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Chapter 18: Fighting Fire With Fire
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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."
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 20: Retaliation
It was almost late evening when Damien knocked on my office door. "Sir, I am leaving. I have emailed you all the reports for your review. I also sent out the press release for tomorrow about the museum and art gallery event this Friday. I emailed Elaine, as requested so that plan the event." "That's fine. Are you still feeling guilty about this morning?" He nodded and looked away."Don't. I already talked to Vaughn as you suggested. You have nothing to worry about, I promise to handle the matter calmly and carefully. Are you prepared for tomorrow?" Damien's smile was back. "I increased the security guards that will be on duty tomorrow. I also have requested two canine patrol dogs. Just in case." "Do you anticipate a lot of media attention or backlash from Bexley?" I asked. "It's good to be prepared. I am leaving now. Will you be working late?" Damien asked. "After the press release tomorrow, I know we shall have our hands full. So, I will finish up all the work for today
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 21: Ultimatum
"How dare he summon me like this?" I yelled while I got out of bed and walked out of the villa. Huffing in anger, the security guard stared at me in shock as he saw me approaching. He rushed to open the gate and a red BMW parked by the gate came into view. The gate closed behind me and then Vaughn got out of the car and banged the door closed. I smirked at his behavior, but my pulse jumped in anticipation. He walked over, and we stood toe to toe. "What the f*ck do you want, Vaughn? I have a busy day tomorrow." I drawled with a non-committal tone. All I wanted was to annoy him enough to send him away. "Are you still going to drag out the past?" he asked with a raised eyebrow."Just state what you came to say and leave," I huffed. "Do you have a lover?" Vaughn asked. I took a step back and squinted my eyes at him. "What right do you have to ask such a question?" "Wade, do you honestly believe that the feelings between us are simple?" Vaughn asked with a sad smile. I turn
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 22: Seaside Bar
"Shut up, Auden!" I yelled. "Calm down, Wade," Uncle Malkiel said. "If only you explained this, we would not be speculating. You should have been clear before you left the villa. And to find Vaughn in your office? It did not look good."We all went silent, and the office door was knocked on. Damien walked in. "Sir, the media wants an interview with you. Vera Bexley, Sam Bexley, and Mayor Everett all have requested to meet you.""I am not available to meet anyone," I murmured. "Cancel all my meetings.""The Milan office called. The call is scheduled in an hour," Damien stated. "Sh*t. Okay, fine. I need to clear things up. The exhibition is this Friday. Send out a press release, Auden. Direct the media to another story. That the exhibition will be open to all. Anyone can attend the event. Change the exhibition from the garden to the main exhibition hall. Have a call with Elaine to discuss these latest changes."Auden nodded and left the office. "You need to call your Pa and inf
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 23: Scorned
"Right on time." Vaughn's eyes twinkled as he rearranged my clothes. I felt him rub the bite on my neck and he left the shirt wide open making the bite and the tattoos visible."You are such an unruly brat." I laughed at his naughtiness and walked toward Auden as Vaughn followed behind with a grin. Turning around I stated, "Don't follow yet. I want to know why she is looking for me." Vaughn shook his head in defiance and Auden responded, "You go. I will remain behind with Vaughn." I walked back to the counter, ordered a drink, and pretended not to see Vera. My hand froze midair as I was about place the glass to my mouth and heard her state, "If it isn't the Wade Malkiel. The husband snatcher." I smiled and gulped down the whiskey. I ignored her and ordered another glass.Vera pressed on with her voice louder this time. "Aren't you ashamed to be seen with someone else's man?" The whole bar went silent. The loud voices quieted down and the mood changed. Everyone was listening
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 24: Wade's Family
VAUGHN'S POVWade Malkiel's words made me rush to the men's room. I got into the cubicle, unzipped my pants, and grabbed some toilet paper as I grabbed my c*ck and shamelessly came into my hands. He had made me shatter into an orgasm just from his words. I was screwed. I got out of the cubicle and washed my face. Wade's voice and his dreams made me shudder with need. When I walked back to the gazebo, I saw him standing by the sea. He looked lost in thought and every step that I took toward him made my body burn.I suddenly realized that I had gotten shy around him."Why did you run?" His piercing gaze burned into me. Turning around I shook my head in answer. I was not ready to tell him that his words just made me come. I suspected he knew, and I started walking toward the car. He caught up with me and laced his fingers with mine.We left Bullata bay and headed to his villa. On arrival, he instructed the guards to open the door since he did not want to be photographed. Mr. Eli Ma
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 25: Malkiel's Exhibition
WADE'S POVWe were busy over the next two days as we prepared for the museum and art gallery exhibition. Vaughn kept avoiding meeting me, maintaining calls and texts all through the two days. 'How long are you going to avoid me?' I texted.'I am trying to clear my desk so that we have the weekend together.' 'I want a video call tonight. No compromises.'Before I left the office, Elaine arrived with Auden. The awkwardness that was there between them was long gone. And this made me happy since I wanted things to work out for them."We are just here to do the final touches for the exhibition. Everything is ready for tomorrow. The confirmation from the public and elite society is the largest we have ever seen in the history of Valletta." Elaine beamed. "The donations have been streaming in for the last two days after the announcements. The money from the Bexley foundation also arrived today. It will be the biggest donation ever done," Auden stated. I nodded and then pressed the
The Art Collector and His Billionaire Lover Chapter 26: Media Frenzy
"What the f*ck do you think you are doing brat," I whispered in shock. He moved back, turned around, and said, "Let's take pictures for the papers, Wade." I smirked and shook my head as the cameras flashed and Vaughn grinned from ear to ear. His mother's face was priceless but what made me laugh out loud was the look on Vera Bexley's face. It was in between disgust and embarrassment. Leaning down to whisper in Vaughn's ear, I reprimanded him. "Why did you not prepare me for this? You should be punished." He turned to look into my eyes, our mouths were inches apart. The excitement in the hall was deafening and I took a step back from him while his eyes twinkled in mischief. "That's enough," I scolded. I walked away from his table and went to sit with Pa. I ignored all the media questions or invites for an interview while Pa kept laughing his heart out as we ate dinner. Sam Bexley walked over after the event was finished and Uncle Malkiel was the first to stand up in defense.
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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
