Daughter of a Villainous Billionaire

III

I left the restaurant fuming. According to my PI, it was my father behind the downfall all along. All he needed was enough proof. My major question was, where were all the funds going to? How could he spend so much money so fast?

I shook my head, unlocked my car and got in.

A week's time, that's what he said. In a week he'd have all the details. My father was smart though, it wouldn't be so easy for him to be caught. He must have covered up his tracks well. I was banking on my PI delivering. After all, I was paying him big bucks.

I drove back to the house, slammed the door and got in.

"Miss-Mrs. Grimaldi, the boss's orders were that I accompany you everywhere." George, the driver, received me, blocking my way, as I got off the car.

"I'm not in the mood. Move." I shoved him aside and stormed into the house. I would have to figure out a way to uproot my beloved father from our family business. That would be the only way I'd move forward. For now, with no valid information, I had to wait. Finesse my plan.

I went up to the room, ignoring the maids glaring at me. We wouldn't have any problems unless any of them crossed my path.

I turned on my laptop, did my work and replied to all my pending emails. I had to notify my trusted sources to contact me discreetly on any matter concerning Alderidge. As for the rest, I told them not to contact me anymore.

1600h.

When was the last time I had so much free time on my hands?

“Time to indulge the drunk within.” I let out as I shut down my machine and headed to Caden's office. I'd spotted a premium bottle of whiskey yesterday.

I was glad when I found it where I'd left it. Guess it's mine now.

"The boss doesn't allow anyone in his office." a redhead with a full blossom stopped me.

"Bring me a glass." I told her and went into my room. There was a knock on my door seconds later. She stood there, a tray in hand with a glass on it.

"I'm glad you obliged. What's your name?"

"Judy."

"Do you drink?"

She hesitated and looked down, playing with her fingers.

"Just a little." she finally let out in a small voice.

"Good. Grab a glass, come join me."

"My shift doesn't end till 6pm, ma'am." she told me apologetically.

"Last I checked, I was the boss. Go grab a glass and come join me. Unless, of course, you don't want to?" I asked her, not wanting to force alcohol down someone’s throat.

An hour later we were both laughing heartily at something Judy had said.

"I can normally hold my liquor very well!" Judy said, pouting. Her words were beginning to slur a little. "You rich people really have all the good stuff," she mumbled grumpily.

"Money is power honey." I told her simply. She was amusing me.

"You're so pretty, and I can tell you're smart too. Why are you a help?" I asked her, changing the topic.

"Student loans mostly,” She let out with a heavy sigh, “your husband pays really well too. I can't really complain." she added as she put her head on the table.

"You want to dance?" she suddenly asked, sitting upright.

A broad smile formed on my face. Ash would love this free spirit.

"Yea, sure."

"Mind if we use your phone?" I shrugged and handed her my phone after unlocking it.

She swiped and typed, then when she’d found what she was looking for,she set it on the table.

"I-I love you like a love song bebe," she sang, pulling me to my feet. I laughed and danced along with her.

That is how we lost track of time. At some point, we both collapsed on the bed and blacked out.

****

My eyes snapped open. I had a deep dreamless slumber. It was dawn already. Damn, I wanted to have a chat with Caden yesterday. I ought to catch him before he leaves.

I plugged my phone into the charger and got in for a nice refreshing shower. I went out drying my hair with a towel. I glanced at my clock. It was 4.45 am. I'd been checking the time a lot lately.

I picked my favorite pinstriped suit and set it aside. I'd start with my hair and makeup first. I went to my dresser and did my makeup, just a simple look for today. A natural one. I took my time fixing my lashes and perfecting my brows.

I quickly slipped on my suit and adorned my jewelry. I'd rock silver today. Statement necklace, simple earrings, rings on my fingers and a watch. 5.30am.

What time did Caden leave?

I wore my nude six inch heels and grabbed my faithful Michael Kors. I checked myself out in the mirror; the nude heels just weren't doing it for me. I replaced them with my white heels and checked myself. White blouse, white snakeskin bag, white heels. Blue pinstripes. I did look hot, but was I too bland?

"You look great, Ma'am." Judy said in a groggy voice.

"Thanks. I think we're past the stage of calling me ma'am, Judy." I met her eyes through the reflection. She blushed. "Just call me Cora."

"Sorry for crashing here." she started playing with her fingers. She did that a lot. "I do know my place," she added softly.

I chuckled.

"It's alright. I'll see you later." I told her as I left. I headed downstairs confidently. I am that b***h.

I went straight to the dining area. I was relieved to see he hadn't left yet.

"Good morning." I greeted him jovially.

He looked up at me from the paper he was reading.

"You going somewhere?" he asked, feigning interest as he put his attention back on 'the business daily'.

"I want a job." I sat next to him, putting my bag behind me and poured myself a cup of tea. He stilled.

"Why?"

"There's nothing I'm doing here."

"You have my card. You don't need a job." His full attention was now on me. His gaze pierced right through me.

"Give me a job, Caden." I told him, matching his gaze. "Please."

He looked at me contemplating and I thought he was going to give in and accept, but he abruptly stood.

"No. Embrace your role. Be my trophy wife, won't you," he took my hand and placed a soft kiss, then smiled at me. I looked at him shocked. This asshole! I flashed my middle finger at his retreating back. This wasn't over. I flipped through the business paper, the dollar had gone down. Raphael suddenly materialized in front of me with my breakfast. I flashed him a grateful smile and muttered a small thanks as I dug in.

Once I was done, it was time for me to head out, for round two if you may. I grabbed Caden's jeep keys and headed out. The guard saw me approaching and ran to meet me.

"Good morning, ma'am." he looked round the car. "I'm sorry, I can't open the gate for you if you're not accompanied by your driver."

"George left with Caden earlier. I’m following them anyway. We’ll come back together." I told him confidently, knowing it was a straight up lie. He hesitated a bit then went to open the gates. I smirked. He must have heard about yesterday. There was no other explanation for him agreeing so easily.

I turned on the radio and danced to the beats. I was at the Grimaldi's headquarters in no time. I decided to park in the company's basement. I had just turned off the engine when my phone started vibrating near me.

Caden Grimaldi, flashed on the screen.

"Cora," I answered brightly.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get a job, of course!" I exclaimed.

"My office now!" he commanded and hung up. He sounded furious. Good. He should know I wasn't going to tuck in my tail and do as per his bidding. I checked myself in the mirror, touched up my gloss and stepped out. Immediately I entered, everyone's eyes were on me. And I mean everyone. From the corner of my eye I saw someone approaching me. I turned and saw the blonde bimbo from the other night. I rolled my eyes exasperated, no surprise there.

I could see her losing her cool with every step she took that drew her closer to me.

"Mrs. Grimaldi?"

I gave her a sickly sweet smile.

"Well, well, well. Lookie who we have here." I muttered cynically as I sized her up. I easily towered over her, since already without the heels I was still taller than her. I smiled a bit, remembering our last encounter, and watched as her bravado faltered. She took three quick steps back and nearly fell over, but managed to keep her balance.

"Mr. Grimaldi awaits you. Follow me." She turned and started leading me towards the elevator. So she wasn't a model as I previously assumed, but the infamous secretary. Today she'd worn a tight beige skirt that had a slit behind between her legs and stopped around mid-thigh. Her white chiffon top had killer cleavage. It was hard to be mad at Caden for tapping this one. She was hot.

There was that usual awkward elevator silence, then we finally reached his floor. She got out first, leading me down the hallway. She stopped in front of a huge mahogany door, knocked twice and opened the door.

"Your wife, sir." She announced, holding the door wide open for me.

Caden looked up from his paperwork and gave me a once over.

"Don't let anyone interrupt us, Paige. Hold off all my appointments." She nodded dutifully and left, closing the door carefully behind her.

He turned his attention back to me. "Sit."

I took my time going to the chair and sat down.

"Why do you want to work? Here, especially."

"I'd like to work close to my husband. Is it so wrong for a spouse to want to be close to her fated partner? Is it so wrong for me to love my darling husband and want to be nearer to him?" I was being extra now, I know.

"Skip the drama." He eyed me as if weighing his options and having an inner debate, then finally sighed. "What position do you want?"

My face immediately lit up. "Fin-"

"I was joking. I'm not giving you a job and an option to choose what you want to do. You'll be my personal assistant. I'm sure you know what that entails. I'll have my lawyers draft a contract and you'll be presented with it before the end of the workday."

My heart dropped. This wasn't what I wanted. It was what I needed. The evil laughter was bubbling inside me. I bent my head trying to at least hide the wicked grin. I’d have access to everything as his PA! Yes. It is a great position. I beamed at him.

"Before I forget, we'll be going public with our relationship status. My grandfather will be discharged soon and he'll get suspicious."

I loved the old man, Frank. I knew for a fact that he loved me, ever since that time I worked at the hospital he was admitted to. I hated that I had to lie to him in order for me to get married to Caden. I had him believe that I was head over heels in love with his grandson and wanted to marry him. I convinced him to push Caden into marrying me under the impression that it was just a business deal.

At the time, I was doing it to take our company even higher in the ranks, and honestly, Frank did look a bit skeptical, so I thought he'd dismissed it. But once news of the Alderidge Empire falling had spread, he reached out to me. Frank was a sappy romantic and a smart strategist. He told me this would be the perfect time. He also seemed confident in the fact that I'd get Caden to fall for me, though I'm the one who had him believe that. I took advantage of the fact that he wanted his grandson to finally settle down and give him great grandkids. Both of us will end up happy, his grandson will settle down and I will get the cash for my family. With him aboard the ship, nothing could stop us. Regardless of the fact that I didn't plan on keeping my end of the deal. He shouldn't be too disappointed though. In the business world it is all about being smart. He would understand.

"So when will we announce our marriage?" I asked him after I'd managed to swallow the lump lodged in my throat. He looked thoughtful for a moment, then came to a decision.

"Today." He bent over and pulled something out of the drawers.

"Here. This is my family’s heirloom. Don't lose it." he said as he pulled out a little box.

"That's my grandmother's ring that goes down from generation to generation. I’m giving it to you temporarily."

He handed me a beautiful tiny vintage box. I carefully took it from his hands and opened it. What I was looking at was the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid my eyes on. My heart fluttered. It was a beautiful white gold ring with a princess cut diamond that just pulled you in. I plucked it from its safe haven and looked over at Caden feeling like I was violating everyone in his lineage by even touching it.

"Won't you put it on me, darling?" the last part came out a bit strained but I could tell I took him by surprise. He sat back in his chair.

"Come." He agreed immediately and that took me by surprise. I didn't think he'd agree. He pushed his chair back as I went round to his side. My heart was going wild in my chest. He took my hand softly and slipped on the ring. It was a perfect fit. That was insane. He held my hand, staring at it, then softly caressed it. He lingered a bit then pulled back his hand. Was I winning him over already? Or was he the one who was winning me over, because the way my heart was beating wasn't normal. Surely, I can't be the one to fall first. I thought appalled. I hesitantly stepped away and went back to my seat.

"It's really beautiful." I let out breathlessly.