The Ruthless Billionaire: A Clean Billionaire Romance (California Elite)

by Evangeline Kelly

  Everyone stood apart from me as if they were afraid of getting too close. The longing for someone to be at my side was so severe, it felt as though my chest was caving in. All these years, I’d pushed people away, and, now, there was no one.

  What had I expected? People would suddenly reach out when I’d made it difficult to even be around me? They probably thought I didn’t have feelings because that was the only image I’d allowed anyone to see.

  Just as the minister said his last words, I turned to face the crowd gathered to pay their respects. From the corner of my eye, I saw long black hair, and a petite figure moving in my direction. I blinked in the rain, water falling down my face, obscuring my vision. My eyes were playing tricks on me because I could have sworn I’d seen Aria.

  Or maybe that was what I wanted most right now.

  I turned back around, deciding it couldn’t be her. She didn’t even know my father had passed, and we hadn’t stayed in touch.

  “Lucas.”

  A soft hand touched my arm, and I turned to face the person who’d spoken my name. It was her. I knew that voice. And she was so beautiful I almost groaned. A sight for sore eyes. The one woman who had managed to have a real effect on me. I’d wanted to see her because I needed her. More than anything right now, I needed her. She seemed to sense that because she hugged me, and I let her. I wrapped my arms around her and didn’t care that everyone stared at us. They were probably stunned to see me hug anyone. It wasn’t something I did.

  Aria and I stood there, holding each other for a long time. The rain let up, and the sun peaked through the clouds.

  “How did you know?” I whispered. I still hadn’t let go of her, and I wasn’t sure if I would.

  “Sam called and gave me the details.”

  I smiled faintly. “Sam.” Of course. How could I have thought I was all alone? I had at least one person who had my back. And Aria was here even though we’d kept our distance for good reasons.

  That distance . . . It had to change.

  I pulled away and put my hands on both sides of her face. “Thank you for coming. You being here means everything to me.”

  The gesture seemed to trouble her because she stepped back, allowing my hands to drop from her face. “I’m sorry about your dad.” There was yearning in her eyes and pain and fear. She rubbed her arms. “This has to be hard on you. I know what it’s like.”

  I took my suit jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders. “The weather’s weird today, isn’t it?” I wasn’t quite ready to talk about my feelings when it came to my dad.

  She nodded. “Yeah. It’s unexpected.”

  “Just like you. I didn’t think you’d come today.”

  “You didn’t think I’d want to be there for you?” She seemed almost insulted by my statement.

  “That’s not what I meant. You’re the one person I wanted to be here, but I didn’t think it was possible.”

  “You really feel that way?”

  “Yes.” I took her hand in my own, not willing to release contact. “We need to talk—”

  “Lucas.” It was my father’s attorney, Dan Sanders, appearing both stern and impatient. “I know this isn’t a great time, but your father requested I go over the terms of his will shortly after his ceremony. It was his wish that you, your sister, and your stepmother, Sharon, meet with me immediately.”

  “But we’re supposed to have a reception.”

  “Sharon has people to handle that. You can join everyone afterward.”

  “You do realize this is unconventional, right? Normally this stuff is handled after the funeral—days later or even longer.”

  “Your father was very specific in his request.”

  I nodded. Of course. My father always had a specific request, and now it was interfering in the one opportunity I had to speak with Aria. I squeezed her hand. “I have to go, but I really need to talk with you. Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

  She composed her expression, but anyone who looked hard enough would’ve seen the pain behind her eyes. She had mixed feelings about me—that much was clear. “Lucas, I . . . I don’t think that’s a good idea. We can’t . . .” She didn’t finish the sentence, but I understood her hesitation.

  “A lot of things have changed, Aria. I just want the opportunity to . . .” I ducked my head and blew out a breath. This was harder than I thought. “Please, it’s vital that we talk. Will you meet with me?”

  Worry lines formed in the middle of her brow, and she averted her eyes. Was she with that Mason guy now? Had they come to some kind of understanding? A sick feeling pummeled my insides. I wanted to ask, but I wasn’t sure I could handle the truth right now. It had already been a hard-enough day as it was.

  I lifted a trembling hand to touch her hair. She closed her eyes and leaned into my touch. The yearning to always have her at my side came back with a fury, and I drew in a ragged breath.

  “Mr. Armstrong, whenever you’re ready,” Dan said, a few feet away, seeming agitated.

  I glanced at him and frowned. Let him wait. I didn’t care. I turned back to Aria. “So, dinner tomorrow? Are we on?”

  She hesitated again, and I could see her debating within herself. And just like that, all my hopes fell flat on the ground. She was with that guy.

  “I tell you what,” she said. “How about if you come to Emilio’s tomorrow, and I’ll make sure you get one of Chase’s amazing pizzas. We can talk there.”

  She didn’t want to be alone with me, yet another reason to believe she was looking for a way to remain faithful to Mason. It stung, but it was the best compromise I would get, so I nodded. “Until tomorrow. I’ll see you at six.”

  I followed Dan to a car waiting for us at the curb, and I wasn’t sure which was worse: hearing I’d lost my entire inheritance because I didn’t meet my father’s terms, or knowing I might have lost the only woman I’d ever come to love.

  Shaking my head, my jaw tightened as reality sunk in. There was no contest: only Aria mattered. Everything else could slip through my fingers, and I’d let it go.

  But I couldn’t let her go.

  Even if she was with that Mason guy, I would fight for her. I didn’t go all these years without love to let it get away from me now. My father had never been a good example, but he did teach me one good thing: how to be driven.

  I would not give up until Aria told me she no longer wanted to see me. It was a promise I made to myself. A promise I would keep.

  ***

  Calista and I sat in the lobby of Dan Sanders’ office. Our stepmother, Sharon, was meeting with him privately while we waited. Dan had informed us that according to my father’s instructions, he was to meet with each of us individually.

  Divide and conquer. Was that my father’s plan? It was always easier to manipulate people when you kept them out of the know. Whatever. It didn’t matter. I’d already resolved myself to the fact that I was going to have to let the inheritance go. Even if Aria refused me, I wouldn’t allow my father to control me anymore. I’d tried to force myself to marry someone I didn’t love, and every part of me had rebelled against the notion.

  I couldn’t do it.

  Did that make me some kind of sentimental sap? Hardly. But maybe I did have some principals after all. Who knew?

  “I wonder what they’re talking about in there,” Calista whispered, smoothing back a piece of her light brown hair.

  I shrugged. “I don’t care.”

  She widened her eyes and gave me a look that said she thought I was crazy. “How can you sit there so calmly? Aren’t you worried? You never met his requirements. You might end up with . . .” She stopped herself as if afraid she might upset me.

  I smiled, and for the first time since we’d gotten to Dan’s office, the smile felt real. “I might end up with nothing.”

  “I’m sorry, Lucas. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sure you’re going to get something.”

  I laughed, and it actually felt good. “I’m okay with t
his. It feels like . . . like I’m free.”

  She stared at me like I’d lost my mind, and then she bit down on her bottom lip and clasped her hands together. “Does it have anything to do with that woman you were hugging?”

  I nodded, trying to hold back a grin but failing. “Yeah, it has everything to do with her.”

  “Have you fallen . . .” She frowned. “Impossible. That’s not you.”

  “Have I fallen in love? Is that what you were going to ask?”

  She nodded, waiting for an answer.

  “Yes.” I paused, allowing that word to sink in. “I love her so much that it’s changed everything. I’m willing to give it all up for her.”

  Her head jerked back. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “It just happened. I tried to control it but I couldn’t.”

  “You’re not upset you might lose the inheritance? How can you not care about that?”

  I let out a long breath. “Of course I care. But the price of keeping it is too high. I never thought I’d say this, but money isn’t everything.”

  Her eyes widened. “Who are you? And where have you hidden my brother?”

  I laughed. “I know this must seem strange to you. I’m still trying to adapt to this new outlook myself.”

  “Well, no wonder you’re so calm. You’ve had time to think about it.” She shifted in her seat, hands still folded tightly together. “I wish I didn’t care about the money, but I do. I have debts I need to pay off.”

  I frowned. “What kind of debts?”

  “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

  The door to Dan’s office swung open and Sharon stepped out, dabbing the corners of her eyes even though there were no real tears. “Thank you, Mr. Sanders. I appreciate all your help.” They continued to talk in low tones by the doorway.

  Calista and I both stood in anticipation that one of us was going next. She reached over and took my hand. “If you don’t get anything, I’ll share whatever I receive after my debts are paid.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  She smiled. “I want to. We may not be that close, but you’re my brother. You’re the only family I have left.”

  My gut clenched. “I’ve failed you, Calista, in so many ways. I wish . . .” I let my head drop. “There are a lot of things I wish, and I can’t go back. But I want us to have a better relationship.”

  Her eyes softened. “I’d like that, too, Lucas.”

  Sharon walked towards us, a happy smile on her face. Clearly, she’d gotten what she wanted.

  “Did everything go as expected?” Calista asked.

  “Yes.” She hesitated for a second. “I got the Los Angeles house, several of the vehicles, and a very generous amount to carry me through the rest of my life.”

  She seemed very pleased, and though Sharon and I hardly ever interacted because she kept busy with her social clubs and charities—I was actually happy for her. She’d earned that money putting up with my father all those years.

  “Calista,” Dan said. “You’re next.”

  She stepped into his office and closed the door. I turned my attention to Sharon. “I’m glad everything worked out the way you wanted it to.”

  She didn’t sit and her expression turned sour. “Thank you, Lucas. I hope things work out for . . . you too.” It was like she had to force the last two words out of her mouth.

  Fair enough. She’d married my father when I was fourteen, and I hadn’t readily accepted her. As I grew older, we learned to stay out of each other’s way for the most part. She never really liked me which was fine. We both knew she was only there for the money, not because she actually loved my father or cared about us. I mean, what woman would be with my father for any other reason? He was a misogynist for crying out loud.

  “Maybe this isn’t the time,” I said, “but I’ve been thinking a lot. I’m sorry for all the times I made life difficult. I wasn’t an easy teen to deal with.”

  She gave me a tight-lipped smile. “I’m aware you haven’t met your father’s terms, and now it’s too late, isn’t it?” She shrugged as if it was nothing to her. “Don’t try to kiss up to me now that I control a good portion of the wealth.”

  “I wasn’t trying to kiss up to you. I was simply trying to apologize—”

  “Keep your apology. I don’t want it.” She straightened. “You have three days to get your belongings out of my house. After that, I’m donating it to charity.” She smirked. “Or maybe I’ll sell some of it on eBay.”

  She kicked one leg up behind her as she turned, a satisfied gleam in her eyes. “Goodbye.” She exited out the door, and I watched her out the window as she slid into a car and it took off. She must have called my father’s driver to pick her up.

  I had a level of regret but not much. That was a relationship that wouldn’t have survived my father’s passing, anyway. She’d never cared about me, and now that she had what she’d waited for all these years, she wouldn’t make contact unless she had to.

  About thirty minutes passed before Calista walked out the door. She exited the room, her face red, lips pinched.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Armstrong,” Dan said regretfully. “His terms were clear and there’s nothing I can do. At least you have a year to decide.”

  What was he talking about? “Calista?”

  She shook her head. “Father. I can’t believe he did this to me.”

  “What did he do?”

  “Nothing. I don’t want to talk about it.”

  My eyebrows flew up. “Did he leave you anything?”

  She nodded. “Yes. But he has terms, of course.”

  “What are the terms?”

  “My instructions are not to discuss it with you until the will has been settled. Apparently, he doesn’t think you’ll be a good influence. If I tell you, my inheritance will be null and void.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, wow,” she said, looking extremely perturbed. She sat down and motioned for me to go into the office. “Your turn. Have fun.” She smiled sweetly even though I could tell she was fuming inside.

  I walked into Dan’s office and took a seat in front of his desk. He walked over to the door and closed it, then sat in his cushy black chair.

  He sighed. “Let me first extend my condolences. I know this must be a difficult time for you.” He pulled out four envelopes from his desk drawer and set them down.

  “Thank you.”

  “This session won’t take nearly as long as Calista’s. I only have one question for you.”

  “Okay.” I sat back against my seat and ran my hands down my legs. “Ask away.”

  “Are you married?”

  “No.”

  “So, you haven’t married one of the women on your father’s list?”

  I sat up straight, my gaze not leaving his. “As I said before, no.”

  His expression remained flat, veiled. “I didn’t think so.” He lifted one of the envelopes and handed it to me. “Then this is the letter your father wants you to have. You are to read it right now in front of me.”

  I ripped the seal and pulled out the folded paper.

  Dear Lucas,

  If you are receiving this letter, it’s because you have failed to meet my terms. In short, you have not convinced any of the women on my list to marry you. As you have inherited my good looks, and, from what I’ve heard, you have a measure of charm with the ladies, I can only conclude that you have gone against my wishes and have made very little effort.

  I’m giving you a final chance. In three months, you are to meet with Dan Sanders one last time. If at that time you have followed my instructions, you will inherit forty percent of everything, including all the houses and most of the vehicles. Mr. Sanders will go over each item on a spreadsheet.

  Your father,

  Howard Armstrong

  “But Sharon said she owned the Los Angeles house now.” That was the first thing that came out of my mouth? It was completely irrelevant, but after her e
arlier remarks, I was curious.

  Dan pressed his lips together with an annoyed look and steepled his fingers. “I made it clear to her that the house was hers only if you failed to meet the terms. She knows there will be another meeting in ninety days. Until then, you have access to everything, including running the business.”

  I nodded. “She’s banking on the fact that I’ll fail.” I hesitated. “Well, she’s right. I don’t plan to marry anyone on that list. Not now. Not ever.”

  Dan didn’t blink. “Regardless, you are to meet with me again in three months. At that time, we will discuss what items you are allowed to keep.”

  “All right.” I got up to leave.

  “One last thing.”

  “Yes?” I lingered at the doorway.

  “Life is too short to worry about these things. Marry the woman you love and don’t look back.” He turned to gather his belongings, already dismissing me.

  Well, that was odd. How did he know I loved someone? Maybe he’d come to that conclusion when he’d seen me hugging Aria. Or maybe he meant it as a general statement of advice. Either way, it wasn’t anything I didn’t already know.

  If I got married, it would be for love and no other reason.

  Chapter 26

  Aria

  Playing the violin was one of the few things that calmed me besides prayer and studying the word. Lucas would be at the restaurant anytime now, and I’d become so fidgety, I picked up my instrument and began to play, hoping that would soothe my frayed nerves.

  Closing my eyes, I let muscle memory take over as I went through the motions, my fingers moving on the strings, my arm working the bow back and forth.

  Yesterday, after seeing Lucas at his father’s funeral, I’d gone home a complete mess, and I wasn’t speaking of how the rain wreaked havoc in my hair. Inside, I felt like I was falling apart. Three weeks hadn’t been enough to crush my feelings for Lucas and seeing him again was a huge setback. The ache in my gut that had followed me around since we’d left Kauai was front and center once more.