Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 Laura Burton (books to read this summer .TXT) 📖

her like that,” he spat at his brother, baring his teeth with a growl. Every atom in his body was on fire now. One more word and his fist would connect with Jonas’ smug smile. He stared at him like a raging bull, eyeing a matador.

Jonas did a slow clap as he stood, then rested his hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“You’re ready,” he said.

Harry stared at him as his pulse returned to normal and anger cooled.

“Benjamin,” he shouted. “Get the car ready. We’re going to the airport tonight.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Finding Julie

Life without Harry Jackson was much less thrilling. Julie went back to her mundane routine. Sewing dresses by day, consuming far too much ice cream while watching soppy romances with Tabby by evening. Emily was busy matching rich people with their potential soul mate. And Julie’s sense of purpose in life had dissipated.

She fell for Harry too fast. Some distance from him showed her that. At the same time, there was an old saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and Julie saw the truth in that. Within days, they acted like eternal lovers. She became that girl, who she promised herself she’d never be. And it irritated her. But each day that rolled by without seeing him or hearing his voice seemed to create an even bigger hole in her heart.

Julie was deciding which pair of leggings to pull on when her phone vibrated on the bed. She bolted across the room at lightning speed and took the call without even looking at the screen.

“Hello?”

“Julie, it’s Valentina Rose.”

The silky voice on the other end of the phone dulled her excitement a little, even after three weeks of silence, she had hoped to hear Harry’s voice.

“Valentina, how great to hear from you. How are you doing?” Julie said in her fake, bright voice.

“I was hoping you would still consider designing a dress for me? I know the Oscars isn’t for a long time, but I have this function at New York this weekend. I know it’s last minute, but I’d love to wear one of your gowns.”

Julie’s heart accelerated in speed.

“Do you mean the Estelle Fashion Awards?” It was the only big event she could think of that was happening.

“Yes, that’s it. I know you work for Estelle, so I thought it would be a lovely fit.”

Julie resisted the urge to squeal as she spun around on the spot, wondering what to say.

“How soon can you get here? I have a wardrobe filled with dresses to show you. We’ll need to do some fittings and make alterations, as I’m sure they’ll be too big. Oh yikes, we’ve got less than two days….”

“I am getting in a cab now. Send over your address. Is that too soon? I can find someone else to––”

“No, that’s great. I’ll send the details. Thank you so much Valentina, this is such an honor.” Julie ended the call and did an excitable dance in her room as Tabby watched, lying on the bed.

“Tabby. Valentina Rose is going to be wearing one of my dresses to Estelle’s Fashion Awards.” Julie squealed and jumped up and down again as Tabby blinked lazily at her. Having a major Hollywood actress wearing one of her designs was the most exciting move in her career. There would be press and interviews. She’d be asked, “Who are you wearing?” and Valentina would reply, “Julie Andrews.”

The thought made Julie want to run around her apartment screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Julie, I cannot thank you enough,” Valentina gushed as Julie fastened the final pin in the yellow gown. The skirt fanned out at the knees and hugged every curve on Valentina’s Latina body. The bright yellow material was a beautiful contrast to her deep skin tone; she looked like a walking sunset. Her long hair pulled back into a high ponytail.

“You look divine, darling,” Frederick, her stylist said as he finished touching up her makeup. Julie stood in the Marks Hotel, marveling at all the marble and granite surfaces. The dressing room had mirrors surrounding a small foot stool perched on a center island, offering Valentina a look at herself in every angle. There were five stylists, a hair dresser, PA, and bodyguard in the room. Julie had no idea how many people were involved when it came to getting ready for a big event. Valentina looked like a golden goddess. She glided across the room with so much elegance, Julie wondered if she was hiding a hoverboard under her dress.

The Estelle Fashion Awards was an annual event that attracted designers from all across the globe to show off their new lines. Valentina got VIP passes for Julie, who made no hesitation in handing the other one to Emily.

Julie walked into the events hall and peered through all of the faces. An arm waved above the crowd and Julie stood on tiptoes to catch a glimpse of Emily’s beaming face from the back of the room. A runway and stage was set, taking up a huge part of the room. Julie sidled past the rows of guests as she waded her way to join Emily.

“This. Is. Amazing,” Emily said with a little squeal. Her dark hair was gelled back and she looked like she gone over-the-top with her body glitter. Every inch of her exposed décolletage was sparkly.

The show consisted of a lot of clapping, models walking up and down the cat walk, and Emily’s commentary of how much fun she was having. Julie soon suffered with a headache, as their seats were right next to one of the large speakers. The booming music seemed to beat against her eardrums and when the show ended, she was excited to leave.

“No, we can’t leave now,” Emily burst out as Julie tried to make break for the exit. “You need to talk to these people. You know, network.” She pushed Julie’s back and steered her toward a group of designers who appeared to be deep in conversation.

“Emily, no,” Julie hissed back over her