by Nikki Wild
“Money. Lots of money. Isn’t that always the motive? When we missed our Halloween marriage deadline it’s not like my Grandfather’s inheritance money vanished into thin air. The will made it clear if I failed to achieve the terms presented, my Grandfather’s entire estate would go toward charity work. The corporate lawyer is in charge of all decisions from the charitable arm of the Armani corporation. He holds a 49% share in the company Julia, and has nearly a billion dollars in cash at his disposal…” Edward said quietly.
“And the corporate lawyer is…” I began, catching Edwards eyes.
“Raymond Bidwell, of course. That’s why my grandfather had him working with his estate. Raymond is now in direct control of my grandfather’s estate. He immediately cancelled every single charitable contribution I was making prior to the takeover. I’ve already discovered several disbursements Raymond has pledged to questionable charities! I know damn well he’s getting huge cash kickbacks. He’ll be able to skim untold millions off the top with nobody ever being the wiser. That crooked bastard is going to get very rich very fast... All due to my grandfather’s generous nature and wicked sense of humor.”
I listened carefully to what Edward was telling me.
“Wait… Since your grandfather’s death, you’ve been continuing his charitable work?”
“Of course Julia. I wouldn’t consider running his company any other way. I’ve seen the true value of helping the less fortunate. It’s pretty amazing, just like you always tried to tell me.”
A lump formed in my throat. Edward was truly carrying on his Nonno’s work and legacy!
“It’s not fair! Nonno clearly wanted US to be together and he wanted YOU in charge of his company! Now Raymond Bidwell will be in control?! It’s sickening Edward!”
“It gets worse… The quarterly board meeting happens tomorrow, and Raymond is going to use the voting shares he has to remove me as CEO. The entire board is in on this Julia. They’ve shorted the stock like crazy. They’re going to deliberately destroy my grandfather’s company, and they’re going to get rich doing it!”
“What’s going to happen to us?” I asked with tears filling my eyes.
“Well there’s nothing stopping us from still being together Julia. Not even Raymond Bidwell…”
“Is there anything we can do to stop this?” I asked him with tears in my eyes. “We can’t let this happen!”
36
Edward
Julia was right. The whole thing was completely sickening. Raymond Bidwell had outfoxed everyone. The marriage deadline had passed. The inheritance was gone. All the money was gone and there was nothing we could do about it. As long as he was head lawyer for Armani Industries he had all the control.
Suddenly Julia hopped up from the couch and ran out of the living room.
“Seriously Michael I do want to thank you for believing in me. I want you to know that I will never betray your sister.”
Julia came running back into the room with her laptop and popped it open on the coffee table about the same time Michael stood up and came over to shake my hand.
“Good luck with all of this stuff Edward. It sounds pretty fuckin’ whacked but it’s good to see you again. I hope it all works out for you. I gotta head off to work now. You two keep me posted and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“Thanks a lot Michael. I appreciate it. We’ll let you know.”
Julia was busy tapping away on her computer keys like she was possessed. She didn’t even seem to notice her brother leaving. What was she up to? She finally looked up from her work.
“Wait a minute Edward…..you say you have a paper trail leading to Bidwell that shows he hired those prostitutes?”
“Yes that’s right. Where are you going with this Julia? I already told you they’re going to boot me out of being CEO tomorrow afternoon at the corporate board meeting. They’re probably licking their chops and sharpening their cutlery as we speak.”
“I won’t let that happen,” she replied.
Julia returned to her fast and furious typing. I could see the wheels spinning in her head but I knew it was futile.
“Honey you’re wasting your time. I’ve been over this six ways to Sunday.”
Julia’s eyes suddenly lit up like a pinball machine and a sly smile soon spread from ear to pretty little ear.
“No. That’s where you’re wrong,” she said, spinning the laptop round and showing me the screen. “The California State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct… You have proof Raymond Bidwell used your company credit card to hire prostitutes, and that’s a clear violation of ethics clauses four, six, and twenty-seven… These are all offenses that can lead to immediate disbarment... This is the sort of thing that you could legally fire someone over.”
“Julia are you fucking kidding me? Are you sure? What are you reading?”
“Yep I sure am. It’s all right here in black and white according to the great state of California.”
“Holy shit that’s fantastic!”
“And one more thing…….”
“What is it?”
“If the company needs a new lawyer…..and I think they do…..I know just the person for the job.”
After Julia’s brilliant revelation, I couldn’t wait to get into that board room. In fact, I was salivating at the thought. This was going to be fucking epic! Bring it on you bunch of thieving crooks! As I entered the board meeting I felt like a cowboy hero from a television western. I imagined myself swaggering through the swinging saloon doors with my hands gripped around my gun holsters. They had no idea what was coming for them. Gimme a whiskey Bobby…..in a dirty glass!
I took my usual seat at the head of the conference table. I could tell those buzzards were out for blood. The board members all had patronizing phony smiles plastered to their sinister faces. It felt like a goddamn Salem witch trial! They had no idea that I knew their entire dastardly plan to oust me and fuck over Nonno’s company. Once everybody was seated I cleared my throat loudly so they would know that I would be addressing them first. I could see all their sneaky beady little eyes darting around the table at each other in confusion.
“Good-afternoon gentleman. I would like to skip the pleasantries today and get straight to the point: No doubt each and every one of you is excitedly anticipating voting me off the board and cashing in on my grandfather’s money. But there has been a slight change of plan.”
The board members’ gasps were audible around the table.
“First up: Board Secretary let it be noted in the minutes of today’s meeting that there has been a small change in company personnel. It seems our head lawyer, Raymond Bidwell, was involved in a rather nasty little corporate crime. He’s currently facing charges of using company funds to solicit the services of several prostitutes. Apparently that sort of thing is frowned upon in the legal profession. Poor fellow. I mean I knew he was probably lacking in female companionship but did he really have to stoop that low for sexual gratification?! Anyway, police are investigating the situation and Mr. Bidwell has been terminated from his position effective immediately. In the meantime, I’ve put my best lawyer in his place. As CEO I still retain hiring capacity within this company, and I would like you all to please give Ms. Julia Jones a warm welcome……
The sight of my sexy soon-to-be-wife Julia strutting into the board room as almost too much to bear. She was dressed to kill in that tailored power suit with her tiny little baby bump underneath, and seeing her made my cock harder than a block of cement. I wanted to take that woman right there on that polished wood table and make hot passionate love to her. Fuck she was fine! And that cute smug, well-earned shit eating grin on her face said it all - Take that you corporate bastards!
“Ms. Jones will be taking over all of Mr. Bidwell’s legal duties, and as I’m sure you all know, those duties are vast and far reaching. They include, but are not limited to, making sure my grandfather’s final wishes are carried out. In particular his dream of a lasting legac
y…….if not in his own flesh and blood, a legacy of charity and fulfillment. Ms. Jones-Armani would you like to address the board at this time?”
“Indeed I would Mr. Armani. Thank you for that kind introduction. Good-afternoon gentlemen. Lovely day isn’t it? As my first order of business, in an effort to see that the late Mr. Armani’s final wishes are fulfilled to the fullest, I have instructed the brokers to increase the share of company stock in the charity fund by two percent. And I’d like to personally thank everyone here for offering up their shares on short sale opportunities, which has allowed the charity foundation to regain a greater than 51% share of the company stock. Thank you gentleman. Job well done! Mr. Armani perhaps you would like to conclude the meeting…”
The board members were all visibly shaken by Julia’s speech. She was magnificent! And I was prouder than shit.
“Thank you Ms. Jones. Yes, I do have some parting words for our little group of amoral weasels. In case your pea brains haven’t figured it out by now, with a majority share of the stock, the controlling share of Armani Industries has chosen to go private and this board will no longer be necessary. I will remain on as CEO to see my grandfather’s vision become reality. Board Secretary please make note that the board will be dissolved immediately. In conclusion, I’d like to thank you all for your years of service. Now go fuck yourselves and get the fuck out of my building!”
Julia and I stood side-by-side in silent unison as we watched the miserable wretches slink out of the board room. My beautiful legal eagle had saved the day! And my grandfather’s company; which was now our company.
“Brilliant job Ms. Jones!”
“You weren’t too shabby yourself Mr. Armani… But don’t you think it’s about time we get rid of this ‘Ms. Jones’ stuff?”
“Yes… It’s about damn time.”
We high-fived each other before locking lips in a celebratory kiss. Julia smiled devilishly, strutted over to the board room door and locked it behind her. Then we made full use out of that fucking table……
Epilogue – Julia
One Year Later
Edward and I strolled arm in arm down Columbus Avenue toward the best restaurant in all of San Francisco – Armani’s Italiano Ristorante. The steep incline of the street required Eddie’s extra muscle at the helm of our baby’s ornate carriage. He was one doting proud papa! It was a glorious Sunday afternoon with an autumn chill in the air and a blustery breeze that swirled the colorful fall leaves across the sidewalk in front of us.
The lively North Beach neighborhood was like a lovely little hive humming with activity that had a way of capturing the senses of anyone who took the time to stop and appreciate it. There was wonderful classical music coming from the small chamber orchestra in the park, families were out and about and, as usual, the sublime aroma coming from the Italian bakeries was almost enough to actually add inches onto our waistlines.
And there it was: At the bottom of the hill the San Francisco Bay sparkled in the sun like a rare gem.
“Oh Edward look! Doesn’t the bay look extra lovely today! It’s so beautiful!”
“Yep. I never grow tired of looking at it. Especially with you Julia. What a gorgeous city we live in!”
Cousin Anthony greeted us at the door of the restaurant with his usual warm bear hug. Both men shouted “Paisano!” ; The Italian way of calling each other brother.
“Great to see you two again! C’mon in! Lemme see that beautiful baby of yours!”
Anthony carefully picked up our infant daughter out of her carriage like the gentle giant that he was.
“Hi sweet little Alenna……you’re just as pretty as your mommy…..you know that? Yes you are…..come to your Cousin Tony now little one……
Tony carried Alenna out to the patio table where Michael and Nigel were already seated, bouncing her as he walked.
“There’s my gorgeous niece! Are you looking for your Uncle Michael cutie pie? Here I am……..I’ll take her……thanks Anthony. Hi Alenna! How’s my little Alenna? Hey I just thought of something! Doesn’t Edward have a boat named The Alenna?”
“That’s right little brother. And someday Michael, when Nina is old enough, her mom and I will explain exactly why she was named after an Italian guy’s boat!”
Everyone laughed except for Michael, he just gave me a fake look of disgust and then smiled.
Edward and I sat down with the guys as Tony left and quickly returned with a bottle of Armani Napa Merlot and four glasses.
“None for me thank you Tony. I’m still breastfeeding. I’ll just have some Pellegrino mineral water please.”
“Coming right up Julia!”
Nigel tickled Alenna under her chin trying to get a laugh out of her, but got no response as usual.
“Cootchie cootchie coo you little sweetheart…....….what’s wrong with this child? Still nothing? Not even a smile for your Uncle Nigel?”
Edward chimed in on the matter.
“Give her time Nigel. Not everyone gets your British humor right off the bat!”
“I suppose you’re right Edward. Half of it still goes right over YOUR head after all these years!”
Anthony returned with my bottle of sparkling water and poured some into my wine glass.
“So are we celebrating anything particular today Paisano? Besides the customary celebration of the good life?”
“Nigel and I were also wondering what this was about. Julia has been awfully close-mouthed about it. Haven’t you Sis?”
“Well Edward and I do have some exciting news that we would like to share with everybody today….. before we order our food.”
Anthony shouted out, “Oh my God there’s another baby Armani on the way!”
Naturally I was forced to set him straight:
“Tony? What are you crazy? We’re having way too much fun with Alenna to even consider such a thing. What do I look like anyway? A baby-making machine?”
“Well no disrespect Julia, but you sure are built like one! My cousin’s one lucky man!”
“No disrespect taken Tony. And I’m sure that you’ll get lucky too one day!”
After the laughter settled down we decided it was time to let everyone in on our surprise.
“Edward and I are very pleased and proud to tell you about the latest restructuring of Armani Industries. As you know, this past year has seen a shift in the operation of the company to one with a greater emphasis on Nonno’s philanthropic work. Edward would you like to fill them in on the rest?”
“With pleasure... Julia and I are thrilled to announce that Armani Industries has recently signed on to the Giving Pledge. In case you’re unfamiliar with it, the Giving Pledge is a fantastic initiative started in 2010 by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet that’s aimed at getting billionaires to give away the bulk of their wealth.”
Michael couldn’t resist teasing Edward:
“You wanna give away the bulk of your wealth? Hey I’m your man right here! I’ll gladly take anything you don’t want! I’m definitely a charity case!”
“Thanks for your generous offer Michael but we’re not at a loss for worthy causes. Not by a long shot. As a matter of fact, we’ve just committed to a huge downtown revitalization project.”
Edward didn’t need any help but I just had to cut in:
“That’s right and the new Armani Cancer Treatment Center is scheduled to open in less than a month with free services for low income individuals! We’re so excited!”
Michael still needed a little more clarification:
“So what are you guys saying? You’re not going to be billionaires anymore?”
“That’s right little brother! I guess we’ll just have to settle for being millionaires now!”
“Your sister’s absolutely correct Michael. After all, money isn’t everything! Right Julia?”
“No… Money isn’t everything...”
Before Edward and I could give each other a celebratory kiss, Nigel interrupted us:
“As long as you�
��re still able to afford a butler…….”
* * *
The End… But don’t stop just yet! Turn the page because I’ve included three special bonus novels for all my sexy and amazing readers!
I hope you loved Pretend Married! Thank you so much for reading!
-nikki xoxo
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Novels by Nikki Wild
Bad Boy Fighters:
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Bad Boy Bikers:
ROUGHNECK (A Dark Biker Romance)
Saving Landon (A Bad Boy Biker Romance)
Saved by the Bad Boy (A Devil’s Dragons Biker Romance)
Pride and Pregnancy (A Devil’s Dragons Motorcycle Club Romance)
Rough Rider (Outlaw Kings Motorcycle Club)
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British Bad Boys:
Royal Prick (A Bad Boy British Romance)
Arrogant Brit (A Bad Boy British Sports Romance)
Rock Hard (A Bad Boy British Rockstar Romance)
Played (A Bad Boy British Romance)