My Beastly
Billionaire
Book One
The Grimwood Legacy Series
Jackie Castle
Castle Book Creations
My Beastly Billionaire
Copyright 2019 by Jackie Castle
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.
Find out more about the author at Jackie Castle’s Story World,
Email: [email protected]
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Castle’s Other Works:
For Romance Lovers
Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Series:
Snow Belle
Secretly In Love
Stormy Hearts
Sun Kisses
Candy Lane Christmas
The Heart Collector
Seasons End
The Lavender Vale Farm Series
Merciful Love
Graceful Harmony
Blessed Gifts
~*~
For Fantasy Readers:
The White Road Chronicles:
Illuminated
Luminosity
Emanate
Radiance
Ignited
Ablaze
The White Road Tales Novellas
Captured
Stolen
Ransom
The Chronicles of Alburnium
Blood and Water
Silver and Light
For Young Readers
The Sentinels Archives: Through the Portal
Dedication
To my church family at Grace Community Fellowship Fort Worth. Your leadership and encouragement continually help me along in my daily walk. Thank you for the teaching on Josaphat, it came at the perfect time. As usual.
~*~
Give thanks to the LORD,
for his steadfast love
endures forever.
2 Chron. 20:21 ESV
Table of Contents
The Reading of the Will
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
One Year Later
My Charming Billionaire Book Two
About the Author
My Beastly Billionaire
Book One
Jewelry Artisan Duncan Grimwood has lived like a hermit since his motorcycle accident nearly a year ago. When his personal assistant urges that it's time to re-enter the real world, he allows her to set up a holiday gala at the manor to display his latest works.
Elisa Lucken is hired to decorate the huge but neglected Grimwood Manor. The only catch--do not disturb the reclusive Duncan Grimwood. Thrilled and excited about her chance of a lifetime, she is so absorbed in her work she doesn't hear the blizzard warning that sends the rest of her crew home.
Now she's stuck at the manor for the Thanksgiving weekend, alone and away from her family. She’s broken the one rule and now must face the man behind the beastly rumors.
The Reading of the Will
Duncan Grimwood rode the mirrored elevator up to the sixteenth floor where the Peterson Law Associates was located. He checked his reflection in the mirrored wall and straightened the emerald green tie of his black Brooks Brothers suit. The family was still in mourning, though some more so than others.
Duncan blew out a calming breath. Out of his other three siblings, he’d been the one who’d stayed with their father, Marcus Grimwood, watching him dwindle into nothing more than an empty shell. How quickly it happened, too.
Father’s heart gave out during the flight to the hospital and he’d been pronounced DOA upon arrival. Duncan had been the one who held his frail hand, who’d made the decision to call care-flight and the one who’d had to call the rest of them and let everyone know.
The elevator numbers slowly counted upward, ten…eleven…
Duncan blinked and refocused on his reflection. He probably should have shaved. But he was already running late enough and the thin bit of stubble gave him a roguish look he liked. His dark blond hair was combed back neatly and had recently been cut. If the paparazzi were waiting for him after the reading, he’d make sure to not award them with any fuel for their stories about his grief and guilt.
Guilt. As if. It wasn’t him who needed to feel guilty.
Duncan shoved his hands into the pockets of the slacks, hoping Marcus Grimwood had made things right before his passing. Colton, the oldest Grimwood brother refused to have anything to do with their father.
The number sixteen finally appeared with a loud ding, then the door slid open. Duncan stepped out into the reception area. The plush blue carpet ran across the sitting area and into the adjoining hall that led to the attorney’s offices.
A red-headed woman wearing a bright yellow dress looked him over from head to foot with a grin that always unnerved him. He hated being ogled, despite what people thought. Or what the tabloids reported. He wasn’t as bad as they like to make him out to be.
“Good morning, Mary.” Duncan buttoned his jacket. “I have an—”
“They’re waiting for you, Mr. Grimwood. In the Antler Room.” She waved her manicured hand toward the left hall. “The rest are already here.”
Duncan inwardly groaned. Great, his sister would probably blast him for making her have to wait and dragging the meeting out longer. Suzette Grimwood, year younger than him, was fussy about her time and appearance. She had been Father’s little darling, though, and felt the loss most of all. He was sure of it.
Would Father give each of them equal shares of his Grimwood Conglomerate that consisted of more business ventures than Duncan was able to keep up with? He liked making jewelry and used that to occupy most of his time. The parts, that is, that weren’t taken up with attending parties and going on excursions in other countries with his friends.
He headed toward the Antler Room, decorated with Mr. Peterson’s hunting trophies and a comfortable sitting area for the firm’s most elite clients. Duncan had to admit, the library-like room was more welcoming than the cold meeting offices with the ebony tables and metal, silver chairs.
When he reached the door, he gave a quick rap with his knuckles, then turned the nob. Laughter and quiet talk met him when he entered.
A drink tray sat on the coffee table the middle of the group and drinks had already been poured and passed around. Only Jeremy, the youngest Grimwood, sat with a glass of ice water. He was the spitting image of their mother with his black hair and rounded face. He and Suzette were often mistaken for fraternal twins, despite the two-year difference between them. However, Duncan and Colton, who currently sat slumped in one of the armchairs had inherited their father’s fair features. All the Grimwood children had the same dark blue eyes which had been passed down through the generations.
“Sorry I’m late,” Duncan mumbled, heading to the bar and fixing himself
a cocktail. He didn’t even care that it was before lunch. It seemed most of the others didn’t care either. They were all dreading this meeting. Duncan should have known something was up when Father began calling his lawyer to his bedside for private meetings several months ago. They all knew he’d made changes to the will, but nobody knew what those changes meant to them.
“Well,” Mr. Patterson said, standing from behind his desk. “Let’s get this started, now that everyone is here.” He narrowed his steely gaze at Duncan who quickly found the last remaining spot beside Suzette and took his seat.
He downed half of his drink in one gulp, then stopped himself. Perhaps he should keep a clear head for this. That’s when he noticed Suzette had water, like her younger brother. Only Colton had poured himself a drink, but he was the most sullen of the group. Also, the most distant.
Colton Grimwood was good at putting distance between himself and things he found unpleasant, such as a dying father or meddling siblings. Ever since Colt’s wife died three years back, he’d taken his twin girls and set sail on his private yacht. The only time any of them had seen their eldest brother since his wife’s funeral, had been when he arrived late for Father’s memorial service.
Even now, Colton kept his gaze on the drink cupped in his hands, not even bothering to acknowledge Duncan’s arrival. Well, fine with him, if that’s how he wanted to play.
Mr. Peterson read over the preliminaries, which Duncan pretty much ignored. He knew their family history and how the businesses under Grimwood Corp Inc had developed. Father believed in casting a wide net to protect the family’s wealth that had been estimated to be somewhere in the billions.
Would it all be divided equally between them? Had Marcus Grimwood considered his own brothers, or did he feel they’d been given enough from their father? With each generation, the wealth was divided and sometimes shared.
What would their father decide to do with the empire he’d built during his lifetime?
Mr. Patterson smiled with a slow shake of his head. “Marcus Grimwood believed in hard work and in leaving a legacy for future generations. He was never one to sit and stew in his wealth, his words, not mine.
“Needless to say, he has encouraged each of you to find your passion and follow after it. Colton, I understand you enjoy building hotels and have several across the states and abroad.”
Colton finally glanced up as his brows furrowed. “I have a few in various places, yes sir.”
Mr. Patterson nodded. “Duncan, are you still making jewelry for the stars?” At Duncan’s nod, he went on, “And lovely Suzette, I hear your clothing line is in high demand. Am I correct?”
Suzette flashed the lawyer one of her brilliant smiles. “Oh, they seem popular with the millennials, I suppose.” Her fake humility caused Duncan to roll his eyes.
Even Jeremy was looking away, covering his grin with his hand.
“And young, Jeremy, you have followed in your father’s footsteps at his investment bank. Are you happy there, son?”
Jeremy gave a nod but said nothing in response. He was the quietest of the group and the most dedicated to his work. Jere had always been a numbers man, whereas the others were more creative in their pursuits.
“Good,” Mr. Peterson said, growing more serious. “Very good. Your father hoped for each of you to continue in your current pursuits, but he called me in a few months ago to add a provision. He asked me to set up a trust, if you will.”
“A trust?” Duncan and Suzette asked at the same time.
“Yes, and the conditions of the trust must be met five years from now, or—”
Colton seemed to come alive at the word trust. “What do you mean, Mr. Peterson? I never heard about father setting up a trust. Why it’s unheard of. In the past—”
“Your father did not wish to repeat how his own father had handled the distribution of the Grimwood estate. He wished for me to help him follow your mother’s wishes. This was something the two of them spoke about before she passed. At first, he’d dismissed her suggestions until having second thoughts about her reasoning. The truth of the matter is, Lucille Grimwood did not wish to see her own children suffer what others have when given unlimited wealth without having a purpose. She insisted it was the ruin of many people she’d known in her life. So, Marcus devised the Grimwood Legacy Trust. If you hope to come into your full inheritance, you’ll have to agree and fulfill your father’s terms.”
Mr. Patterson shuffled a few papers before picking one form up and reading, “You each have five years to take on the business you have been assigned and turn a profit. If you fail to bring an increase, then you’ll forfeit your share of the estate.” A collective gasp when around the group. Suzette’s hand went to her chest. Colton sat up straighter in his chair, his face darkening with a severe scowl. Only Jeremy remained unfazed by the news. Had he known?
“However,” Mr. Peterson continued, “You will not be left with nothing. If you fail to complete the terms of the trust, then you’ll be given twenty-five million as your portion of the inheritance. Whatever work you are currently doing now, and any monies made from your ventures will remain in your accounts. But the business you’ve been given will be handed over to the current Board of Directors. As you complete your terms of the trust, then it will be you who take a position on the Board. Your father is hoping, by the end of the five years, all his children will be sitting together. Which brings me to one final—”
Colton stood. “What businesses is he giving us? There’s many under the Grimwood Corps Inc umbrella.”
Mr. Peterson remained unruffled. “Please sit, Colton. I will get to that shortly. I have one more announcement to make, that will….” He cringed as he read over the paper. “Well, it’ll come as a shock, I suppose. But there is one more Grimwood who is not present. He will not be under the same conditions as you four are, but—”
This time, Suzette stood, spilling her water over the fine carpet. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She quickly picked up her glass and found a handkerchief in her bag which she used to dab up the water. “What do you mean there’s one more Grimwood? Do you mean a cousin, or—”
Colton’s fists clenched. “No,” he growled in a voice grinding out like broken stones. “Do not tell me that Father plans to include him in this, this, mess.”
Duncan’s breath caught. He looked to Jeremy who seemed as perplexed as he was. “Colt, what are you talking about?”
Mr. Peterson’s smile was sympathetic as he nodded. “Yes, your father wished for me to track down Rafe Wolfe, as he goes by, and—”
Suddenly, Duncan caught up to what Colt and Mr. Peterson were talking about. He’d never heard the other one’s name, or even that it was a son that father had sired from his affair. Mother had already passed, leaving Father in a deep depression. Marcus Grimwood had never gotten over losing his soulmate, it seemed. And had drowned his sorrow in ways nobody wished to speak of or acknowledge.
Except Colton seemed to know all about it. No wonder he’d turned his back on Father.
Tears coursed down Suzette’s pink cheeks. “You mean we have another brother?”
Colton refused to answer.
Mr. Peterson nodded. “Yes, it seems that way, Suzette. I only found this out after Marcus passed. He’d left me a letter explaining the situation and asked me to try to locate his estranged son. You see, he wanted to add provisions for his last child, but he did not know where to find him. It was his hope that you all would help in finding Rafe and perhaps, even find it in your hearts to welcome him into your family.”
Colton was already shaking his head. He stood and moved toward the windows, turning his back on all of them. Suzette turned to face Duncan and Jeremy. Jeremy stared at the floor, leaving Duncan to answer her unasked question.
Duncan shook his head, “I…I don’t even know how to respond to this. I’m shocked.” Actually, he was more furious than shocked. How could father keep this from all of them, and why? “Can we get on with the terms? I…” he checked
his watch, “I have somewhere I need to be soon.”
It wasn’t the complete truth, but he wanted to get this farce over. Sooner the better. He wanted to find out the terms of the trust, then he’d deal with that first. If Father didn’t think it important to mention another son to any of them, then he’d not bother himself with that sordid bit of news. Let Peterson handle it.
“Very well,” the lawyer stated, returning to his high-backed leather chair. “Since you seem to be in a hurry, Ducan, I’ll read your conditions first.”
* * * *
The room filled with dancing bodies and flashing lights. The bar seemed to spin before Duncan’s very eyes. He needed to cut himself off because nobody else would. The bartender had warned him two martinis ago, but Alan Townsend, one of the few people that Duncan considered a true friend, had replied that if a Grimwood wished to drown his sorrows, then he had that right.
Alan was a bone head. But Duncan liked him anyway. Not that he had a lot of people to choose from. Alan also came from money and understood what it was like. He tossed a couple of hundred bills on the bar and told the bartender to keep the drinks coming. He’d take responsibility and get Duncan home.
Except Alan was drinking just as much. “How bad can it be, Duncan?” Alan slurred, pounding him on the back. “At least he didn’t give you charge over the…” Alan started laughing, “I don’t even know how many businesses your old man owned? Any chance there might have been a sports team somewhere in there?”
Duncan shook his head. “No, but that would have been cool, don’t you think?” Oh man, he needed to stop. He pushed the glass away. Taking it as a sign that he wanted more, the bartender handed him another with a shake of his head.
My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1) Page 1