mind reeling to comprehend what she'd just heard Derek spilled.

She pieced fragments from Derek's words and the insults Bobby hurled when he had her tossed out of his rent.

‘Filthy mother…gutter…it's not about money….’ The next thought jammed her harder like a bullet to the chest, her mind spinning wide and wildly.

She recalled Bobby mentioning;

“..Master Derek asked me to throw you out.” She spun on Derek, her pupil shrinking on him like she had caught a thief stealing offering money from the altar.

Could he, Derek Vaughn, the mutt who had been chasing her from the restroom…Was he the one who had her thrown out of Bobby's?

Derek on his own end was oblivious of Martha's expression. He stared deadpanned at Elijah with impossible arrogance, his hands jammed in his pocket. He locked Elijah like he was a prey who'd once escaped from his trap and now he'd caught him again.

Clara's sharp and perceptive eyes measured