Page 26 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

Elizabeth busted into laughter, easing herself and the conversation as she looked at me with a smile before responding.

“Well, he is quite an arrogant one, to be honest. I’ve known him since I was young, and oh boy! I tell you, he has always been like this.”

Mr. Charles and Elizabeth erupted in laughter as they continued to converse, with me being the subject matter. Of course, I interjected once in a while, but I could tell the man was enjoying the conversation.

Oh, thank heavens. Now, all I needed was an opening to bring in talks on business.

Well, that’s what I hoped for as the conversation continued, but there wasn’t a single opening. At some point, I started to get tired of the laughter and jokes. I mean, I’m not a party pooper, but I came here to discuss business, not listen to a nonexistent romance story.

However, Mr. Charles had the final say, and if he was enjoying his conversation with Elizabeth, there was nothing I could do about it. Besides, Elizabeth seemed to know how to keep him engaged with the right words and manner. They were both engrossed in their conversation, ignoring me, the middleman.

“You know, I’m happy to know that you’re not like the rest, Will.”

His statement immediately got my attention, and I paused my meal to listen to what he had to say.

“I’m flattered, sir, but I would like to understand what you mean.”

“You know, men of your age and with your level of wealth often lose sight of what truly matters—values, family, and morals. They believe money is everything, but take it from someone who has lived far longer than you on this earth: money is not everything. Family is more important.”

I remained silent as I felt the heaviness that came from the words he uttered. The weight of each word dropped in my heart.

“I’m really glad to see you’re choosing to hold on to the things that matter.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said genuinely, as his words seemed to prick me a bit. What values did I have? Yes, I’m principled, but I’m not sure I have values.

As we rounded up our meal, I wondered if now was a good time for us to discuss business. Well, not until he surprised me by bringing it up.

“Will, once you’ve finished your meal, would you like to take a walk and continue our conversation? My assistant can show Elizabeth around in the house.” Then he turned to Elizabeth and asked, “I’m sure you’d like a tour, right?”

“I would love one! Thank you, Charles,” Elizabeth replied.

Oh, don’t be surprised. Now, they were on a first-name basis. But finally! Thank goodness, he was finally bringing up business. That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?

As Charles and I walked, Elizabeth was already being led away by his assistant. Walking through his gardens in silence, I pondered whether I should initiate the conversation. However, as I watched him further, I realized it was best for him to start, and indeed, he did. However, it wasn’t the conversation I had hoped for.

“You’re a very lucky man, Will.”

“How, sir?” I asked, confused as to how and what luck had to do with the business we ought to discuss.

“Elizabeth—she is a rare gem. You should hold on to her tightly.”

The manner in which he spoke those words caused a prick in my heart.

Elizabeth?

I resisted the urge to delve into thoughts about Elizabeth. I didn’t want to get myself involved in that kind of relationship, not now and probably not ever.

“Not every woman is willing to pick values over money. She would increase you, for you have found a good thing.”

A good thing?

I felt guilty because everything with Elizabeth was a charade, yet this man was speaking such deep words.

“Thank you, sir,” I said, pushing aside thoughts of his words, even though they kept replaying in my head.

For a few minutes, he fell silent again just as I was about to bring up the topic of business.

“You have a deal with me. Send me the contract tomorrow, and I’ll sign.”

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