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Chapter 11: Ten Years Back
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 12: Comeback
VAUGHN'S POV"It's been a year since the biggest shareholder of the Everette group passed on. His godson is coming back to Valletta to settle and run the business. The family lawyer had requested a meeting to execute the last will and statement of the deceased," Elaine announced as we convened in the office for Everette Holdings.I set up the offices after I came back from the States. It was easier to manage the business from a central place. "Let's schedule it for tomorrow. The sooner we know who the shareholder is we can focus on growth and continue the business," Ma added. "You know that my ten-year tenure to run for mayor is up. The Senate committee had proposed that I run for the senate seat.""That is such good news," Elaine squealed. "I am so proud of you, Ma." I stood up and walked over to Ma and hugged her. "Congratulations, Ma.""Thank you, Vaughn. I must say I am very proud of the man you have become, my son. You have matured and shown me that you can manage business
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 13: The Return
WADE'S POV"When I said I wanted a house with a view of the sea, I did not mean that I wanted to be near the sea," Pa complained. We arrived in Valetta in the afternoon via a private jet. The drivers picked us up at the airport and Pa kept scolding Auden since he had bought two flashy range rovers. He only smiled and rushed to the back seat and spread his arms, making Uncle Malkiel cringe and walk to the other car.The ride through the roads of Malta was nostalgic. It was good to be back home. We got to the villa and Pa looked at us in shock. The hired help welcomed us, and we walked into the villa.I had the villa built for us after my godfather passed away. With Auden's supervision, it had turned out great. The place was breathtaking. A large house overlooking azure waters, terraces with trees, and a pool. It had marble floors polished with mosaic and Maltese tiles, hand-crafted woodwork, and sweeping staircases leading off to vast rooms.Pa's room was filled with art, and we h
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 14: Takeover
"I will meet the art gallery manager in the afternoon. As for the rest, push the meetings to next week. I am not ready to meet any of them. Tell them my schedule is full.""Yes, sir," Damien said with a sharp nod."You can call me Wade," I scolded."Yes, sir Wade," he responded and made me smile. "Should I prepare you a cup of coffee? What will you have for lunch?" "Coffee yes, and a light salad for lunch. Thank you, Damien," I dismissed him. He left the office, and I was left with my thoughts. So, the Everettes and Bexleys wanted a meeting? What a joke!I was so engrossed in work that by the time Damien brought lunch I realized that I had not even drunk the coffee on my desk. He picked up the cup and came back with a freshly brewed coffee and left it. After drinking the coffee, I took a bite of the salad and then he came back again to alert me that the meeting with the gallery manager was in ten minutes. He left the gallery report on my desk for the meeting."Just let him in
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 15: Unexpected Visitor
The whole week flew by as we got busy settling down in the office. I spent the better part of the mornings in meetings with the Milan office. And the afternoons catching up with the normal business of Valetta. The evidence had arrived, and Mr. Winston was now in custody. He must have spread the rumors that I was back for revenge. Auden informed me that the whole gallery was celebrating his departure as he had been oppressing the staff for a long time.To revive the gallery, we agreed to set up events connecting all the Milan galleries and the Valletta one. This way art would be exchanged, and we would get new art lovers. I contacted the former art suppliers from Gozo that Mr. Winston had fired and requested Damien to renew the contracts. We shipped Pa's art, and it will be displayed in the gallery. He had painted a portrait of godfather and we hung it at the gallery reception. We stood there and admired it and smiled. We made changes in the gallery's working hours and planned to d
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 16: Bexley Foundation
The weekend was busy as Damien moved. Pa was so excited to have an additional member in the house. It was more like someone whom he could control. We laughed at how much he hovered over Damien. We spent Saturday night having barbeque and beers and Damien seemed surprised at how relaxed the atmosphere was. I could see the sadness in his eyes disappear once he settled in. Come early Monday morning, Pa was already up, and he prepared the lunch dishes and handed them over to Damien. Auden groaned, and Uncle Malkiel laughed while I smiled happily. Finally, we had something to keep Pa occupied. I was worried that he felt dejected since he could no longer paint. "I am getting a dog and that's final," he said as we all walked to the villa parking lot. "A dog is manageable. It would be good to keep you company, sir," Damien responded. We all turned to look at Damien in frustration. Pa had set a trap that he had walked right into. He happily rushed back to the house and shouted, "Finally
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 17: Trouble
VAUGHN'S POV It has been a quiet weekend. After the text I sent to Wade, there was no response though I could see it had been read a second after I sent it. I smiled and promised myself I would crawl back to him if need be. Ma had been quiet the whole weekend and Elaine kept checking on her as she spent it behind closed doors in her villa. At some point, Elaine saw her crying while she was drinking. I knew this had something to do with her visit to Wade's office. I had my mission to accomplish, and I did not want to be deterred.On Monday morning I sent another text to Wade.'I hope to see you this week.' It was a long shot, but I wanted to be near him. I waited and saw that the text was left on read and it made me happy.The week started busy and on Monday afternoon while I was reviewing the reports Elaine walked into my office and took the corner seat. I was used to her coming to my office often to hide from the world and relax. The elite society had been cruel to her sinc
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 18: Fighting Fire With Fire
"What the f*ck did you say?" Wade walked over, and I swore he looked taller and more muscular. Sparks flew and the air sizzled.I felt the buzz of attraction all over again. I reduced the space between us as I felt the alcohol kick in. "Why the f*ck do you keep running?" "Running from what exactly?" he coldly asked.I was undeterred. "Why did you come back? If you wanted to be unbothered, you should have stayed away from Valletta so that I could die in peace.""Die? You will never have it easy, Vaughn," Wade sneered. I heard Auden tell Elaine, "Let's leave them alone," as he pulled her away from the room. "Why should I leave him with Wade? He is already hurting. Should I let him be hurt again?" Elaine whispered. "Let them sort this out," Auden stated and then the door of the private room closed. His words were so cold but his body… it was a green light. His body burned and the more I pressed myself on him, the harder he got. He tried to push me away, but I had already wrap
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 19: News Flash
WADE'S POVWhen Auden suggested visiting his new club, I was reluctant since it meant that Pa would be left alone for dinner. But Uncle Malkiel and Damien assured me that they would keep Pa company and Auden did a whole celebratory dance. We had not been out together since we came back to Valletta. An hour into the club, I was impressed at how modernized he had made it. He had borrowed a lot from the high-end clubs in Milan.We sat on the counter and suddenly the waiters' gossip passed by our ears. "Guess who has come in today? The Everette's are here." They giggle and then one of them said, "I swear if Vaughn would ask me to be his, even as his mistress, I would agree."My body burned with jealousy and before I knew it, I stood up and walked into the VIP area. Auden pulled me back before I walked in and said, "Let me handle this, please."I stared at him in a daze and then he turned around and walked in. "If it isn't the Everette's. Such high-profile guests are here at my club."
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The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 50: Finale
WADE'S POV A week later, Uncle Malkiel rushed to my office and said, "Sam Bexley has been arrested." I stood up and smiled. "Finally." He took the remote from my desk and switched on the TV. The headlines read 'BEXLEY ARRESTED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING'. There was a picture of Sam in handcuffs at a warehouse near the port. "They finally got him. I bet the pressure we put on the police helped." "The police commissioner is also under pressure. He will be resigning soon, taking into account how many bribes he took from Sam Bexley," Uncle Malkiel informed me. "We need to clean out every one of his cartels. That way we can have development in Valletta. I am glad this happened a day before the elections. It means we are headed for a landslide win.""The media has already predicted the win," Uncle Malkiel laughed. Later that night at the dinner table, Pa stood up and said, "I am so glad to have this family together. If it weren't for Vaughn and Wade, I would not have you all here. I
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 49: Stabbed
VAUGHN'S POVGetting home and taking a shower, I was deadbeat tired. The whole campaign and work combined were taking a toll on me. I never had time to spend together with Wade and I knew he was just being patient. I took my phone and sent him a text. 'Hurry home, Daddy.' Just to tease him and let him know that I had missed him. An hour later, there was no response to the text. I pouted and went downstairs to have a glass of wine with Pa. When I got to the kitchen, I found a worried Pa whispering something with Uncle Malkiel and Auden. I stood at the entrance and asked, "What did I miss?"They all jumped aside and when they turned to look in my direction, I immediately knew that something was wrong. "What is wrong?" I asked in a hushed voice. I felt fear gnaw in my body and my heart started beating so fast. They all looked away and then I raised my voice at them, "Someone tell me what is wrong." I knew that something bad must have happened. Elaine and Gideon came rushing
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 48: Campaign Announcement
We arrived late at the Everette Hotel five minutes before the announcement. Uncle Malkiel and Auden smirked at us as Gideon's hearty laughter broke the ice. "How can you two be late for the announcement," Pa scolded. "We are sorry Pa," Vaughn supplied. "I warned you about drinking," I complained. Elaine shook her head. "Excuses, excuses. The media is here, so let us start." Within minutes, we all walked into the room full of journalists and cameramen. Mayor Everette was the first to take the podium as she greeted everyone. The room was also full of the campaign team and newly recruited party members. "I am proud to stand here today in front of the people of Valletta who put me in this office. It's with great enthusiasm that I declare my candidacy for the Senatorial seat." There were great cheers from the crowd. "I have served my tenure as the mayor and hope to continue serving you and developing Valletta. I know most of you will wonder why I am running on an independent
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 47: Engaged
Driving like a madman through the streets of Malta, I kissed Vaughn's hand knowing well he had seduced me silly. I was rushing home to have my way with him. Vaughn laughed throughout the ride as his eyes sparkled with excitement. "You had better feign tiredness when we get to the villa. No chit-chat with anyone. We head straight to bed," I grunted."Wade, we need to eat. I'm hungry," Vaughn grinned. "Food later. I need to state my desires first," I admitted. "You are a b*stard, Wade," Vaughn laughed."Yet you love me," I stated. "You are right. I do love you," Vaughn acknowledged."How am I supposed to act normal when you say such statements," I mumbled as we entered the villa. Pa must have heard the car roaring in as he came rushing out as soon we got out of the car. Vaughn laughed and then warned, "Behave, Wade." He then embraced Pa as he loudly announced, "I missed you, Pa." Pa laughed and then pulled him into the house as I remained standing at the entrance willing m
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 46: Mediation
The judge in charge of the case and the lawyers for Sam Bexley called for a private mediation session at the courthouse. We arrived at the stipulated time accompanied by Mayor Beth and Uncle Malkiel. Vaughn seemed distant and I held his hand to encourage him to put up a fight. The judge welcomed all of us as we sat opposite each other. Vera Bexley looked tired as her baby bump was now showing. My eyes blazed as she smirked at me, and Vaughn pressed his hand into mine to calm me down. "I would like to welcome you all for this mediation session. Both parties are here because Sam Bexley requested for it to be a closed private session. I will let them have the first go and then the Everettes will follow suit."We all nodded and then Sam Bexley's lawyers started the narration of how Vera made the mistake of kidnapping Vaughn and now that she was pregnant with his child, they hope we can mediate amicably. We all remained composed and silent until he finished his narration.Uncle Malk
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 45: Drunk
WADE'S POVDisconnecting the call from Vaughn, I rushed to Uncle Malkiel's office. He took one look at me and said, "Don't tell me there is more trouble.""I suspect Sam Bexley has instigated the Everette hotel board members. They called for an urgent meeting to confirm if Vaughn plans to sell the hotel to me. I think that it's just a ruse since he wants to buy back the shares." "He is a true snake. Slithering all over the place," Uncle Malkiel."Do you think it's wise to transfer all my shares to Vaughn?" I asked."Not until we get the paternity test," Uncle Malkiel warned. "I want to squash him like a bug," I seethed."You will, don't be hasty," Uncle Malkiel advised."Fine, fine. I know you are being cautious. Thank you, Uncle." "Mhm. The new order from Venice has come in. We shall be busy. And your Pa is being secretive. I have not seen any of these three new paintings.""Ha-ha, that old man. But I'm sure he will wow us," I responded. Leaving Uncle Malkiel's office
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 44: Board Members
"Vaughn, I am leaving for work. I will come home early, okay?" I nodded as I felt Wade's kiss on my forehead and pulled the duvet over my body. I was still sleepy and hummed as I heard the door of the room close.Hours later, I woke up, showered, and went down for breakfast. As usual, Eli was always extra when it came to taking care of the family with food. I found the maids had set my breakfast aside. I switched on my phone and messages came in, one after the other. I went to Vera Bexley's number, blocked it, and deleted all the messages. I was not ready to deal with a nuisance like her.I had breakfast while catching up on emails and messages. Elaine and Auden already sent the morning meeting notes. I smiled at how the family was efficient. Uncle Malkiel notified me that the medical team from Milan had arrived. I was up to date on everything that was going on.After breakfast, I settled into the garden and started planning for the Hotel merger. I researched the expansion to Go
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 43: Paternity Test
VAUGHN'S POVI grinned as Wade went into the bathroom to shower. I walked into the closet and placed his clothes by the seat and then picked up his dirty ones and put them in the laundry basket. His temper had simmered, and it comforted me that he would not let anything come between us. It was the assurance that I needed after I lay on the bed calmly, deep in thought. I was glad when he walked into the bedroom. "What are you smiling about?" Wade walked into the room shirtless rubbing a towel on his hair to dry it. I blushed. "I remember placing a clean shirt on the seat."He winked at me. "Share your thoughts." He sat down on the bed."Part of my worry and concerns are you. I don't want anything to come between us," I confessed to Wade.He nodded and placed the towel on the bed beside him. "And the other part?" "Ma and Secretary Gavino's campaign. I know that Sam is using this tactic to delay us. And it seems he knows how much I value family. Which is why he played with my
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 42: Pregnant
*Three months later*We were all busy with preparations. Elaine and Auden had already come up with the campaign strategy while Damien, Secretary Gavino, and Uncle Malkiel created the five-year plan for the party. Pa hosted ministers and the Malta Elite Society dignitaries at the museum or at the Everette hotels as the party chairman.As we planned to work on the merger with the Milan Crown Jewel Plaza Hotel, Elaine embarked on a branding plan. Gideon joined Vaughn in the hotel as the vice president. We were all busy during the week, but never failed to have time for the family on Sunday with lunch and dinner. It was on Thursday afternoon when the police called Vaughn Everett to inform him that Vera Bexley was at the police station. She voluntarily surrendered herself when she arrived in the country. Uncle Malkiel and I joined Vaughn as we headed to the police precinct. We arrived and the commissioner's smirk was enough to make Uncle Malkiel murmur, "I have a bad feeling about thi
