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Chapter 73
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Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 74
The sun shone brightly through the window into Ari's eyes the next morning, waking her to the start of a new day. Ari had always loved mornings. It was another chance to make a difference in the world. Each day was a new gift, a new page of a book waiting to be written. She stood and it was unusually bright outside again. And sure enough, when she looked out the window, a thick blanket of sparkling, freshly fallen snow had once again been laid out over the land. But as she watched the cars bustling by below, everything seemed louder than she had remembered. Busier. She guessed it was true that the mind blocks out background white noise until you don't even hear it anymore. Ari heard something in the living room of the suite, so she quickly showered and dressed in something casual. Not jeans, but casual with a flowing wrap, dress pants, and a casual shirt beneath. Then she slipped into her boots. Even though she had been used to wearing jeans when she lived here before, she was no lon
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 75
Ari followed her mother into the hospital cafeteria and stood in line. "Mom, if you tell me what you'd like, I'll get it and you can get us a table."Her mother shook her head. "No." She shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket. "I'd rather stand, if you don't mind." Then she lifted an eyebrow. "Why? Trying to get rid of me?"Ari laughed. "Already thinking I have ulterior motives, Mom?""Well...." Celeste weaved back and forth, raising her shoulders. "Old habits die hard."Ari shoved her hands into her pockets. "Mom, I'm happy to be here. Henley wanted me to wait until after New Year's, but I really missed you." Besides, Ari could tell that their mother was driving her sister crazy, but she didn't tell her mother that. Although she loved her, she didn't need to fuel the fire that was always their mother. Celeste smiled. "I'm glad you came." She let out a deep breath. "It's been hard going through this alone."Ari raised an eyebrow. "You mean, with Henley, right?"Celeste waved
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 76
Ari went back up in the elevator alone, glad to have a moment away from her mother, even though she just had a small taste of her. Poor Henley had been dealing with her all along. Ari couldn't believe what her mother had said about Grayson. But she pushed the thought aside, determined to do what she could for Henley while she was there. Then she would arrange for more after she left.But instead of going straight back to Henley's room, she went to the see the hospital administrator. A few moments later, she approached the secretary sitting outside the office of Dr. Alice Sanders."Hello," the older, well, kept woman asked. "May I help you?""Yes, you may," Ari replied, sternly claiming the woman's attention. "I'd like to speak to Dr. Alice Sanders, please.""Do you have an appointment?" the woman asked, peering at her over her glasses. Ari shook her head. "No, but she'll see me. Please, let her know I'm here... or I will." When the woman didn't budge, Ari asked, "Is she in a meeting?"
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 77
Later that night, Ari and Vickie walked back into their suite at the Plaza Hotel. After the day she had, mainly with her mother, she needed a good, stiff drink. Without a word, Ari headed over to little bar, popped open a bottle of rum, and made both of them Rum and Pineapples. Ari downed hers right away and then handed the other to Vickie.Vickie took it, but held it up to her, her eyebrows raised in concern. "Want mine, too?"Ari shook her head, but quickly made herself another drink. She held the cold glass to her forehead, in an effort to take her headache away. After she left the hospital administrator, she spent the rest of the day with Henley. She never said another word to her mother about what had transpired, but she preferred it that way. No use rehashing what was said when she knew good and well that her mother would turn it around and blame her. And after finding out everything that Grayson had done for both her sister and her mother without her knowing made her care for h
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 78
Ring! Ring!"Hello?" Ari answered her cell phone on the first ring, recognizing Grayson's ring. "Grayson? What's wrong?"At first, there was silence at the other end. "I miss you, Ari." His voice ws low, breathy. "I miss you, too." Ari smiled, leaning back against her pillow. "But I have to stay until after Henley's Stem Cell Transplant.""I know," he whispered, sounding lonely. "Just promise me that you'll come home as soon as you can.""I will." Ari sat up, propping herself up with her elbow, her eyebrows pulling together in concern. "Grayson, what's wrong?"There was a long pause, but she could hear his soft breathing on the other end. "Grayson? You're scaring me.""No, it's all right. I shouldn't have called," Grayson replied. "I'll talk to you in the morning."Ari stood and paced the floor. "Grayson, no. Tell me what's on your mind."Grayson sighed. "I'm just lost without you. And with this investigation still ongoing—""What have you found out?" Ari asked, hoping to distract hi
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 79
After Grayson clicked off the phone, he missed Ari more than ever. But at least he didn't feel so lost. She was quickly becoming his anchor, whether he wanted her to be or not. But that was the way it had been with his father and his mother, too.Theirs had been an arranged marriage, too, but his father fell so in love with his mother that it physically hurt him to be away from her. She was kind, selfless, and beautiful. But from what his father had told him, she could be ruthless where her family was concerned, becoming a lioness protecting her cubs, her cave, and her lion when needed. In fact, that had been his father's pet name for his wife... Lioness. But when she died, a part of him had died, too. His parent's love story had become the stuff made of fairy tales... but without a happily ever after.Grayson had asked his father about it once, and he had said that, knowing if he would spend five minutes with her or fifty years, he wouldn't trade one moment. Every moment he had spent
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 80
"Well, what do we have here?" Grayson asked picking up the ledger, that had been hidden between the boxed springs. Sam bolted out the door as quickly as he could.Grayson ran after him. "Someone stop that man!" Suddenly, three guards tackled Sam in the courtyard and about six more guards pulled their weapons."Hold it right there!" Arnold shouted, walking purposefully toward him. "I was just—""Save it!" Arnold snapped the handcuffs in place in front of him in around his wrists, and then pulled him up off the ground. "Come on. Let's go." Then he led him to the interrogation room.Grayson hurried behind them, trying to catch up. He was surprised to learn of Sam's involvement in all of this. But then again, Sam had been so blinded by his idol worship of Piers that he probably would have done anything the elder man asked. It was a shame that he could be so blinded that he would willingly give up a part of who he was. But Grayson pushed the thought aside, willing himself not to pass jud
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 81
They brought Piers into the police station and the officer at the front desk opened the door to the back immediately. Arnold and Miles brought Piers to the first empty interrogation room. Arnold nodded to Grayson. "We'll stand guard.""Thank you." Grayson replied. "Call the castle and get me a copy of Piers' phone logs right away," Grayson instructed, heading toward Police Chief Cruz Fletcher's office. "You're the only one I trust."Arnold nodded and then walked to the side, out of earshot, and pulled out his cell phone. Grayson knocked on the police chief's office door."If I told you once, Matilda, I told you a hundred times," the police chief's voice bellowed from the other side of the door. "I don't want to be disturbed!"Grayson smirked. "I'm afraid it's not Matilda."The door opened swiftly. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness. I thought you were my secretary—""Matilda," Grayson finished. "I'm sorry to barge in on you like this, but my ex-Head of the Guards was keeping a private ledg
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Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 147
Grayson was proud of his father's efforts to unite Estrea once again. It was clear that the old ways were no longer working. It was time for a fresh start. And King Maxwell of Estrea was determined to do just that.The election was held the next month, as King Maxwell promised, and the Royal Council was selected. But through it all, the feeling in Estrea had been one of new hope. In the news, King Maxwell was praised for his bold initiative to bring the realm into the Twenty-First Century.A few weeks later, the first meeting of the Royal Council was held on April 1. The board voted to continue holding the meetings twice a month, on the first and third Mondays, to keep the council abreast of the happenings of Estrea. The king then promised to make the proceedings and decisions made by the council known to the public in the interest of full disclosure. There was also a procedure set in place for grievances, ensuring that everyone's concerns would be heard. "So, what about the name Maso
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 146
The next day, Grayson was working in his office at the castle when Xavier walked in. Without a word, he crossed the room to the television and flipped it on. Then he stood back and folded his arms across his chest."And in the news today," Ella J. Scott said to the camera. "The body of Prince Marcus Pierce was found in an old abandoned warehouse, along with the bodies of other men. One of the men has been identified as Piers Wingfield, former head of security for the Crown. King Maxwell Pierce and members of the Royal Family have made no comment as to the cause of death. In other news—"Xavier sighed, folding his arms across his chest. "I don't think you have to worry about paying Piers now.""Let's speak with Father," Grayson said, already headed toward the door.Xavier followed. "What should we tell him?"Grayson sighed, turning around to face him with his hand on their father's door. "The truth."Xavier looked at him for a moment, and then nodded his agreement.Grayson knocked on th
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 145
A week later when Ari was feeling better, she finally had that meeting with the hospital administrator about Henley's House. This time, Henley, her mother, and Vickie attended. Grayson had wanted to go, too, but Ari had to persuade him to let her go without him. After all, she couldn't live in fear for the rest of her life."This is a wonderful idea. I appreciate you bringing it to us," said the hospital administrator, Dr. Sienna Gallagher. "We look forward to hearing more about it. And please be sure to tell His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce and His Highness Grayson Pierce how much we appreciate it. Cancer patients, and their families, will be very appreciative."After speaking with Dr. Gallagher, and at Henley's insistence, Ari had decided to expand Henley's House to include all cancer patients treated at Estrea Medical Hospital, not just leukemia patients.Ari held out her hand. "The pleasure is ours. Thank you for offering us the land on which to build. I'll speak with my husband and
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 144
Ari had fallen asleep on the way home, despite her best efforts to stay awake. But the lack of sleep and the continuous motion of Grayson stroking her hair, made sleep inevitable. But now that she was with Grayson again, the world could fall apart, and she wouldn't care. Her stomach hurt a bit, waking her."Are you alright?" Grayson asked, his voice filled with concern.Ari nodded. "My stomach's hurting just a bit, but I'm fine. I just need to rest.""And eat," Xavier added, looking at her in the rearview mirror. Ari laughed. "Well, that's a given." She thought for a moment, wanting to word it correctly. "Xavier, Grayson, thank you both for coming to my rescue.""It's my pleasure, my lady," Xavier teased."You know I would move heaven and earth to get to you," Grayson replied, his voice low and husky.Xavier nodded. "And he is not exaggerating."Ari laughed. "Well, I truly appreciate it." Then she thought of something. "I had to do something that I'm not proud of." She bit her lower
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 143
Ari ran through the forest as quickly as she could, headed toward who knew where. She remembered that there was a road that lead back to the village, and she had to find it. She couldn't follow the beach; she'd ever get home.Home.A small word that held so much power. As she ran, all she could think of was Grayson and going home, their home together, at the castle. Then she fell, stumbling over a root protruding from the ground, but caught herself with her hands. But she got up and started running again. After a bit, she looked behind her to see if anyone was following... and ran straight into something. When she looked up... it was Piers."No!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her knees buckling under her. But to her surprise, he caught her in his strong arms."Quiet!" Piers said, holding a finger to his lips."Hold it right there." When she looked up and saw Grayson holding a gun, her heart leapt with relief and joy."Grayson!"Piers quickly pulled her in front of him. "I want
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 142
Grayson rode with Xavier into the night toward the shore. Although the chances of finding her in the dead of night was slim and none, he knew he had to try. And from the moment Xavier had heard, he was along for the ride. Without question. "Thank you for this," Grayson said, looking over at him.One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "You don't have to thank me. You would do the same for me, if the tables were turned.""Without question."Xavier shrugged. "But then again, I'd do it for Ari, anyway."Grayson chuckled. "Of course, you would," he teased. "I'm glad that you two get along so well.""What can I say? She's a nice girl...." Then he grinned. "and I'm a nice guy."Grayson laughed. "Yes, you are... but I didn't say that.""Of course not." Xavier looked over at him and smiled. "So, have you seen anything suspicious?"Grayson shook his head. "No. Nothing that could be used as a fortress or a hideout.""The shore is farther away than I thought." Xavier sighed."Which is why I
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 141
Ari looked around the warehouse, taking everything in. Maybe she would find a clue as to where she was. She kept hearing the crashing of waves, as if she were near the ocean, which meant that she was a few hours away from the castle. Either way, it would be a long walk back.One thing was certain: she couldn't just run back down the road to the castle, even if she did manage to escape. But then again, if she could just get out, then she could easily find her way back to the castle. Surely, someone would know the way and could give her a ride. Although she had no idea what time it was or how much time had lapsed, she knew she had much less than twenty-four hours now and, although there were no windows, she knew it had to be dark—or close to it—making it the perfect time to escape. But she was also getting hungry and she knew she had to eat soon. Also, when she came out of the restroom earlier, Piers had put another zip tie around her wrists again. So, she had to escape when the Zip tie
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 140
Grayson called Xavier, knowing he couldn't just sit there and wait. At that moment, he would give anything to have Ari back."Yeah," Xavier answered on the first ring. "Find anything?" Grayson asked, pacing the floor in his office. "Yeah, I think you'd better get down here." From the sound of it, Xavier was pacing, too.Grayson sighed, fearing the worst. "I'll be right there." He clicked off and was ready to walk out when the door slowly opened. "Where's Ari?" Celeste asked, slowly walking in, obviously having overheard something. "Do you know where she is?"Grayson sighed, biting his lower lip. "Please, sit down." He knew he had to go, but her mother deserved to know the truth before he left.Celeste said nothing but slowly walked into the room and folded her arms across her chest. "Where is she?"Grayson looked directly into her eyes, pain ripping through his whole body, as if someone had physically shoved their hand into his chest and ripped his heart out."Ari's been kidnapped."
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 139
Ari looked around the warehouse and all eyes were on her. Marcus gritted his teeth as he walked purposefully toward her and slapped her across the face. "How dare you say that about me?" He raised his hand again, but Piers caught it.Piers shook his head. "You gave your word that she will not be harmed for twenty-four hours."Marcus glared at him for a moment, and then ripped his hand out of his grasp. Then he turned his attention to Ari. "Kill me, will you?"Ari raised her head and glared at him, staring daggers into his eyes looking through her hair covering one eye. "Mark my words. You will never get away with this. You should have taken the deal that King Maxwell offered you. It's as good as you're going to get." She shrugged. "It's more than I would have given you.""Why you—" Marcus made a move toward her again, but Piers stood in his way and shook his head in warning."Not while I'm here," Piers replied. Quicker than Ari would have thought possible, Marcus whipped out a gun an
