A Deal With The Billionaire For Revenge On My Ex

I was seated in the back of an opulent auction room, my eyes caught a priceless painting being bid on by the most powerful elites of New York City. But I was not here as a bidder, I was here as an art consultant for one of the biggest collectors. This was the job I took after my life fell apart, the scene brought memories back to me. I felt like an outcast, a once-privileged heiress now barely holding her life together.

My pulse quickened when the auctioneer called for a higher bid, my thoughts drifted to my late father, the founder of Collins Interior which was stolen after his death.

“Please welcome Trevor Barnard to the stage” The auctioneer announced and my eyes prickled with tears. I would never get used to seeing my ex-boyfriend and my stepmother going around to claim what was not theirs. I watched his arrogant back as he walked up to the stage and of course, Vivian was his handbag.

I snarled at him and went on with my job, I had to be strong if I wanted revenge, but how? I was not even close to the lowest position in the company. My worst fears were confirmed as I spotted him arm-in-arm with my stepmother chatting with several powerful CEOs. My fists tightened as I carefully listened to them as they boasted about their plans for the company my father built, the one Vivian stole.

“Collen’s interior will be unmatchable and to think all was needed was to push that miserable Lily out of the way,” Vivian said with laughter that made my body shudder. I heard Trevor respond,

“She was too innocent and naive to believe I loved her. But it worked perfectly, didn't it?”

My stomach churned as I listened to them, my hands holding onto the chair tightly, I heard Trevor casually mention a project that would seal Vivian’s position permanently and it fueled a fire within me.

My hands clenched together as I stood on the balcony of the hall, it was trembling but it was not from sadness this time. It was fury, I stared at the beautiful lights of the city and silently vowed to take everything back from them even though I had no plans. I had no resources or connections to go against Vivian and Trevor.

“You look like you are about to break your fingers” A deep hoarse voice jotted me from my thoughts causing me to turn my head. My lips parted as I saw Adrian Cole, a handsome billionaire I had recognized from magazines. I have heard rumors about how cold, aloof, and intimidating he was but I had never been in the same space with him.

I giggled bitterly at his joke “I wouldn't do that”

There was still a lot to do with my fingers but he didn't need to know that. Adrian leaned against the railing and I felt his eyes on me causing me to gulp nervously.

“I would love to help you,” He said, his voice steady and firm. I raised my eyebrows with confusion before I responded,

“What are you talking about, CEO?

He looked into my eyes “Call me Adrian, you can’t be too polite if you want my help”

I scoffed hard at his words, “I never asked for your help, where is that coming from?

He moved closer to me, his scent clouding my nose.

“I overheard the little exchange in there. If you want to take them down, you need someone with the means to fight on your level”

I was beyond speechless, no words were able to form. His voice sounded again, this time impatient.

“But since you don't need my help, I will leave you now mademoiselle” And without waiting for my response, he began to walk away.

“Wait!” I called out to him and he stopped in his tracks, “And why would you want to help me?

He turned his head and smiled faintly at my narrowed eyes, “Let's just say I have my reasons. But it won't come for free”

Adrian proposed a deal to me, he was under pressure to marry and secure his business empire because of the meddling of his board directors.

“I need a fake fiancee to make them back off while I strengthen my power” He proposed and in return, he would help me with my revenge, money, connections, and other things I needed to bring those two down.

I furrowed my forehead together and hesitated, Adrian was a stranger to me but his offer was tempting, and now I was stuck between my instincts and anger.

“I don't have much time to give, darling” His voice jotted me from my thoughts, I curled my lips in slight annoyance, and he giggled.

I bit my lips with confusion but as my eyes caught Vivian and Trevor laughing and talking in the distance, I made my choice.

“Deal,” I said to him smiling, and extended my hand to shake him.

Adrian took my hand in his, his grip firm. “You won’t regret this”

I nodded at him when a question popped into my head and I asked subconsciously “Why did you choose me though?

“You have something I need and vice versa” He responded coldly.

“What do I have?

He closed his hands and opened his arm which I quickly put mine in. “Don’t be too nosy”

I rolled my eyes and we walked in, my lips curled into a smile, but it was not one of happiness. It was a smile of determination, I felt like I was back in control for the first time in years.

As we walked arm-in in arm-out of the auction, other guests murmured and whispered among themselves. I felt the weight of their stares but I kept my head high. We passed Vivian and Trevor, and I heard their little whispers,

“What is she up to now?

I didn't look back, for the first time, I wasn't just surviving, I was fighting back.