Page 12 of Falling for Mr. Billionaire

“I don’t know. He’s not as awful as I thought. He actually made me coffee this morning. We played cards. It was… tolerable.”

“Tolerable?” Ness scoffs. “Girl, you’re on a workcation, not starring in a rom-com where you fall for the brooding billionaire you can’t stand.”

Ness and I met freshman year of college—two broke girls with fake IDs, questionable taste in guys, and a bond sealed over instant noodles and late-night therapy sessions. We’ve been ride-or-die ever since. Her personality is a perfect match for mine.

I bite back a laugh. “Please. That’s not happening.”

“Uh-huh. That’s what they all say. Then boom—next thing you know, you’re making out in the middle of a blackout and convincing yourself it doesn’t mean anything.”

I roll my eyes. “You have been reading way too many romance novels.”

“Oh, I absolutely have. And you know what? They’re usually right. So be careful, Ivy.”

I shake my head. “Trust me, Vanessa. He is not my type. And even if I did choose the handsome, rich guy for once, he would certainly not choose me. A guy like that has women lining up for miles, and I am not about to join that queue.”

Vanessa chuckles. “Again… stop it! He would be lucky to have a woman like you. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but please be sure to bring my amazing, empowering best friend back and leave this Negative Nancy on the island.” She laughs, then softens. “But seriously, just don’t let his pretty face distract you from the fact that he’s probably still a jerk underneath it all.”

I nod. “Exactly. I’m not going to forget everything just because he smiles at me or does one decent thing since I met him.”

“Good. Stay strong, Ivy. You’re there to focus and recharge so you can get your work done, not to get entangled with some corporate hottie who thinks he’s all that.”

“I know, Vanessa. Believe me, I know,” I assure her.

After we say our goodbyes, I set my phone aside and close my eyes, letting the sound of the waves lull me into a state of semi-relaxation—just a bit longer before getting lost in my story.

The Hawaiian breeze is warm, salty, and deceptively soothing as I sit in the shade of a cabana, my laptop screen glowing in the dimming light. The ocean stretches endlessly before me—a postcard-perfect view that people cross oceans to see. But I didn’t come here just to relax. I came here to work… ish.

My fingers hover over the keyboard, scrolling through the dozens of files I’ve collected over the past few months. Leases. Eviction notices. Construction permits. Every document tells the same story: a powerhouse real estate firm quietly buying up low-income housing across the city, promising renovations and better living conditions. Instead, entire buildings have been cleared out—residents pushed out with fake eviction notices or paltry buyouts that wouldn’t cover a year’s rent anywhere else.

On paper, it looks legal. But it’s not. I know that for a fact.

I exhale slowly, rubbing the bridge of my nose. The deeper I dig, the worse it gets. These weren’t just evictions. Tenants were harassed, utilities mysteriously shut off, and mold complaints ignored until their apartments became unlivable. And once they were gone? The properties were either flipped into high-end condos or left to rot—part of a strategy to drive down property values for profit.

Lost in my work, I don’t notice Carter approaching until he’s standing right beside me, his shadow falling over the screen. Startled, I look up to find him gazing down at me with a curious expression.

“Didn’t really take you for the type to work on vacation.”

I smirk, closing my laptop. “Didn’t really take you for the type to care about what I do on my vacation.”

Carter raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. “Touché. But I can’t help it if I’m intrigued by the mysterious woman with a mission.”

I shake my head, trying to hide the rush of warmth at his interest. “Well… I did tell you I came here for work. But it’s nothing, just some research.”

He nods, taking a seat across from me. “Research, huh? Sounds serious.”

I shrug, studying him carefully. “It is. It’s a big story, and if I don’t get it right, I may end up losing my job. I know this company is shady, you know? I just have to prove it.”

Carter leans back, his gaze thoughtful. “Sounds like a tough spot to be in. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the corporate world, it’s that the truth always finds a way out.”

I raise an eyebrow, surprised by his insight. “You think so?”

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “Absolutely. People can try to bury it, twist it, or manipulate it—but eventually, the truth comes to light. And when it does, those responsible will have to face the consequences.”

I don’t actually know for a fact that Carter is a billionaire, but it’s clear he’s filthy rich. Still, I have to admit—it was nice hearing him say that. For a moment, he felt… relatable.

“Thank you,” I say softly, meeting his gaze. “I needed to hear that.”

His expression shifts, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he nods. “Anytime, Ivy. We’re all just trying to make a difference in our own way.”Carter leans back, glancing toward the horizon. “Storm’s finally letting up a bit. Want to grab dinner with me? Somewhere that doesn’t involve a microwave and emergency rations?”

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