To marry a Billionaire

chapter 2

Gary's POV

"What are you laughing at?" For the last minute, I asked Trent, who seemed unable to quit smiling at his phone screen.

"Nothing," replied Trent without delay.

I furrowed my brow and pursed my lips in a playful smile. "It's Lucy, isn't it."

At last, Trent's brown eyes found me. "Is it really that obvious?"

I gave a terse response, "Pretty much."

"I'm not at fault. She truly is incredible."

I wince at what he just said. "Don't go soft on me, dude."

Trent gives a shrug. "Who knows it might be…"

"Affection? Bullshit!" I disregarded it.

"Do you have to be so damn cynical."

"Pragmatic, you mean?"

Trent rolled his eyes. "Love isn't so bad."

"I agree, because it isn't real."

"Oh really?" Humoring me, obviously, he asked.

"I mean business. s*x is the only thing that is genuine."

"That's why you change girls like you change your cars."

"You were once like that once ." I retaliated.

Because of my past interactions with women, I wasn't being protective. It was OK to desire diversity. The women ought to have known better than to enter into what they were. However, a lot of them cried out of my hotel room or office. might they honestly think I might be one of theirs?

"It's surprising that Valerie has been with you so long." Trent shook his head and took a deep breath.

"The only thing Valerie and I do for one another is release. In other words, neither more nor less."

"So you could never love her?" Stupid question came up.

I let out a stifled chuckle. "Oh my god! Val is a tigress, even if love existed. As something more, but good in bed? Not taking place."

"Whatever you say." Trent gave a shrug.

"But I can bet my gold that some unassuming woman will bring you to your knees," he continued.

"Whatever lets you sleep well at night."

"It also lets me sleep well at night." Before he appeared, my father's voice could be heard, a lighthearted smile on his lips.

My father, Casper Kington, resembled me in my elder years with his sharp features, light blue eyes, and dark black hair.

"Of course, it does." I smiled miserably at him. "Too bad it'll never happen."

"Then Diamondz will have to get a new heir." Although my father spoke in a lighthearted manner, there was a hint of seriousness in his gaze.

"Yeah, sure."

"I am actually being serious."

I gave him a closer look at this point. I questioned, "What are you talking about?"

He put his hands in his pockets and grinned more broadly.

"Your grandfather left it in his will. Until you have an heir, you cannot acquire the business." Even when he repeated the facts, his smile remained unwavering.

He was indicating to me that he was involved in this.

Trent understood when to give up, which he did, even though he had been my buddy for a very long time and had made my family his. Dad and I were by ourselves.

"Now, right now," my dad uttered.

"There is no reason to give me death stares." Although his look remained friendly, I was unable to empathize.

I had put a lot of effort into earning my position in the company, so it seemed unfair to have this requirement placed on me in this manner.

My father placed a hand on my shoulder and his expression softened. "Just want what is best for you, son."

I remained silent. He grinned despite my gaze, something that only Trent and my family could accomplish.

"You'll understand soon enough that it's for the best."

I'm absolutely not thinking about getting married or having kids. I had to have control over my life and peace of mind. I did not need a lady to make any of the plans I had made for my life more complicated. It was just annoying to think about it. A successor as well? But I knew myself well, and this was not my first battle. There would be a way for Gary Kingston.

_______________

Amber's POV

I was so excited and shocked when I received the email following my application for the Diamondz fashion store job that I was hardly able to contain myself. I started work the following Monday. I was more than happy to give it my all because the pay was nearly three times what it was at the casino. Another huge plus was that I wouldn't have to deal with perverted men touching me indecently.

Unlike the casino's tainted scent of alcohol, the air is permeated with a delicate blend of opulent fragrances. Saddled with soft, ambient lighting, displays of exquisite clothing and accessories are expertly arranged. Mirrored walls reflected the vivid colors and textures all around me, giving the impression of endless sophistication. The newest couture items were displayed on immaculately dressed mannequins, allowing anyone to enter a world where every piece of clothing was a work of art. I was a staff member, in a stylish uniform. As I worked, my life's concerns seemed insignificant because I was so at ease. Every now and then, my thoughts were focused solely on my grandmother and her health.

Some of the other employees, who were girls like me, were giggling and whispering to one another. Unintentionally, I overheard parts of their conversation.

"Is he really coming today?" Squealing like a fan of Andrew Garfield, one of them said.

"He is coming, of course. He is going to appear because the store is opening today."

"Gosh, he is so hot." Another girl gave a swoon and rolled her eyes back, causing the other girls to giggle. "But I heard that he is a cruel man and a playboy."

"Cruel or not, he is hot and with a face like that it would be weird if he was not a playboy."

Their conversation was interrupted when there was a commotion at the entrance to the store.

"It's him!" Shouting, they abandoned their posts and merged with the throng amassing at the gate.

I stayed put and carried on with my work, but I couldn't help but see how everyone was swarming inside the store and huddled around someone.

A tall man appeared in the crowd, and they cleared a path for whoever they were swarming to pass through.

Suddenly, it was obvious why the girls were so taken with each other. As his strides carried him farther into the store, I had to admit that the man was pretty easy on the eyes.

He was wearing a suit that looked expensive, and from the way he walked around the store, I could tell he was aware of the impact he had on customers.

His jet black hair created a striking contrast with his pale complexion atop his head.

His body was amazing; it was simultaneously muscular and slender.

My breath caught in my throat for a moment when he turned to face me and met my cold, blue eyes. Those were the same eyes of the man from the casino, and I could recognize him anywhere. There was no trace of familiarity in his eyes as he averted his gaze once more and focused on something else.

Why had I assumed he would know who I was? To men such as him, I was unimportant. I didn't leave my post and carried on with my work.

My first day at the Diamondz store was quickly coming to an end as time passed by quickly. As far as I would learn later, Gary Kingston was still in the store with his companion. They were in the lounge with Mrs. Smith, the store manager. Mrs. Smith and the two men arrived as I was getting ready to sign out for the day, so I carried my bag and slung it over my shoulder. My stomach knotted as she had a sour expression on her face. There was a problem.

She called out to us, "Attention, workers," and everyone's gaze went to her.

Thirteen of us stopped what we were doing and gathered in front of her.

"It is disheartening that this would occur today but over two thousand dollars was stolen."

She looked at each of our faces. "The perpetrator should step out now or I'll promise things will get ugly."