One Year with the Billionaire.

ia's

e appetizers in the next thirty minut

t's threat dissolve into a black screen

like a dragon having a tantrum. Inside the back, three hundred carefully prepared canapés were getting war

h my foot, but at least I felt something

ker slowed down, le

od to downtown San Francisco in five minutes, I'm beyond

off. Sm

e I kept for emergencies, and called the only perso

w b

lose the biggest contract I've ever had." My voice cracked. I couldn't

share. Get there. S

ady to murder me when I loaded his pristine Tesla with containers of food. W

ell Tower, I was two hours late. The event coordinator took

tore-bought alternatives.

Please, just let me s

shook her head. "He w

y annual income. The ballroom was stunning, all crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the San

I saw

He was younger than I expected, maybe mid-thirties, with dark hair and the kind of face that belo

r throat. "Mr. Blackwell,

s smooth and cutting. "Do you have any idea how u

"My van broke down. I go

rdinator. "Terminate the contract. Make sure every v

ing that this would destroy the last thread holding my life together. Maybe

een-hour days this week preparing food that would've been perfect if my fifteen-year-old van hadn't d

rsations stopped. I'd just committed career

peak to my gran

ng us. She had the same sharp features as Ashton Blackwell, b

ther, th

like I was a fascinating pain

ated into mortification. "I apologi

son I've seen speak honestly to my grandson in years

she ruined

s investors congratulating themselves." Eleanor waved dismissive

is a reliab

ice dropping to something more seriou

-circuited. "I

enched. "Grandm

anor patted his arm, then turned to me. "It was lovely me

nding there with a furious bill

, I asked, "What did she

phone. "My assistant will send you compensation for

ant your p

directly at me, and I saw something flicker behind that

re. My van is dea

sion he'd regret. "I'll have it towed. And

ut w

ncy." His eyes locked onto mine. "Because I'm about to make you an