Billionaire's Contracted Wife

Chapter 3: How Dare You!

7:00 am.

My eyes fluttered open at the sound of my alarm clock. I pressed the snooze button and turned over back to my right side, and closed my eyes just for five more minutes. 

No, I can't. How do I expect to take back my billion dollar company by sleeping in? 

I removed the white silk sheets from my warm body and opened up my curtains to bring in plenty of natural light in my bedroom as I admired the view, which overlooked Fifth Avenue and the legendary Pulitzer fountain. 

I’ve lived at the Plaza Hotel my whole life until my freshman year of high school when my father built the Royce Tower. That year, he became known as the multi-millionaire with the Midas touch, which made him into the ruthless man he is today. He became involved with terrifying men in the industry; he was having affairs and was forced to alter his political views. He became someone I couldn’t surround myself with anymore. So I bought my own suite at the Plaza and have been living here ever since. It became my sanctuary away from the Royce name. 

I entered my elegant ensuite, stripping off my satin nightgown, and stepped into the glass shower. Once I was done, I peeled on my long white silk bathrobe and leaned over the gold encrusted double sink vanity as I blow dried my long layered black hair and swept it down my back. I then massaged my créme de la Mer moisturizer all over my face to even out my fair complexion before applying a light coat of Dior foundation all over my flawless skin. People often praised me for my innocent beauty, which is why I preferred my face makeup to be quite natural to draw all the attention to my beautifully done up, doe-eyes.

I finished applying my last coat of mascara on my long lashes and gazed at myself in the mirror to see a beautiful face, no doubt, but it was trapped behind a facade. For the first time, I dreaded the thought of going to work. The idea of seeing Logan again created so many unwanted feelings that I had long banned from my thoughts, and now I'm forced to marry a man I don't even love.

Why did he have to come back into my life? 

I let out a sigh and stepped into my spacious walk-in closet with wood paneled luxury built-in drawers and shelves. I skimmed through the satin padded hangers that held my delicate designer garments for something to wear. I decided on a sexy figure-hugging red dress that hung neatly on my breasts with a pair of pointed-toe Jimmy Choo nude heels. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. Perfect.

I enter the classy and opulent lobby, where the friendly staff is waiting to greet me by the main entrance under a magnificent crystal chandelier. 

"Your car is waiting, Miss Royce," 

"Thank you," I say to the kind doorman. I hold onto the gold railing, descending the iconic stone steps with ornate street lamps on either side as I walk towards my car. 

"Good morning, Ms. Royce. Are we heading to work?" John, my chauffeur, greets me before opening the backseat door for me. "Yes, and could we stop off at my usual coffee place," I tell him, stepping inside the Rolls Royce. 

"Of course," he smiles, shutting the door for me. 

The car came to a final halt, indicating my last arrival, Royce Tower. 

I step out of the elevator and walk through the clear glass doors to see Delancey. She was conversing with someone over the phone, and from the way her eyebrows furrowed, she notified me it was a professional phone call. 

"The clearance codes are up to date; I can assure you the error's on your end, believe me!" She asserts in frustration. 

She covered the intercom on the phone with her palm and gestured for me, "Mr. Vanderbilt is here to see you. He's in the lounge," she mouths towards me before continuing her conversation, "Yeah yeah, I'll believe it when I see it. Call me when you've got results." 

I walk into the lounge at the end of the hall when I see Mr. Vanderbilt. I requested that he meet me before work because I wanted his professional opinion on a few matters. 

Mr. Stephen Vanderbilt is the chairman of the company. Most people feared him rather than respected him because he only had one expression on his face and was extremely blunt in his tone. And though he’s fiercely loyal to my father, he also gives me the same respect. He’s the reason why I have my position as C.O.O and cares deeply for me as I do for him.

I took a seat beside him as we exchanged pleasantries. Then I wasted no time getting down to business as I gave him my heartfelt speech as to why I should be C.E.O. and how to get rid of Logan indirectly. 

"No, absolutely not! It can't be done!"

"Wouldn't the board tend to be more comfortable with a C.E.O. who is already familiar with the dynamics of the company's industry and the specific challenges that the company may be facing?" I ask, trying to negotiate with him. 

"Indeed, that's why we expect you to work closely with him,"

"Well, I didn't sign up for this," I say, sighing heavily. "Please, can you advise me of the next steps to remove Mr. Lockwood as C.E.O., because last time I checked, owners of billion dollar companies leave their responsibilities to their executives and don't need to be here!"  

"Unfortunately, there's nothing I or anyone can do. When your father signed over his company, we were instructed to sign a contract. The only person that can terminate Mr. Lockwood's contract is himself," he tells me, taking a sip out his drink.

I straighten my posture, raising a perfectly arched brow in satisfaction. I could work with that.

"Whatever it is you're thinking of doing, don't. Your job security depends on my satisfaction, Celeste," he warns, as his face starts to stretch with a grin.

"I'm aware and don't worry; I have the company's best interest at heart, I've got all the information I need. Thank you for taking the time out and meeting with me. I'll walk you out," I say as I rise from my seat. 

I headed back to my office and placed my purse on my desk before taking a seat to admire my beautiful new aircraft on my laptop.

The Luxor was coming along perfectly, and I'm saving the last millions I have left strictly for any drawbacks, which I'm hoping will be compensated for if it is a success. I had just finished approving the changes when my phone rang, which hindered any concentration I had left.

"Celeste Royce," I greet.

"Hello, Celeste," a dreadful voice greets me.  

I let out a frustrated sigh, closing my laptop. "Alec, to what do I owe the displeasure?" I ask, fiddling with my gold and diamond Cartier bracelets.

"I have yet to receive your action plan that you were supposed to have drawn up two weeks ago for my department! You would think someone borderline of losing her position would take her work seriously enough," he scoffs.

Alec is the C.F.O. of Royce Enterprises and works closely with my father as the head of RoyceTech. He's like the son my father wished he had solely for the fact that before gaining his position as C.F.O. for Royce Enterprises, he took over the job of C.F.O. for the National Football League. Our mutual dislike for each other stemmed from the fact that he cheated on one of my best friends, and now I can't even stand to be in the same room as him.

I pull out of my seat. "Alec, I don't have time to complete your brain dead action plan. I have a lot of work to do, so please leave me alone." I say nicely, walking towards the window to admire the view. 

"What a time to be alive where workers think they can disrespect their superiors," he says, in a condescending tone. "I'm just thankful Mr. Lockwood has decided to take over RoyceAir after the mess you've created. Our spendings on your pathetic jets is getting out of control, and I am so relieved to be able to allocate a smaller budget for them. He has put us in a much better financial position on research and development for RoyceTech." 

"What did you just say?" I grit out, cutting him off.

"Half the funds for your supersonic jets are gone, under Mr. Lockwood's orders-" I angrily hung up the phone on him and stalked towards the elevator. 

I'm going to kill Logan. He's in charge for one day and is already causing problems here. He already took my company, but if he thinks I'm going to sit back while he takes my project into turmoil, guess again. 

I stormed into his office on the 27th, slamming the door after me. A large sleek white desk sat in the center of the large modern room with a window directly behind it. Two black ribbed leather chairs sat in front of it and one large chair behind, where the asshole was seated.

"What the hell do you think you're doing getting involved with my project?" I fume at him. 

He didn’t even bother to look at me and continued to read through the paperwork on his desk. "You don't have the finances available to back you up with the amount you set towards trivial crafts." He responds, far too calmly for my likings.

"A supersonic aircraft is not trivial!" I defend. 

"On the contrary to things, it is, and pretty redundant. Royce Enterprises needs to be more tactical, and I already have the backings from the financial department. Seeing that you've successfully amassed a huge debt for yourself, I will be taking over the division until you pay it off," he states cruelly. 

"I find it extremely ungracious of you to speak about my financial situation. You’re crazy if you think I will let you get away with demeaning me. You don't get to decide whether or not I should be allowed to approve of a decision, especially in regards to my department!" 

He rose from his seat, standing to his full height of 6'3, and squared his shoulders at me. His large biceps were visible under his white dress shirt; black tailored pants adorned the lower half of his lean yet muscular body.

"I can do whatever I want with you. You work for me now, Celeste, don’t forget that," he had a determined threat in his tone. 

“It’s Ms. Royce to you!” I spat.

”I’ll call you whatever I feel like calling you.” His words shouldn’t have made my body feel certain ways, but they did. “Now, get out of my office," he orders as if he couldn't care less.  

"Of course, how could I forget? You made it clear that you need to remain alone in a miserable shadow as one of your many charming character flaws," I say, turning my back to him.

He grabs my upper arm, jerking me back to my spot. "I'm going to pretend like you didn't just say that to your boss. Let’s not forget that I’m the only one with substantial power in this company. And with that power, I can fire upper level executives, including annoying C.O.O.s,"  he says, clenching his jaw in anger. 

"Go ahead. You aren't capable of handling this company alone. The only reason my father chose to sell Royce Enterprises to you is to use your name to gain the trust of other corporations. Your presence isn’t actually required here, so I would take the rest of the day off if I were you. I'm smart enough to handle the company for the both of us," I say, fluttering my long lashes together. 

He took a menacing step closer; a gasp escaped my parted lips as he wrapped his hand around my throat. "Don't be so delighted, Celeste. I will rip apart that pride inside you," he threatens. I clenched my teeth together as I felt a rush of desire run through my body. 

“Let me go this instant, or I'll scream for security!”

"I'll do you one better,” he rasps, and the distance between us vanishes as he pushes me against the wall. I narrowed my eyes and glared up at him. "Since I'm sick and tired of your defiance, give me the word, and you can kiss your position goodbye. I bet the board of directors will have a f*****g field day," 

There was just silence now. Logan had me right where he wanted me, asserting his dominance over me and proving he had all the power. The shocking truth slammed into me with full force. My stomach clenched in fear, and so did everything else. 

My lips quivered as I swallowed the bile in my throat. "Is that why you're here? To take away everything I care about?" My voice was barely a whisper, filled with hurt.

His emotionless glare travels from my lips to my eyes as he grits his teeth in anger. I drew in a deep breath; the burning hard stare would last only as long as it took him to think of the most brutally cutting thing he could tear me down with, and I could kiss anything breakable goodbye. 

After a couple of breaths, he looked away, and his grip on my neck loosened. "You can resume your position as the head of the department, but I'm in charge of the finances of this project," a muscle in his jaw clenched as he made himself clear. 

I looked at him in shock that he agreed to a compromise. "W-what?"

He scoffed. "Do you have a hearing impairment I'm not aware of? You can have your project back! Now get out before I change my mind," he sneers. 

"Logan.."

"I don't want to hear it!" 

He released me from his wrath, and my pulse pounded in my ears, and the confidence I had slowly started fading away as his dark gaze pinned on my body. 

"And, this is the last time you show up to work dressed like that, do you understand me?" He states in a warning tone, furrowing his eyebrows dangerously at me. 

I swallowed hard and nodded my head as he walked past me straight without as much as a backward glance. 

After a long and monotonous day, it was safe to say I closed all my investment deals on time. I was currently typing out an email to my department to approve an appropriate time and place to discuss the jets' color scheme. Now with this three month deadline on my head, there was no time to waste.

Just as I clicked the send button, there was an abrupt knock on the door. "Come in!" 

My mouth parts in shock to see Raphael Strife. A menacing grin undetectable to those who don’t know him the way I do appears on his handsome face as he enters my office.

“Hello, beautiful,” 

"Raphael, what are you doing here?"

"I've been trying to reach you all day. Where have you been?" His voice is deep, filled with pure amusement.

"I've been here," I say, rubbing my forehead in frustration.

"I can see that, so what time did you want me to pick you up tonight?" 

Oh right, I forgot all about the Starks event tonight, and Raphael would be the perfect choice of competition. Not only was he hot, handsome, and rich, but he also hated my new boss. 

"Is there a reason why you're not bringing your lovely girlfriend?" I ask with a dainty grin.

"Leora's out of town. I thought she told you." He claims, furrowing his eyebrows. 

I casually pull out of my seat, walking towards the mini-fridge in my office with my back facing him. "Well, it doesn't matter anyway because I'm bringing a date," I say, bending down to take out two glass bottles of cold water.

"Who's the lucky bastard?" 

I slowly rose to my feet again as a whirlwind of anxiety rose like bile inside of me. How am I supposed to tell Raphael that my date-soon-to-be-fiance is the man he hates? I never imagined my life would end up like something from a Jane Austen novel. 

"Forget about him. You’re the only man in my life that matters, Rafe,” I say with a seductive grin on my lips, wanting to change the subject so severely. 

"Don't torture me, Celeste," he murmurs, circling his arms around my waist and pulls me towards him. 

"Too bad, you will have to wait until tonight to meet the lucky bastard," I smile, handing him his bottle of water before walking back towards my desk.

"Fine," he mutters, shrugging his broad shoulders. "Speaking of bastards, I heard Rick sold the company to the Lockwood's for $10 billion."

"I know, tragic, isn't it?" I drawl sarcastically, pouring some water into a small glass.

"How's the company now that it's running under that asshole?" His hatred towards Logan stemmed even before our involvement in the past. 

"It's fine," I say, bringing the glass to my lips. I hate lying to him. 

"What the hell possessed him to sell? I know for a fact you're capable of handling the company alone." He states, crossing his arms over his buff chest. 

"That's what I've been telling everyone, but the way things are now, I don't think I'll ever be C.E.O.," I say, placing the glass on my desk. 

"Not if you buy Lockwood out!" He says, in an attempt to make me feel better.

I wish it were that simple. If only he knew the massive influx of debts that I'm currently drowning in. He must have seen the uncertainty on my face because he pulled me closer to him, embracing me in a hug. "Celeste, I can give you the money; it’s not a problem for me,” he assured me, gently rubbing my back.

I release a sigh, “I know, but it is for me. I appreciate your concern, but I’ll find a way to come up with the money myself,”

”I know you will, but I can’t stand seeing you like this, especially when there’s nothing I can do about it,” he said as he held me close. I nestled my head further into his neck as his hands trail lower on my back. Despite the heaviness in my stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of my body pressed against Raphael's.

I sunk into the warmth of his side, appreciative of the simple gesture.

Suddenly the door bursts open. I instantly pull back as Logan enters the room. He glances at me first, but then his accusing gaze rivets at Raphael's hands around my waist.

"What the hell is going on here?" He sneers with anger lacing his tone. His ice blue eyes seemed to grow darker, and he looked down at me in a very different way from what I had begun to expect from him. 

Raphael stiffens under Logan's scornful glare as his jaw contorts with hatred. 

"Tell your friend to leave before I do worse," Logan threatens, gritting his teeth together as he slowly enters the room.  

I took a deep breath and tried to control my raging emotions. I felt terrified yet angry at the same time.

"I'll see myself out," Raphael's voice deepens as a mischievous smirk appears on his lips. “Besides, it’s not the first time I’ve been in here before,” He manages to spit out.

He held Logan's gaze just as he was leaving, and there was intense eye contact between the two that I could see from where I stood. Logan scoffs, turning his back to him before slamming the door shut behind him. And, just like that, the best part of my day became the worst. 

He turns his head to look down at me, his blue eyes shooting ice into my soul as he glares at me with anger. "What the f**k are you doing?" He asks as his eyes flash with anger and rage. "You almost risked exploiting our plan just being here alone with that bastard! Were you willing to spread your legs that easily?" 

I look up at him in fear. "What? I have no idea what you're talking about," I say, hoping to appease his anger. 

"Stop lying to me, Celeste!" He yells in a threatening voice. He roughly placed his hands on my shoulders and pushed me up against the nearest wall, tearing into me with the harshest tone he could muster. "I don't hold much tolerance for those who disappoint me,"

Every muscle in my body went stiff in fear. I pushed myself further into the wall in a desperate attempt to get away from him. I turned my head away to save myself from the force of his wrath, but he places his thumb and index finger onto my chin and pulls my face back towards his. 

He scoffs. "You can't even defend yourself," he says, pulling back. "Are you freely confessing to being a w***e?"

I felt my blood boil.

"How dare you," I murmur, the rage making my voice sound oddly soft. "How dare you! I have done nothing wrong, you miserable coward!" I yell.

Logan turns around quickly; the dark emotions on his face were practically emanating from his body. "Oh, really? So that was not you just now hanging all over that bastard?" He yells. 

I let out an angry huff, "Yes, it was," I say, standing my ground. "But that bastard is someone important in my life, who also happens to be dating one of my best friends!" Logan blinks in confusion, though the anger remains on his face. "Maybe next time you want to accuse me of sleeping with someone, make sure they aren't in a relationship first," I say, walking to get my purse from my desk.

Logan opens his mouth, taking a step closer to me, but I step away from him. "Save it. I don't need your apology. You have made it quite clear what you think of me. We're not in love; we are in a business deal, and we don't have to like each other." I walked past him to exit the room before stopping briefly at the door when I remembered we had to make an appearance at the Stark's charity gala tonight.

"Be at my hotel at 7 to pick me up for tonight's event. After announcing our engagement to the world, I see no reason for you to talk to me ever again," I say, turning away from him. 

I slam the door shut as my hand covers my mouth to muffle the cries. What have you gotten yourself into, Celeste?