Home / Billionaire / Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist / Chapter 16 : A Spell Called Love

Share

Chapter 16 : A Spell Called Love

Author: Scarlett Rossi
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
*William*

First thing Monday morning, I had Grace schedule an impromptu board meeting. Our shareholders mostly lived in the city, with the exception of my sister, Isabel Shaw, and Charles Bryant, my father’s right-hand man. Charles had been my mentor when my father died and worked by my side until his recent retirement. Isabel had a house in Connecticut, and Charles lived in Florida mostly. I knew no one would be happy with the sudden summons, especially those two. However, what I had planned couldn’t wait.

I passed by Jim in the hall. “Hey, how was Tinseltown?”

I groaned. “The same as it always is.”

Jim laughed. “Did you set Henkles straight?”

“I think he knows where we stand now.” I grinned. “Meeting in five?”

“I’ll be there. Is Isabel coming?” he asked.

“I haven’t heard otherwise.”

I headed to the boardroom. After everyone settled in, I thanked them all for coming. I made eye contact with each of the twelve members. Some I greeted with a brief hug, but others got a
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 17 : The Great White North

    *Lily*After I had convinced myself William had no interest in me and stumbled around in my pajamas for most of Sunday, trying to fill my hollowed heart with junk food, sloppy drawings, and bad television, I resigned myself—he wasn’t calling.By Monday, I was in crimson paint up to my elbows. I dove into a new collection that morning, what I wanted to call City on Fire—a series of skyscrapers, boats along the river, and Coney Island amusement park rides, all with burgundy, fire-streaked lines.I came to the unwitting conclusion that only a professional relationship was to be my future with William. I grieved for what could have been and wondered if I came on too strong with the date, dinner and the kiss. Did he think I was throwing myself at him? My phone dinged, but I ignored it. I painted at a frantic pace–long reddish black streamers with orange undertones.The phone beeped again, and I went to check it. It was from William. My heart thumped in my chest. He’d texted,

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 18 : A Night on the Town

    *William*“My history with Grace is complicated. My wife, Victoria, had hired Grace’s mother, Yi-Jun, as her personal tailor. Victoria found her working as a seamstress for a famed alterations shop on the upper east side,” I began, watching Lily’s face as I spoke.“Yi-Jun’s work was exceptional, and all Victoria’s friends soon used her too. She made enough money to quit her job and work exclusively for Victoria, who hired her for charity functions and ballroom galas. “Yi-Jun had two daughters; the oldest, Grace, was lovely. Victoria encouraged Yi-Jun to get Grace into modeling. Again with Victoria’s help, as well as Grace’s height and exotic looks, Grace had no trouble acquiring an agent and scoring gigs. “The only problem was that no one had asked Grace what she wanted to do.” Lily nodded in understanding, and I continued.“By Grace’s twentieth birthday, she had amassed a hefty portfolio of magazine ads and was just starting to break into runway shows. Victoria’s latest ch

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 19 : To the Nake Eye

    *Lily*I took his hands in mine. I felt the slightest hesitation about what I knew was coming. I wanted to believe his story about Grace and give myself to him fully, but I worried. I didn’t know him yet, and could I ever really?Despite this, I felt a strong visceral pull, a chemical imbalance; every time he entered the room, yet in my heart of hearts, I wasn’t sure I trusted him completely, not yet. His history with Grace threw me, and my shield wall went up. I didn’t think there’d been anything between them but a professional relationship.But just because I didn’t trust him entirely didn’t mean—‘Ahh,” I moaned as he lifted my dress and ran his fingers up between my legs. His other hand touched my breast, pulling the straps down on each side. His mouth found mine, and we kissed again, though it was slow and tender.I turned away from him so he could unzip my dress from the back. He moved my hair away, kissing the back of my neck and then down to my shoulder. William

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 20 : All or Nothing

    *William*I sipped my cappuccino and shot David a sidelong glance. “Come on, David. You know Victoria won’t be happy with Lily’s art when she finds out she’s with me.” David shrugged and looked at Lily. “That might be true. Victoria helped me get my start as an art curator. So, I really owe my career to her.” ‘And to me,’ I wanted to say, but I left it alone. If he wanted to shower my ex with unadulterated and unwarranted praise, I couldn’t stop him. I wanted him to like Lily even more and knew he would if he saw her work in person. Then I watched Lily win him over all on her own. “How did you and Victoria meet?” she asked. “We met at Brown,” he said. “I knew her before this lug met her. We all ran in the same Manhattan dinner circles, and my wife, Joy, and Victoria had Eva and my daughter, Samantha, at the same time. Don’t look so surprised, dear. Yes, I was married once before I could face my father’s wrath. My father owned a major telecommunications company before it w

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 21 : Mile High Club

    *Lily*“What’s wrong with her?” I asked. “What did Victoria know?”William paced the room, running his hand through his dark hair. “She said she got a call from one of Eva’s friends who said she was complaining about stomach pains and couldn’t get out of bed. They took her to the ER there, and that’s all they know. I’ve got to make some calls. We’ll have to leave tonight.”I nodded. “Of course.”While William was busy making calls to Steven, Grace, and his international contacts, I changed and packed our things. I’d never seen William so distraught. He’d been on the phone for twenty minutes, raising his voice, making demands, then trying to reach Eva, but his calls went straight to her voicemail.As we waited for Steven to come around with the car, I received a text from Tony Gold about doing a new show. He said he knew I worked for William now but wanted to see if I might be interested. It was just a few weeks away. I wasn’t sure how William would feel about me returning to

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 22 : The Rain Collection

    *Lily*Once in New York, I went back to work at a frantic pace trying to get ready for Tony’s show. I hoped that when William returned to the city, he could help me decide which one to send to David in Vancouver, which he wanted, and which would be good for the new event.Tony’s theme was “I Happened to Be in the City.” I told him about my latest collection, City on Fire—with the Manhattan skyscrapers, ships along the canal, and Coney Island. He said he wanted to see them right away.Inspired by the Vancouver trip, I wanted to incorporate some sunsets over the water. Tony said he wanted them all unseen, and I had to convince William to let me show them. The only problem was that William had the first say. He might want them all, leaving me to paint others for the show. I really didn’t know until I talked to him.I knew William had been busy with Eva, and it could have been my imagination, but I felt him pulling away. I worried about his time with Eva and her influence. I was co

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 23 : Eva's Explosion

    *William*As I caught up with an old acquaintance of mine from my days at Yale Business School, I saw Lily and Eva talking. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but then I grew concerned. Lily’s face turned the color of schoolboard chalk. She eyed frantically for me over Eva’s head. As hard as I tried, my old buddy, Frank, would not take a hint. He brought up story after story from college, most containing excessive amounts of alcohol.I had spent the past week and a half by Eva’s side, more or less. Her surgery and recovery threw me for a loop. All through Eva’s younger days, she had been blessed with perfect health, not even a broken arm or sprained ankle. The worst illnesses she faced were chicken pox and a bout of mono in high school.When we arrived back in New York from Belize, she’d done a quick stint at Mount Sinai, followed by checkups at the penthouse with our primary care physician, who said she was finally cleared to return to her regular routine.Victoria an

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 24 : Breaking Up?

    *Lily*The moment Eva turned around, fueled with such hatred, I knew she would never accept William and me together. I was foolish to ever think a relationship could work with him. He’d been distant since returning from Belize. Even after Eva had recovered from her surgery, William still hadn’t come to see me. Maybe it was time to accept that things were over.I stood with Tony and Eric on either side of me. William had just walked out, and I had to compose myself. Tony said a man from Greece was interested in buying my work. Since I didn’t know what William wanted, I had to relinquish them all to the possible buyer. I guzzled the glass of champagne Tony gave me. Hannah came over and patted me on the back. Despite the loud music in the place, word had spread about William and me and the embarrassing scene with Eva quicker than a lit fuse.“I’m so sorry, Tony, for the scene,” I said. “It was William’s daughter. Needless to say, she is unhappy with us.”“Needless to say,” h

Latest chapter

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 80 : Wedding Day Bliss

    *Lily*With the wedding day already here, I felt jittery as I prepared to walk down the aisle toward my beloved, William. It had been a busy morning filled with preparations for hair and makeup and I was more than ready to get the show on the road. I could feel the excitement in the air surrounded by our friends and family. My excitement was apparent too, with adrenaline pumping throughout my entire being.My heart had been pumping fast as I stepped into the foyer, waiting for the doors to open so I could make my debut. My heart was also overflowing with love for William and the joy he brought me. As tradition usually went, we hadn't seen each other that day yet and I missed seeing his face. I couldn't wait to embrace him and marry him. I heard the organ start its tune, the music carrying to the foyer where I was waiting. We had picked out our songs together and I recognized it immediately. The doors opened slowly and I saw the audience members stand and turn to face me. Holy sh

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 79 : The Perfect Dress

    *Lily*Sometimes life just needed a welcome distraction. I knew my life had been a roller coaster lately, and I gladly jumped at the chance for a change in routine. My mission today was to find a wedding dress.This was all surreal to me. Little old me marrying a handsome and amazing man like William. I needed to find the perfect dress!I couldn't keep our engagement a secret with the tabloids already running many heated articles about us. I had called friends and family to tell them of our engagement, hoping that I’d reach them before the news articles had. I would have rather them hear from me or William directly. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get used to this much publicity.Having run to a nearby coffee shop to meet my dear friend, Farrah, I awaited her arrival sipping on a caramel latte. I had been apprehensive to look up on Google what the current fashion wedding dress trends were. I wasn't the most fashionable person in the world, and Farrah had helped me often in this realm

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 78 : Well-Wishers

    *William*After spending the night together making love, I found myself at work the next day still somewhat happily in shock. On Lily's finger rested the ring that I had given her when I asked her to marry her. I was lucky to find a woman like her at my age. She was everything I wanted and more. The second my foot stepped over the office threshold, Grace Kim smiled over at me with a knowing look. She had known about the dinner plans, but she must have found out either from Lily or Jim about our engagement with the way she grinned at me. She licked her lips and had just finished up a phone call placing the receiver back in its holder.She stood and greeted me, smoothing her dress. "Mr. Shaw, congratulations are in order! I've heard the wonderful news about your engagement to Ms. Lily Matthews. I hope you both are happy and spend many long years together. I had a feeling she was the one the minute I heard about her.""Well, thank you very much, Grace. Your kind words mean a lot

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 77 : Engagement Celebrations

    *Lily*As we walked into our front foyer, we kicked our shoes off and William eagerly watched me as I took my jacket off. He seemed to groan out loud watching me stretch out of the fabric and before I could hang it, he pushed me up against the wall groaning against me. His erection was thrust hard against my soft thigh as he breathed in my ear.Whispering softly he said, "I have to worship you, my love, stay right here. My new little fiance.""But William, I want to make you happy too," I whined but he shushed me holding a finger to my lips.I gasped as he encouraged me to flatten against the wall behind me and then seized my lips with his own, roughly kissing me. I kissed him back feverishly, placing my hands on his pecs, starting to feel his muscles and massage him. He felt amazing with his sexy, hard body against my own. I wanted him badly and wondered what plans he had in store for me.William pulled my dress over my head and continued kissing me. He kissed down my neck a

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 76 : Joy and Elation

    *Lily*Looking into William's eyes I could hear his voice trembling with anticipation. No wonder he had been so distracted today. He slowly brought a velvet-covered box out of his suit pocket and my eyes widened in shock. This was it, it was really happening. It had to be exactly what I thought it was, a marriage proposal.I couldn’t believe my eyes. He wanted to marry me? Little old me?William smiled at me as he spoke, "I've often wondered what our future would hold. And then I realized we have power over our future, and I took control of it. Lily, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want your love, support, and time. I want to be with you forever."My heart seemed to jump in my throat as I eyed the box and looked back at him. My mouth opened incredulously. I was at a loss for words, the joy exploding in my chest."Lily Matthews, will you do the honor of marrying me? Would you be my wife? Would you spend the rest of your days with me?" William asked as his voice

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 75 : A Perfect Night

    *Lily*The fall of my footsteps clicked on the pavement as the sidewalk lay before me. I was on my way to meet William and was excited to share the news. The interview I had with the magazine was finally published! It had been released today and potential client inquiries had come pouring in through my phone. It was an amazing day, I couldn't help but feel thrilled that my work inspired others and caused them to reach out.I clutched a copy of the magazine in my hand proudly. I felt like I was on top of the world, or rather on cloud nine. I couldn't wait to show William the magazine article.I stared into the tall windows of the Italian food restaurant where William said he'd meet me. It was extremely elegant with long tall blue curtains swept off to the side. I could hear the typical Italian music playing and it sounded so romantic. The wait staff bustled around inside with pressed white and black uniforms with a professional air about them. This was a stunning and fancy restaur

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 74 : Reflection

    *William*After arriving back in New York, Lily wanted to focus on her paintings. I could do nothing but oblige because it must have come as a welcome distraction. Paris had been a dream until Jean Laurent ruined our visit. That mother fucker got what was coming to him. I was glad to put even more distance between him and Lily. I'd protect her with my life if I had to, I wouldn't lose her again.Pretty much the second we were back in the States, my friend Jim asked me to go golfing with him. Jim and I had been longtime friends, practically since young teenage boys. We had been through some interesting times together pranking classmates, causing mayhem for our parents, and throwing some wild parties. Now that we were older we mainly smoked cigars or played golf. We weren't as wild as we had been once upon a time.I owed him after the favor I called in while I was in Paris. I knew he’d risked a lot by sharing information with me but it was what helped me confirm Jean Laurent’s iden

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 73 : Aftermath

    *Lily*I fully submerged myself in the warm water to wash the slime out of my hair. Having no shower or real toilet for those hours I was with Jean had taken its toll on me. I squirted a large amount of shampoo and conditioner into my hair, scrubbing hard. William swatted my hands away as he began to massage my scalp and temples.."I said I want to help, I'm not leaving you alone another second," he said sitting on the edge of the tub focused entirely on me.I blinked with surprise and dropped my arms back into the warm, bubble-filled water. I hadn't taken him seriously but I chastised myself now knowing when William said something he meant it. I felt spoiled knowing most men just said whatever women wanted to hear, while William always followed through with his words and put them into action. I sighed feeling his fingers scrub away, and I could finally rest comfortably."I'm so happy you are back with me," he said, plunging his hands into the water to wash away the suds. "You

  • Billionaire Daddy's Little Artist   Chapter 72 : An Arrest

    *Lily*I sighed with relief hearing Jean Laurent being placed into the cop car. I didn't register what all of the voices were saying around us. Only William. His hands hadn't left my body, touching me everywhere as if to make sure I was actually there. We hadn't said a word about our previous fight, it had been forgotten.I still couldn't believe I was out of the basement. I had been rescued by the exact person I had wanted to see. William and I were finally reunited, our embrace had offered me a sense of safety and solace in the midst of the chaos. His arms had felt so large as they tucked me closer into his body. I was safe again.I frowned trying to remember what had happened, like the trauma was already being blotted from my memory. From what I could recall, William had thrown Jean off of me in a fit of pure rage. I had never seen William like that and if it had been a different circumstance I would have been shocked. I realized now how much William cared for me the more time

DMCA.com Protection Status