Page 1 of Burning for the Billionaire 7

Chapter 1

Rowan

Iknew this day wouldcome, but I didn’t expect it so soon. As I have a silent battle of wills with Rebecca, internal conflict rages. I went to great lengths to keep my inheritance a secret from my mother, and now she knows. Do I call her bluff or give her what she wants? I weigh my options.

Hand her a boatload of money and she’ll be a thorn in my side—for the rest of our days.

Don’t give in and she might very well make good on her threat.

I picture my life being known publicly as Rowan Lockwood. I’m not a celebrity, but the Lockwood name is famous. People have speculated for seven years about the identity of Allan Lockwood’s mystery heir. There have been rumors, conspiracy theories... The reveal would be a sensational one. The media shitshow could take months to die down.

Blogs, news headlines... goddamn talk shows—everyone will want an interview. The thought of so much attention is horrifying. I value my privacy and peace.Fuck. If it’s possible, I despise my mother even more now.

“I mean it, Rowan,” she hisses. “Give me what I want, or I spill the beans to the first gossip magazine that will pay. I’ll get my money one way or another.”

“Your age is showing, Rebecca. Blogs are in now, not magazines.”

Her face flushes scarlet and her nostrils flare. The fierce hatred in her eyes would surely make me keel over if looks could kill. “You disrespectful bastard.”

“You’ve been calling me that my entire life. I think it’s time you find a new insult. That one falls flat now.”

She practically snarls but calms down quickly. I’m guessing she’s going to try playing nice so I’ll give her what she wants. “Why is this even an issue? You give me what’s mine and I’ll leave.”

“The thing is, Rebecca, I don’t have anything that belongs to you. And if I decide to be generous, I know you’ll be back over and over. You’ll never be satisfied.” Shaking my head, I add, “I really don’t want you in my life that much.”

She drops the white flag she tried to wave. “Damn you. I know about your hefty donations tostrangers. I know how much you cater to your girlfriend, and I know you bought your brat of a sister her house.” Hands on her hips, she scoffs. “Melanie isn’t even your blood. I’m yourmother,for Christ’s sake.”

I listen to her rant with growing irritation. It seems Devlin developed loose lips. She told Rebecca about my entire goddamn spending history.

“How hard is it to give me a few million? I deserve a hell of a lot more than that for bringing you into this world, but that would be a good start.” She shrugs.

The nerve of the woman. I’m surprised my molars haven’t been ground to dust yet. “You’re blackmailing me, and you think I’m going to smile and be generous?”

“Don’t test me, Rowan.”

I let out a laugh. “I did the math and I know you’re desperate, Mother. I know you and your husband well enough to know that you fucked up and you’re scrambling for a way out of whatever mess you’ve gotten into.” I haven’t forgotten about their new house and car, which I know they can’t afford.

Mel and I discussed their possible motive. They were looking for her to help them out of debt. They’d never come out and ask me because they know I’d never give them shit. Mel and her soft heart were the target but because my ex-lawyer is such a vengeful bitch, the bullseye fell on me, instead. Rebecca knows that to get anything from me, she’d have to resort to underhanded tactics, like blackmail.

Hell if I’ll give her the satisfaction.

Opening my car door, I slide in. “Do what you want, Rebecca.” I’ve had a good run for seven years, living under the radar. I couldn’t stay hidden forever. “Have fun giving your interview to the highest bidder. Be sure to tell the world what a despicable mother you are, too.”

“Why you—”

I slam the door shut and start the engine. “Motherfucker,” I growl. Now I’ll be left in suspense, waiting for shit to hit the fan. I hate this.

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