The billionaire’s secret

CHAPTER FOUR

(James):

——

The lights went dim as the velvet curtains parted, revealing Ana. Her blonde hair was perfectly wavy under the spotlight, and her sapphire-blue dress hugged her curves, drawing every eye in the room. She was undeniably sexy.

The audience went silent as she started moving, her hips swaying to the music in a way that demanded attention. I sat in the back corner, sipping a whiskey neat, watching her. She glanced my way, her eyes locking with mine for a moment before turning away, almost as if she wanted my attention.

I grabbed a cigarette, lighting it while keeping my gaze fixed on her through the smoke. I couldn’t tell if she was trying to seduce me, it felt different tonight. More provocative. More personal. My jaw clenched as I noticed every other man in the room staring at her lustfully.

She finished her song, taking a bow as the room applauded. From the stage, her eyes found mine again, her bright smile dimming into something unreadable. Maybe she didn’t like the way I was watching. I didn’t give a f**k.

I stood, straightened my suit, and headed for the exit. A glance at my watch told me it was almost time for my next meeting. My secretary was probably blowing up my phone already. Outside, I slid into my car, parked just past the gate, and started checking my phone for any urgent emails.

I heard footsteps beside the car. When I looked up, there she was, standing with her heels in a fluffy scarf wrapped over her exposed arms, her blue eyes piecing into mine as I wound down the glass of my car.

The hot breeze forces it’s way in. “This isn’t the time for you to be out here,” I said, noticing her fingers fidgeting.

“I just wanted to talk,” she said softly.

“I’m supposed to be in a meeting,” I replied, setting my phone aside. “And you should be back on stage by now.”

She hesitated, looking away from my sharp gaze. “I’m not supposed to say this, but...” She cuts, then took a breath. “It’s too much for me. I barely sleep, and by the time I get home, I would have to start working on another cover song for the next night.”

I scoffed, annoyed. “Are you complaining?”

Her gaze snapped back to mine. “I’m not complaining, Mr. Brown. It’s been over a month since I started working here, and I’ve kept my word. I promised to stay on track.”

She looked like she wanted to say more but didn’t. I stepped out of the car, walking closer to her.

“You know,” I began, my tone colder, “when I first saw you, I wasn’t impressed.” Her eyes widened, but I continued. “Then, I saw how talented you were. You danced like a slut, and your voice…well, it’s dazzling. I’d pay to watch you all day. If I cared for that kind of nonsense.”

Her cheeks flushed, her expression shifting between anger and embarrassment. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” she snapped.

“It’s an observation,” I replied flatly. “You should be grateful I saw something in you at all.”

“Grateful?” she shot back, crossing her arms, her voice rising. “For what? The insults? The way you treat me like I’m nothing more than an asset? You’re no different from my last manager!”

Her words hit more than I expected, but I didn’t let it show. “You’re right, you are an asset,” I said, coldly. “I’ve invested my time and money to make you big. So if you know what is good, remember your place.”

She glared at me, as if bitter. For a moment, I thought she’d walk off. But instead, she straightened her back, her tone a little more confident.

“I’ll will,” she said. “But don’t forget, Mr. Brown... you wouldn’t have me here if you weren’t desperate for something you don’t have. Maybe think about who really holds the power.”

I frowned, without a reply. Just then, my phone started buzzing, it was my secretary. I turned without a word, climbed back into the car, and drove off, leaving Ana standing there under the scorching sun.

---

The office was quiet, yet my mind was busy. I rested my back on my chair on which my suit hung over, the top button of his shirt is undone. My tie hangs loose around my neck aimlessly. I was exhausted from the endless meetings I had with my clients.

I get a buzz from my phone showing notifications of eight new emails, then I look at the time and it’s 10.53pm.

Already?

I let out a sigh turning my phone upside down while pinching the bridge of my nose.

I swerve my chair to face the window. Staring at the sky. Just when I needed a moment. My secretary knocks calling out.

“Mr. Brunt?” I nodded for her to come in.

She steps in quietly, carrying a steaming cup of fresh coffee, placing it on his desk.

“As you asked, sir”, she says professionally but calm then turns to leave before I called out.

"Yeah, Chloe… reschedule tomorrow’s 7am briefing. I need some time to think. Clear my morning until 10."

Chloe nods. "Understood. Should I let the board know?"

"No. Just tell them I'm strategizing. Let them sweat a little." I give out a chill smirk at Chloe which fades fast, I’m sure she could tell I was drained.

As she leaves, I pick up the coffee, the warmth a small comfort. I take a sip grabbing my phone again. A news article appeared catching his eyes.

"Pop Star Sensation Ana Wilson Sets the Stage on Fire!"

Candy?

I became curious, contemplating as my thumb moved over the video thumbnail before tapping on it. Her face came up on my screen. A performance at her sold-out show. She danced with confidence, but it wasn’t just her performance that kept me glued.

It was the background dancer, a lean, cocky man who seemed far too close to Selina. In the video, the dancer’s hands brushed her waist, their movements way too intimate. The audience cheered in unison, and that’s when I felt my blood boil.

Fuck.

I clenched my teeth really hard, before tossing the phone on my desk. The thought of Candy being so openly free was unbearable.

Without a second thought, I stood, grabbing off my suit and headed for the elevator. My driver was already on standby but I suddenly opened the door before he could.

"Theater. Now," I barked.

The car sped through the dark, scanty street. Moving as fast as the thoughts in my head, the light of the car pierced through the darkness. I wasn’t sure what I’d say when I saw her, but I knew one thing; Candy went too far.

As the car halted just outside the grand theater, I stepped out, unbothered by the flashing paparazzi or the murmurs of bystanders who realized it was me. I passed through the doors searching for her.

The show was over, the stage crew already dismantling the set. Backstage, I spotted her immediately. She was laughing with the same dancer, her hand lightly touching his arm.

Fury grew in my chest as I stepped closer, my deep voice cutting through the air.

“Candy” The name slipped from my mouth, a name that she wasn't really known for around here.

She turned, startled, her blue eyes meeting mine. For a moment, the room went quiet.

"Mr. Brown?" she asked, surprised and a bit curious.

“What are you doing here?", she said as she slid her hand away from the man’s arm.

I didn’t answer, my gaze burned on him as he walked back giving us room.

“We need to talk." I commanded.

She turns to the man wanting to excuse herself before I cut, “Now!”

She returns her eyes to me, annoyance crossing through her face, walking past me, her eyes challenging mine as she moves. I followed her to a quieter corner, then caught her arm, turning her to face me.

“Do you even know what decency means?”

Her brows rumpled together in confusion, “I don’t understand”.

My head started aching. “This. Is this what you meant earlier when you said you were tired?”

“Mr Brown, what are you—“

“It’s Jack” I snapped, cutting her off, my lips tight against each other in frustration, I looked away before turning back at her. “You think you can you with me, don’t you? But let me make one thing clear” I stepped closer.

“I’m canceling the deal, I want you instead. Not the crowd, not your fans, no one else!” I added as she froze, her mouth opening and closing before placing a word.

“What?” She said, but I could hardly hear. “I’m leaving” she tries to walk away but I didn’t let her, I closed the distance between us, my face an inch from hers, as I inhale her scent making my pulse thunder in my ears. She pauses her chest rising and falling as I held a stare.

“You wouldn’t have to work anymore,” I murmured , my voice heavy, “ Not if we made a contract” my heavy breath forced her to gulp. “Then I’d own you”. Her eyes wanting me but she repels.

“Let me go Jack”. She forced herself away from my presence.

I didn’t stop her, I watched her leave.