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

and Sam had met at their favorite tailors to pick up their tuxedos for the climate change event.

Edward watched Sam pose in his black suit and straighten his blue satin tie with a smirk on his face.

“It was going so well up to that point,” he said with a heavy sigh. “Whoever this ex-boyfriend is, she’s pretty scared of him.”

“Do you think you’ll see her again?”

“She’s singing at the climate change event, isn’t she?”

“Right, I forgot about that.” Sam turned and nodded to the tailor. “It’s great, Henry. Thanks.”

Edward took his place in front of the mirrors in his tux and checked the fit. He rolled his shoulders back, raised his arms and dragged his thumbs between the waistband and his cotton shirt. Then he nodded with approval.

“Very nice.”

“How are you doing moneywise?” Sam asked as he reappeared from behind the curtain.

“Let’s just say I’m glad the food and drinks are inclusive tonight.” Edward gave him a guilty smile. The cost of afternoon tea had blown his budget out of the water.

“Don’t tell me you’ve already run out?”

“No, I’m good. I’ve got over $700 left.”

“You’re only on day two, Eddie! What have you spent it on?”

“I tried to be frugal,” Edward said with his hands raised. “Come on, this is Manhattan. Not the Bronx. Food and travel are costly.”

“So, apart from her abrupt exit, how do you think things are going with you two? You think you can still pull this off?” Sam asked simply, changing the subject. Edward knew he couldn’t argue. Just a simple cup of coffee was twice the price downtown.

Edward sighed as he pulled off his suit jacket and draped it over his arm.

“About that…” he began heavily. “She’s quick and never misses a beat.”

“So, she is related to Anthony, then.”

“Huh?” Edward stopped fiddling with his buttons and gave Sam a nonplussed look. Sam waved a hand and scoffed.

“That’s right, I forget you don’t know him as well as I do.” He strolled across the floor and stood less than a foot away from a mirror, patting his hair down. “He’s the best poker player that I know. He can always pick up on somebody’s tell.”

Edward groaned inwardly.

That’s not good.

“She called me out when I tried to lie about boarding school.”

“Why did you lie about that?”

“Because, she’ll know––”

“––that your parents are rich. Not you. Think about the boys we went to school with. How many of them are doing as well as you?” He looked pointedly at Edward. “Besides, you could tell her you got a scholarship.”

“Mate, it’s turning into a web of lies. And she knows. Apparently, that shrewdness you talked about runs in the family because she knew when I wasn’t telling the truth.”

Sam’s face turned gleeful.

“Fantastic. I’ve been enjoying your penthouse. It’ll be nice to make it a permanent place of residence.”

“Hold on, it’s not over yet. Don’t get comfortable.” Edward lowered his jacket on a plush upholstered chair and folded his arms. “There’s plenty of time yet. Maybe if I find out more about this ex-boyfriend…”

“No, stay out of that,” Sam said firmly. Edward looked up at him innocently, but Sam’s face remained stern. “You don’t need drama. Don’t forget who you are.”

“Exactly, no one is going to mess with––”

“So what? Now you want to win her heart by scaring off the abusive ex? I’m telling you mate, that’s not going to win a woman’s heart.”

Edward shrugged.

“Why not?” The image of Catherine cowering on the floor flashed across his mind’s eye and his blood boiled. Catherine had been so sure of herself, elegant, confident and outspoken. Whoever it was that made her recoil and not want to show her face deserved to face some pain.

“Trust me. Don’t do go all Edward on me.” Sam’s words cut into Edward like a knife in the back.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Sam walked across the room and squared up to Edward, leaning in as he gave him a severe look.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” he said.

The words might as well have been “Go ahead,” because the disapproval on Sam’s face paired with the order sounded an awful lot like a challenge. And Edward never walked away from a challenge. He nodded to Sam but grinned to himself as he turned away. Dangerous ideas were starting to form.

Chapter Seven

The Songbird and the Eagle

“Thank you for attending the annual climate change conference.”

Catherine peeked through the gap in the heavy curtains and squinted against the spotlights to look at the crowd. A stage overlooked a ballroom floor which was full of circular tables. There must have been a thousand guests seated and staring at the host of the event, Frederick Wallace, as he greeted them. Catherine eyed Frederick’s perfectly tailored suit as he gave his presentation. There was not a single crease on his pant legs except for a perfectly pressed line on the front. He spoke about biodegradable containers to reduce plastic waste and renewable energy, unveiling his plans to reduce carbon emissions. The event had been organized to attract wealthy business owners and celebrities to raise money for his cause. It was good PR for the rich and famous, and donating to a good cause was a stealthy way for business to get a tax break.

Catherine thought it was a clever set up. She had heard from Anthony that Frederick was a visionary man who had come from a long line of rich businessmen. He was said to be worth millions. Possibly billions. He was rumoured to own more land in the Amazon rainforest than anyone and he dedicated all of his time and energy to sharing one message: save the planet.

When Catherine’s agent said she landed this gig, she hesitated. Who was she to sing about saving the planet, when she did so little to help?

She looked out to catch a glimpse of Edward in the audience. But the lights were blinding and all she saw were shadowy outlines of people sitting at the tables. The orchestra started to play, and Frederick strolled past her