Page 4 of The Runaway Bride and the Billionaire

There was a knock on my door. The gentle taps told me it was my assistant, Kayla. She also knocked like she was scared she was going to break the door down, even though she was incredibly tiny. “Come in.”

“Mr. Hayes. I just received a call from a finance company. Their CEO is requesting a meeting with you. I did my research and they’re one of the biggest finance companies in California,” she said as she walked into the room.

“Who’s the CEO?”

Kayla adjusted her glasses and looked at her clipboard. “Joseph Pierson.”

I shook my head, certain I’d misheard her. There was no way Amelia’s father had requested a meeting with me. “Who?”

“Joseph Pierson. He’s a finance tycoon based in California. He…

Kayla continued to tell me all about Mr. Pierson. Little did she know that I was well acquainted with the man. Sure, we’donly met once, but I never forgot the condescending way he’d treated me. He and Amelia’s mother, Nora, believed I wasn’t good enough for their daughter. They were the reason she ended things with me five years ago. I wondered what he wanted from me now.

“Mr. Hayes,” Kayla said, her voice a few octaves louder.

“Sorry, what?”

“What response should I give them?”

I contemplated turning down the meeting request, but I had to admit I was curious. What did the great Joseph Pierson want with me? I assumed he likely wanted to come here and insult me. Maybe tell me that no matter how much money I made, I would still be a lowly construction worker. Nothing I did would ever make me good enough for his daughter.

I knew I should say no, but I was just too curious.

“Set up the meeting.”

She nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Kayla walked out of my office.

I leaned back in my chair and looked around. My eyes landed on the pristine white rug that covered most of my office floor. I looked at the marble table that sat on top of it and the cream couch that sat beside the table. I swiveled my chair until I faced the large bookshelf that stood behind me. It held books, folders, figurines, and awards that I had received over the years. I turned again, so I faced the large windows that allowed me to view the city.

When I faced my desk again, my computer had gone dark. I stared at my reflection and asked myself why I had agreed to a meeting with a man I despised. Was curiosity the real reason or was there a part of me who wanted him to see how far I’d come?

I sighed and pushed all thoughts of Amelia’s family aside. I’d already agreed to meet with Joseph so I would have to see it through.

The meeting was scheduled for Monday next week.

I felt uncomfortable from the moment I woke up on that day. I haven’t had anything to do with Amelia and her family for five years. Today I would be meeting with her father, one of the people who contributed to the end of our relationship.

I found myself subconsciously choosing my best suit. I had an array of suits from various luxury brands, so it was difficult to choose the best one. I settled on a navy-blue Armani suit. My driver, Eddie, was waiting beside the car when I walked out of the building. I drove myself to work on most days but today I needed a clear head.

My company building came into view half an hour later. I got out of the car, grabbed my briefcase, and walked inside. I glanced at my watch as I stepped into the elevator. The meeting with Joseph would start in an hour which meant I still had time to prepare.

I walked by Kayla’s desk and I noticed she wasn’t there. I could tell from the bag on the floor that she had come in already which meant she probably went to prepare the meeting room or something. I pushed my office door open and I walked inside.

I paused when I saw someone was already there. A head of salt and pepper hair turned to face me and I recognized the man as Joseph Pierson. I walked over to him and he stood up.

With an outstretched hand and a polite smile, he said, “You must be Matteo Hayes. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Meet me?

I was still trying to understand what was going on when Kayla walked into the room carrying two cups of coffee.

“I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Pierson arrived a lot earlier than expected,” she said.

“That’s on me. I’ve always had a habit of being too punctual,” Joseph said. He laughed a bit and took his seat again.

I took my seat opposite him. Kayla placed the coffee on my desk and excused herself. Joseph grabbed a cup, sipped from it, and hummed his satisfaction. “New York cafes really do make the best coffee. Don’t you agree?” he asked.

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