Daughter of a Villainous Billionaire

IV

My heart was pounding loudly. I didn't like that. I didn't like this one bit. I tore my eyes away from the ring and looked at Caden to find him watching me. I wonder what he was thinking.

"I know the perfect way for us to go public without much work on our end. Follow me." He slowly got up and headed out. I frowned a little. I quietly got up and followed him, leaving my bag behind. He was walking quickly but I was easily matching his pace. I could see exactly what it was he was doing. We got into the lift and went to the second floor.

He led us into what I assumed was the employee lounge and quickly took my hand in his. Everyone fell silent once we walked in. Their attention fully on us. He very easily commanded a room. I raised my head a little higher.

"This is my wife, Mrs Cora Grimaldi. She'll be working with us as of tomorrow. Acquaint yourself with her in your spare time." He announced in his deep bossy tone. He nodded his head and pulled my hand lightly to follow him. I was speechless. “That’s it,” I whispered discreetly so only he could hear. He squeezed my hand softly in response. A casually dressed lady approached us. She smiled at me then turned her attention to Caden.

"Boss?" She inquired lightly, tilting her head.

"Cora, this is our social media manager, and yes Darwin, I want us to go public."

Darwin?

"Roger that." she pulled out a camera from a bag that I hadn't noticed draped on her back.

"Smile," she told us as she proceeded to set up her camera.

Caden slipped his hand around my waist, pulling me in closer. He then dipped his head and put it on my neck. No! He was making me react in ways I didn't want to. feel things I didn't want to!

"Smile," he whispered in my ear as he placed a gentle kiss on my neck and straightened up. I could feel my cheeks burning up.

"Thanks, boss. I got enough." she turned to me, "Milady," she bowed and walked off.

Caden led me back to the lift. Immediately the doors shut, he let his hand drop. I instantly missed his warmth. Albeit, I was a little grateful, I did not like the way I was reacting to him. I needed to get my head back in the game.

"There's a gala tonight,” he started, breaking the silence that had ensued, “we shall attend together. Make it our first public appearance as a married couple. Paparazzi will be there. Dress to impress, I'll pick you up at 7:30 pm. You may leave now." He finished just as the elevator dinged on his floor. I followed him out. He threw me an inquisitive look.

"Anything else?" he asked smoothly as he stepped into his office.

"Yes." silence. "Don't I need to familiarize myself with my new workplace?" I continued sweetly.

"I'll have Paige show you around tomorrow,"

I smirked. "You just want bloodshed, huh?" I took my bag from where I'd left it.

"Aight. I'll give daddy what daddy wants." I looked up at his surprised face and smiled suggestively at him. "See you later!" I threw over my shoulders, adding an extra sway as I walked away. I stopped at the door, suddenly remembering.

"Oh right," I said as I turned. He looked up at me, raising his perfect brow. "Will you come home with the contract? I'd like to review my terms."

" Yes, sure," he said as he nodded absent-mindedly and went back to his work. My body on autopilot, I silently walked back to him.

I caught his tie and pulled him towards me. He looked at me bewildered.

"What's your favorite color?" I asked him in the sexiest voice I could master and looked at him through my lashes pushing my boobies outwards. If anyone asked me what the f**k it was I thought I was doing, I wouldn't have an answer. This was not Cora-like behaviour. I must be losing my mind.

"I'd appreciate it if you'd carry yourself with a bit more dignity." He pulled his tie from my grasp and resumed his work.

"Damn!" I exclaimed as I straightened myself out. "No mercy, huh?" he wasn't even listening to me.

"Aight, aight. We'll see who has the last laugh," I said as I finally walked out of his office, my head held high.

Paige was sitting diligently at her desk typing away and ignoring me completely. Was she doing actual work? I found that hard to believe. It would have been easier believing she was the social media manager. I got into the lift and went back down to the ground floor. People were throwing me glances here and there and quickly looking away if our eyes met.

I watched as Darwin headed towards me, not looking where she was going. I watched on amused, not bothering to move. She completely crashed into me. She stumbled but quickly regained her balance and looked up at me.

"My bad, Milady. I didn't see you there."

"No worries. You're just the person who can cheer me up." I flashed her a smile. She blushed and looked away.

"Can I see some of the pics you've taken?" I asked her, amused by the way she suddenly couldn't meet my eyes.

"Of course!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Follow me," she told me as she sidestepped me and led the way.

My mind went back to Caden. When was the last time someone completely shot down my advances like that? Had I ever been turned down? I shook my head in disbelief. I must have lost my game. Maybe I needed to practice.

"We're here," Darwin announced, pulling me out of my reverie. Her office was surprisingly neat, everything was put in order.

"I have a bunch of portfolios. Let me show you the latest one."

She handed me her portfolio and I flipped through it, admiring her work. She was talented.

"You're really good!" I praised her as I flipped through her work. There was a short rap on the door. I tore my eyes from the photos to see who it was. An amused smirk formed itself on my lips as I sat back fully and folded my hands.

"Come in." Darwin let out.

"Darwin, Mrs. Grimaldi," She acknowledged both of us, then turned to give me her full attention.

"Mrs Grimaldi..." She started hesitantly.

"Miss secretary," I threw back, a hint of a smirk gracing my features.

She flushed slightly then bowed her head, avoiding eye contact.

"May I have a word?" she asked me politely.

I raised my brow and my interest peaked. I glanced at Darwin. She had decided to keep her hands busy with the portfolio.

"Yea, sure." I stood and grabbed my bag. " See you later, Darwin."

Paige held the door open for me and I walked out. I thought we would be talking outside Darwin's office but she led us both to the parking lot.

She stopped right in front of my car.

"Mr. Grimaldi sent me to accompany you to the mall to get you prepared for the gala. I know the right designers and the best salon to get your hair done..." She trailed off. She did that a lot.

"Why do I make you nervous?" I asked her as I closed the distance between us towering over her. Her lip quivered a bit as she broke eye contact again.

"You know, I'm really worried. If you can't stand up to the boss's mere wife....how can you handle more menacing business partners?" I tucked in stray strands of hair that had escaped their imprisonment behind her ear.

I gently took her chin and tilted it so that she was facing me.

"Look at me," I ordered her softly. She looked at me and colour rose in her cheeks. So I hadn't completely lost my game.

"You're very pretty," I told her honestly. "I'll have to decline your offer though." I dropped my hands to her waist and squeezed a bit. Not too hard. Just how we like it. Great! Caden turning me down had put me in flirty mode. I took my keys, unlocked my car and got in. She was still rooted to the spot.

"Anything else?" I asked her through the window. She hesitantly took the two steps to come and stand outside my door.

"I'm straight." She said at once and it came out a bit louder than she expected. I could tell from the way she slapped her hands on her mouth and looked around to see if anyone had heard.

I looked at her a bit then burst out laughing.

"Oh me too darling," I let out between my laughter.

"Honestly though, even if I was actually into girls, I wouldn't go for my husband's crumbs," I told her with a small smile on my face and watched as the embarrassment overcame her.

"Was that it?" I asked her as I strapped on my seatbelt and started the ignition.

She nodded and stepped back. I took that as a cue and drove out.

I didn't feel like going to the house just yet. I drove around aimlessly and pulled into a fast food joint's drive-through. It was already lunchtime anyway, I muttered to myself as I dialled my aunt's number and put her on speaker,

"She lives!" my aunt exclaimed immediately when she picked up.

"Hello to you too, Aunt Maggie."

"I was so excited calling you the other night but now I'm completely drained, so…what do I owe the honor?"

I rolled my eyes at her drama. "Two large fries and a large vanilla choc chip shake please," I told the attendant as I handed him my card.

"No chicken today?" she piped up with a trace of humor in her voice.

"Shut up!" I told her playfully. "Anyway, Aunt Maggie," I keyed in my pin, waited a bit, took my receipt and card and proceeded to the next window. I was surprised to see the same guy with a sheepish grin adorning his face. I took my fries and shook them and placed them carefully on the co-driver's seat.

"Do you feel like going shopping with me?"

"Did I ever tell you you're my favorite?" I chuckled softly, "No? Well you are."

"I'm your only niece. I can come pick you up at your place-"

"Actually, no, just tell me where you are and I'll come to you." She added quickly before I could finish my offer. She sounded suspicious; I'd grill her later when we met.

"Okay, lemme send you a pin. I'm not sure where to. My darling husband is taking me to a gala." My ring just then caught my eye and I couldn't help the awe that oozed from my voice.

"Hmmm, someone sounds…different, but oh well. Okay." She immediately hangs up. That wasn't like my aunt at all. I just shrugged and continued my drive.

My phone started vibrating again beside me. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Caden. Did I feel like talking to him? I ignored it and continued my drive. I already knew the mall I was going to. Skler Mall. The one with an Alarie Couture branch. It wasn't so far from where I was. Alarie Couture was Ash's family's designer brand. In this particular branch, they showcased mostly Ash's designs and I was in love with his designs.

My phone began vibrating again. I rolled my eyes, can't he take a hint? I still glanced at my screen though, to be sure, and of course. It was him again. He should take his advice about carrying oneself with more dignity. One missed call was more than enough.

And then he called again! I picked up, exasperated.

"What?" I was practically shouting into the earpiece.

"Don't ignore my calls, Cora." I could hear the warning in his voice.

"Or what, Grimaldi?"

"Why isn't Paige with you?"

Skler mall was right up ahead.

"Oh? Didn't she tell you?" I asked sarcastically as I pulled into the parking lot and relaxed into my seat and grabbed the first packet of fries.

"Cora, you don't seem to understand how important this gala is. You need to look the best and Paige-"

"Then take her." I shot at him, cutting him off mid-sentence and hung up. "Piece of s**t," I mumbled angrily as I kept munching on my fries. I sent my aunt the pin which she replied to almost instantly with a thumbs-up emoji. I went to a fair share of galas thanks to my father. He shouldn't underestimate me.

I put my phone down, a bit angry, but the food was diffusing my anger, turned up the music, then grabbed my shake. I turned on the AC and began the wait as I people watched. My phone dinged beside me.

I'm sorry. Be ready by 7.30