The Billion's

Chapter 15

THIRD PERSON POV

Ash (Abigail) was currently inside the Billion's limo. She never would've thought that Iva would send a driver to pick her up.

"Do you know why your boss asked you to pick me up?" The driver looked Ash and shake his head.

"No idea at all miss." When they turned to the familiar gate, Ash could feel her heart racing.

The car stops in front of the mansion and Ash noticed Iva waiting patiently in front of the door. She noticed that Iva only wore a boxer like a short and simple tee. She chuckled when Iva's hair in a messy bun and she's not wearing any of her usual dark makeup.

That's so not the Iva she knows at all.

"You're well aware of your presence here, correct?" Ash shook her head no. Clueless.

"Seriously?" Ash nodded.

"You need a makeover. Not that you're not beautiful in your own way, but you need to be extra beautiful for the fair." Ash doesn't know what to say.

"You will be going with me after all." Ash's eyes widen.

"What?" Was all that came out from Ash's mouth.

"Oh right. I'm sorry I didn't ask you first but, please. I don't have a date. And I surely don't want to go alone." Iva smiled lovingly at her.

"So. What say you?"

"Umm... Sure." Ash said. Since she's here, why not just get it over with.

"Awesome. Now please follow me, your team is ready."

"My team?!" Ash asked. Iva nodded.

"Yes. Your team." Iva smiled and offered her hand. Ash took it as they both walk towards the Billion's studio, where everyone is busy getting themselves ready for the fair.

When they both entered, Ash noticed Zoe and Paxton were being pampered like royalty.

"Miss Iva.." A woman called.

"Ash, this is Poppy. She will be your hairstylist. Over there is Trevor and Fabian, the makeup artist and stylist." Trevor and Fabian both wearing the clothes that only exist in the future.

"Do your best girls." Ash turned to Iva. "

"They both clearly guys." Trevor and Fabian laughed.

"Oh girl, we don't mind being called a girl. Cause we have the feature of a guy, but inside, a woman by heart." Trevor explained. Ash smiled sheepishly.

"Alright... Fabian, make her hot." Iva bid her goodbyes and leaving Ash with them. Poppy smiled and dragged Ash to a chair.

"Let's do some magic together." Poppy said excitedly.

***

Alana and Giovanni were making sure hah everything in place when Gemma went to see her parents.

"Dad.." Giovanni turned.

"Gemma dear... What's wrong?" Giovanni asked.

"Can I skip opening tonight? I need to be at the hospital," Giovanni turned to his wife.

"But honey... This is the opening for the elite fair and we're the host." Gemma slumped on the couch and sighed heavily.

"Yes... But... I.. Don't want to leave Jordan and Karen alone tonight. What if their parents came and do something to them?" Alana went to her daughter.

"Okay.." She removed the strands of her daughter's hair from blocking her eyes.

"But promise us you will be there for the closing." Gemma smiled and nodded.

"But please prepare Adam for tonight. Iris tried to but he just farted at his aunt and flee." Gemma chuckled.

"Sure, dad. Thank you."

Giovanni smiled as he watched her daughter leaves the room.

"We raised her to be an angel," Alana said when she stood beside her husband.

"Yes, we did. It feels just like just yesterday she was born and say her first word, money." Giovanni wrapped his hand around his wife's shoulder.

"Daddy!" They both started with the sudden call. They turned to see Zoe and Iva both in their robe.

"What happen now girls?" Giovanni asked.

"Daddy! Iva hit me!" Zoe said with the cutest voice ever. She knows her dad will always stand by her side.

"But dad she stole my shoe. The loafers." Alana stopped both of her daughters.

"Zoe, you can afford your own. Why would you steal?" Zoe pout at her dad.

But daddy... She doesn't even wear them. I'm not stealing, just borrowing."

"LIES! You will make em yours." Iva bantered.

"GIRLS! It's just shoes. And you wearing a dress will not go with loafers." Giovanni reasoned.

"It's for the tour.." Giovanni face-palm himself.

"Zoe, honey... It's your sisters. And Iva, look more handsome than this. I mean you and robe are not cute... At all." Iva can't believe her dad just said that.

"Fine." Iva turned and walked out.

"And Zoe... Please do behave tonight. I know you will be singing but please sing some decent song." Zoe chuckled.

"Sure do, daddy." Zoe walked out too. Alana snickered.

"Daughters.." Giovanni said.

"You spoil them too much Vanni." Giovanni smiled.

"I can't help it. They're both precious." Alana sighed.

"Are you nervous Vanni? I mean, 3 most influential family will be coming. And you know what happen last year when the Larove were hosting it."

Giovanni remembers that day like it was just yesterday. He chuckled.

"I'm sure she will do something tonight. I'll be looking forward to it." Giovanni is proud of his kids.

"Let's have some tea shall we?" Alana said. They both walked out towards the balcony. Alana rang for the maids to prepared their refreshment.

"What should we do about Paxton?" Alana asked her husband.

"I have no idea honey... He's been on and off with this engagement since forever." Giovanni took a sip of his tea.

"I honestly don't know Alana. I don't approve Kiss. But if his heart wants her, let him be." Alana sighed.

"Vanni, who will take care of our business after we're gone? Do you think Iva will? Iris said she can but, she has her own business to take care off." Alana worries.

"Darling, Iva will follow whatever we say. I think she will. Besides, the new girl she's been hanging with, I like her. She's not like the others she's with before." Alana smiled.

"I like her too. Well... Maybe we should introduce her as our future in law in the opening tonight?" Giovanni shakes his head.

"No no... Not yet. Do you want Iva to skin us both alive?" Alana chuckled.

"We shall see what tonight will bring us..." The Billion's couple smiled at each other.

***

*FEW HOURS LATER (NIGHT)*

IVA'S POV

I look at myself once more and think whether it's good enough for tonight. I'm wearing a dress shirt and buttoned it up fully to support the elegant tie I'm wearing. On top of the shirt, I'm wearing a sleek vest and it has a very narrow v-line.

The jacket was clearly made for me, I say this because it was a custom made by the world famous Nikolas Avilia. It's a solid color without a pattern which radiates finesse.

I look like a man but I decided to let my hair down to show a little feminine side of myself. I hope Fabian made a good job. I don't want to make Ash feel like she's being alienated. Everyone and I mean everyone will be watching us.

I tap my shoe a few times and smiled when I satisfy with everything. I picked my phone and wallet and walked out of my room. Once I arrived at the studio, Trevor was doing his finishing touches on Ash.

"No heels. Just wedges." I remind Fabian.

"Aye aye, Captain."

I placed both hands on Ash's shoulder.

"You okay? Everything good?" Ash nodded. I took a seat next to her.

"There's something I need to inform you about this fair." Ash let Trevor put on her fake eyelashes before turning to me.

"Usually I will focus on 3 well-known families. The Christ, The Larove, and the Avilia. Bianca Christ, the most feared woman in America. The Larove sisters, most sinister if I may say and Charlie Avilia, the player." Ash looked at me weirdly.

"Bianca, was the daughter of late Natasha Christ, you ever heard of her?" Ash shakes her head.

"Bianca is intimidating. She often uses that in front of tough business associate, dad for example. She's a b***h if I may add." I cleared my throat.

"The Larove sisters. Christina, Catherine, and Carmen. The twins were known as the most influential businesswoman. But Carmen .. Man she's amazing." She's my idol after all.

"I know her. I read her biography book before." Ash said.

"Now there's Charlie. Charlie is a joker, but she's a monster when it comes to work. Also, she owns one of the most expensive stripper clubs in the country." I remembered something crucial.

"Paxton friends with Charlie's daughter, Antonia Larove."

"Antonia the model?" Ash asked. I nodded.

"We get to meet Antonia?! The hottest mother of triplets?!" Ash beamed. I nodded again. She looks like a kid in a candy store.

"All done," Trevor said.

Ash thanked him and tried to stand on her own. I helped her since she seems to have trouble. She began to untie her robe and let it down. I studied what she's wearing.

The White dress leaves her shoulders mostly uncovered and flows down into a modest Queen Anne neckline. It's a tight fit which accentuates her breasts, but it does so in such elegant manner.

She's wearing Mary Janes, they're simple but radiate grace and refinement. To top it all off she's let her hair down gracefully and accessorized with the most exquisite jewelry money can buy.

"Wow.." I breathe out. Ash blushed a deep red. Zoe and Paxton cleared their throats.

"Our limo is ready," Zoe said, brought me back to reality.

"You look beautiful Ash," Paxton said.

"Thank you." Paxton smiled.

"Come on sis.." Paxton offered his hand and Zoe took it.

"Where's Kiss?" I asked.

"History," Paxton said and lead us.

I offered my hand to Ash and she gladly took it and we both walked towards the front door. When we arrived, I noticed Iris and her little family all dress in black.

Figures.

Adam on the other hand, wearing a white suit, matching Paxton's. They even styled their hair to look the same.

"Where's Gemma?" I asked.

Mommy hospital." Adam answered my question.

"Is she okay Adam?" Ash asked. Adam nodded.

"Mommy okay. Karen no." Ash looked confused.

"I'll explain later." My parents walked in and told us to get inside the car before we're all late.

"Iva..." Dad handed me an iPad.

"Fix that." He said before I look down at the iPad. It's a picture of me and my ex's. Ash take a peek.

"You've dated her?" She asked.

"Who? Her?" Ash nodded when I pointed at Fatima's picture.

"Yea. Not long. Her family hates me." I chuckled.

The driver started to drive towards the venue.

"Ash.." Zoe touched Ash's shoulder.

"There's a smudge. This is a red carpet." She sighed.

"Yes. And according to them, you're Iva's new meat." I hit Paxton's shoulder.

"Is this a big deal? My parents... Sister.."

"Taken care of. I've sent a limo for them and also their own team and dresser. Don't worry." I assure her.

I glared at Paxton who's now playing with Adam to avoid me.

"You need to get ready yourself Pax. The media will love to bombarded you question about Kiss." Paxton sighed.

"I know mom. Besides, I'll divert their focus on LA Fashion Week if they did." He chuckled. He always a smooth talker so no surprise there.

"Who will you model for?" Zoe asked.

"Nikolas Avilia."

"Whoa seriously? The one who designs my suit?" I asked him. He nodded.

"It's hard to get his gig. You must be such a kiss ass." I chuckled.

"Excuse me little sister but I happen to be a very famous model," Paxton said while Adam clapped his hand for no reason.

"Adam. If you sit next to aunt Zoe, I will let you on stage with me." Zoe said and Adam was about to go when Paxton grabbed him.

"No. He will stay with me."

"No, he will go with me on stage." Zoe and Paxton bantered. I could only shake my head.

"NO! I'll go with Ash. She's sick. Bad foot." Adam said and went to Ash and sit on her lap.

"Pretty..." Adam touched her face and leaned back. When we arrived at the venue, the bodyguard went to the door for us.

My parents got out followed by Zoe and Paxton. When I got out, I turned back to take Ash's hand to help her out. Once we both stood side by side, lights flashes on us.

"IVA!! AVILIA FASHION COUTURE. A picture please.." I stopped on my track and pose for them together with Ash and my nephew.

"'ELITE FAIR MAGAZINE. A family photo if you may." I pose along with my family. I pulled Ash closer to me and smiled. I can feel she's not comfortable.

"Sorry." I apologized. I turned to my siblings.

"Where's Iris? I thought she's at the back?"

"She went to the less populated entrance. That sneaky bitch." Zoe said while smiling at the camera. I grabbed Ash's hand and lead her to the entrance.

I released a heavy sigh when we're all inside.

"This is why I hate formal occasion," I said and smiled at Ash. We all followed my parents inside. Arnold and Alessa greeted us. Together with Ash's family and Iris.

"You b***h," Zoe said to her and she laughed.

"What? I hate drama." Dad went to my sisters.

"Zoe." He taps on his watch as Zoe smiled at him. She went backstage.

"Iris... Behave. And Iva... Smile more." I noticed dad look so nervous.

"He must be afraid of Carmen." Paxton joked.

"Come on kids. Put a smile on your face and greet everyone with grace." Mom said.

"Save the sarcasm for tomorrow when we have breakfast." I chuckled.

"Oh and Ash, that includes you." Mom smiled and went to dads side. All Ash could do was nodding her head.

***

ASH'S POV (ABIGAIL)

That includes me?! How am I suppose to be a Billion? Oh God oh God oh God!!!

"Relax. Take a deep breath in and slowly breath it out." Iva's soothing voice calms me.

We followed her parents and smiled at everyone. I actually shake hands some of the most famous personality in the world!

My hands shaking like crazy.

"Ahh. Giovanni. How nice to see you well and alive." A brown hair woman said.

"She means well Giovanni." A blonde woman next to her said and smiled.

"Carmen...." Iva's dad kissed her hand.

"Larissa..." He did the same to her and smiled.

"It's great to see you both here. Where're the others?"

"Around." The brown hair lady or Carmen said. She's must be one of the most beautiful women when she's young.

"You remember Paxton? Iva?" Paxton took the woman's hand and kissed it. Iva, on the other hand, shakes their hands.

"And this is my friend, Abigail Starbust but we all call her Ash." Iva introduced me. I smiled at them.

"I'm Carmen Larove. This is my wife, Larissa." They offered their hands and I shake it in turn.

"This is my granddaughter, Emerson and her wife, Antonia." My heart stopped, literally.

Antonia, the world famous model just smile at me. She just smiles at me! She offered her hand but I was too shocked to react. Iva pushed me lightly.

"She's a fan," Iva said. They all chuckled.

"It's nice meeting you," Antonia said. With my shaky hand, I shake the world most outstanding human being.

"I'm your biggest fan," I whispered.

"Thank you." She heard me! Iva's dad cleared his throat.

"I heard Avilia Airlines is expanding its wings to Africa." Antonia smiled.

"You got that right, old man." They all laughed.

"Let's meet Bianca," Iva whispered and I followed.

"Bianca... Nice to see you again." The blonde woman turned and she looks too intimidating for me. She looks like a witch ready to kill. The woman offered her hand.

"Bianca."

"Abigail." We both smiled.

They were talking to each other when Zoe made herself visible on stage. I noticed she's not wearing a dress anymore. She's wearing ripped jeans, black shirt with a leather jacket.

"How was everyone tonight?" She asked. By now, all rich teen gathered around the stage.

"For tonight I shall sing some covers of songs that I like." I heard Iva's dad gasped.

"No no no!" His eyes widen when Zoe's band gathered and was ready to start the show.

"First song... SERIOUS BY SCARS ON BROADWAY!" The band started playing and I noticed Antonia dragged her wife to the center of the dance floor to dance.

"Because of you too serious,

You're gonna make me delirious,

Because of you too serious for..."

Zoe just made her dad having some mini heart attack with her shenanigans. Her mother was facepalming herself when the other guest showed by disagreeing they're with this turn of events. Some of the elite guys even threw their coats away and dance like a maniac.

"Because of you too serious,

You're gonna make me delirious,

Because of you too serious for me..."

Zoe smiled at everyone and they all cheered. Iva laughed along with Paxton.

"Zoe will be dead when we get home tonight," Iva whispered. Zoe taps on the mic and smiled.

"Everyone having fun?!" The crowd cheered including Antonia.

"I'm in a little mood for rock metal..." The guitarist started to played and riffed the guitar. Some of the guys screamed.

"AVENGED SEVENFOLD!!!"

"You request it, YOU GOT IT! CRITICAL ACCLAIM BY AVENGED SEVENFOLD!" Everyone screamed and jump as if they're in a concert.

"This is not a fair for elites anymore. Look at all the old people." I looked around and they all can't believe their behaving kids can act like an animal in the zoo.

"So how does it feel to

Know that someone's kid

In the heart of America

Has the blood on their hands

Fighting to defend your rights

So you can maintain a lifestyle

That insults his family's existence

Well, where I'm from we have a special

Salute that we aim high in the air

Towards all those pompous assholes

Who spend their days pointing fingers..."

Zoe said between song and pointed at one particular man.

"s**t! She did not just say that part of the song to him!" Iva said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because his son once dated her for money and status." She replied.

"Excuse the obscene, ignore the untrue

Depictions we see try and get through

Admitting mistakes can hurt

I'm not the last but I sure ain't the first..."

Zoe ends the song by destroying her guitar on stage. That action causes everyone to be on edge and cheered for her. She said her thank you and invite the other singer to come out.

Zoe jumped off the stage and walked towards us.

"ZOE BILLION! THAT WAS AMAZING!" Antonia said behind her. Zoe turned and smiled.

"Thanks, Nia. Ems. I hope you enjoy the show."

"Only idiots don't enjoy that! My own grandma was dancing along too." Carmen did?!

Somebody clearing their throats behind Antonia and I noticed her expression changed. Two blonde women suddenly appeared out of nowhere and smiled. They must be the twins.

"Hello, Iva... Zoe." Zoe smiled.

"Ash, let me introduced you to one of the most feared women in the world, Catherine and Christina Larove."

"I don't say that we are fear... Hello Ash, I'm Christina. This is Catherine, Carmen's older sister." Well damn.

I am lost for words. Bianca was intimidating but these two ... I can feel some type of aura coming from them.