She nodded.
"Then please ask your supervisor."
The employee hesitated.
Before he could respond, a man wearing an expensive navy suit approached.
His name was Charles Whitmore.
Charles was Richard's personal business adviser and had been working for him for nearly fifteen years.
He looked at Victoria with obvious irritation.
"What's the problem?"
The security employee explained.
Charles glanced at her coat and handbag.
Then he gave a dismissive smile.
"She's probably looking for the public terminal."
Victoria frowned.
"I'm exactly where I need to be."
Charles laughed.
"Are you?"
He looked toward the private jet.
"That aircraft is not available for public tours."
"I'm not here for a tour."
"Then what are you here for?"
Victoria answered calmly.
"To speak with Mr. Montgomery."
Charles shook his head.
"Mr. Montgomery doesn't meet people who arrive without proper arrangements."
Victoria looked past him.
"Perhaps you should let him decide that."
Charles's expression hardened.
"Listen carefully. This is a private facility. You cannot simply walk in and demand to meet a billionaire."
Victoria took a breath.
"I'm not demanding anything. I'm asking you to tell him my name."
Charles turned toward security.
"Please escort her outside."
Victoria remained still.
Then she looked toward the older man again.
And for the first time, Richard Montgomery noticed her.
His expression changed.
He stopped speaking.
His eyes fixed on her face.
Then he slowly walked toward them.
"Wait."
Everyone turned.
Richard approached with an expression nobody could quite understand.
He looked at Victoria.
And whispered:
"Where have I seen that face before?"
CHAPTER 2: THE FACE FROM THE PAST
Victoria felt her throat tighten.
She had imagined this meeting hundreds of times.
Sometimes she imagined Richard would recognize her immediately.
Other times, she imagined he would deny knowing anything about her.
But she had never imagined that he would look at her with genuine confusion.
"My name is Victoria Hayes," she repeated.
Richard studied her face.
"Hayes?"
"Yes."
"Who was your mother?"
Victoria swallowed.
"Her name was Eleanor Hayes."
The older man's expression changed instantly.
The name struck him like a physical blow.
Eleanor.
He had not heard that name spoken aloud in almost twenty-five years.
His fingers tightened around the walking stick he carried.
Charles noticed the reaction.
"Richard?"
The billionaire didn't answer.
He continued staring at Victoria.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty-four."
Richard closed his eyes.
For several seconds, he seemed unable to breathe normally.
Then he asked:
"Was your mother born in Boston?"
Victoria nodded.
"Yes."
"Did she ever mention a man named Richard?"
Victoria looked at him.
"She did."
Richard's eyes became wet.
"What did she tell you?"
Victoria hesitated.