At Odds with the Billionaire: A Clean and Wholesome Romance (Billionaires with Heart Book 1) Read online

  AT ODDS WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

  Billionaires with Heart Series Book 1

  Liwen Y. Ho

  At Odds with the Billionaire

  Copyright © 2018 by Liwen Y. Ho. All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design: Victorine Originals

  Interior Design: 2 Square 2 Be Hip (www.2square2behip.com)

  Publisher: 2 Square 2 Be Hip (www.2square2behip.com)

  First Edition

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Afterword

  Acknowledgments

  More Books by Liwen Y. Ho

  About the Author

  Dedication

  For my fellow author, Bree Livingston, who has been a source of inspiration and support in my indie author journey.

  Chapter One

  Gabriel

  “So, this is how the other half lives?”

  Gabriel Brooks turned to his right where his best friend, Noah Carter, sat in their limousine. He grinned to hear the awe in Noah’s voice. The nerdy college kid he’d met at Harvard was his right-hand man at a growing biotech company, but he was still a small-town boy at heart. “Not the other half, more like the half percent,” he clarified with a hint of pride.

  Billionaires were an oddity, or more precisely, one in 3.7 million, the last time Gabriel had checked. And as one of the world’s youngest billionaires at thirty-five, he was an even rarer find. He ran a hand through his dark hair, feeling the weight of his gold Cartier watch, one of the few items he had splurged on. Having rushed from the office straight to the airport to catch his flight early this morning, he couldn’t wait to change out of his suit and into some comfortable clothes.

  “My mind is blown. Seriously.” With his hands on either side of his head, Noah opened his fists and made a whooshing sound. “This is going to be an amazing vacation. I can’t wait to see your new place.”

  They were on their way to the estate villa Gabriel had recently purchased on the Big Island of Hawaii. He had been showing Noah pictures of the elaborate resort on his phone as they traveled along Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. Noah gawked at photo after photo, including one of a lush green golf course flanked by tall, swaying palm trees. Another picture showed off a covered lanai and a private infinity-edged swimming pool with a view of a sparkling blue ocean. The property even had its own tropical floral gardens. Even though Gabriel wasn’t a stranger to such lavishness, the beauty of the place still made his jaw drop. He could only imagine how Noah felt.

  “Thanks for asking me to come,” Noah remarked. “You’re sure it’s okay for me to crash your family vacation?”

  Gabriel chuckled. “Of course. Laurene actually said she prefers you to me and Devon any day.”

  “She said that?”

  If Gabriel wasn’t mistaken, Noah’s complexion had reddened at the mention of his sister’s name. “You’re like an honorary brother. Besides, I want you to see this trip as a small token of my appreciation for all you’re doing to help boost the company’s productivity. Bringing you on board was the best business decision I made last year.” He raised the glass of champagne he’d been drinking for a toast. “Here’s to health, happiness, and more groundbreaking medical breakthroughs.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Noah chimed in as he clinked his glass with Gabriel’s then took a sip.

  Gabriel leaned back in his plush seat and marveled at how good he had it these days. A practically endless supply of money to pay the bills. His dream car, a sleek jet black Bugati Veyron. A 14,000-square-foot mansion in Atherton, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the Bay Area. And now a fully staffed and elegantly furnished vacation home.

  Life hadn’t always been handed to him on a silver platter though. Up until five years ago, he’d been a researcher at a startup company in Silicon Valley. Little did he know his whole life would change after his father passed and left him, along with his two siblings, a billion dollars each.

  The secrets had all come out in an attorney’s office on a summer day much like today. Their father had done well in his lifetime, moving up in the ranks at a tech company until he made it to CFO. Not one to spend money on anything frivolous, he had invested his earnings in real estate then kept the fortune he’d made a secret from the entire family.

  Gabriel appreciated how their father had raised them to value education and hard work. Becoming a billionaire hadn’t changed the way he used money; he still counted every penny. The extra zeroes in his portfolio did allow him the freedom, however, to pursue his passions. He’d founded NeoGene Corporation with his brother, Devon, to help further cancer research. He had also started traveling more. Hawaii was just one destination where he frequented, but it was his favorite.

  “There’s one more thing we should’ve drank to,” Noah piped up suddenly.

  “One more?” Gabriel quirked a brow. “I’m pretty sure I covered all the bases. What else is there?”

  “Love.” Crinkles appeared around Noah’s hazel eyes as he smiled. When he spotted Gabriel’s droll expression, he clarified further. “I’m talking about a woman, Gabe. All our Harvard mates except for the two of us are married. We’re officially in our mid-thirties now. It’s time to start thinking about settling down. Don’t you agree?”

  “Love?” Gabriel spat out the word as if it were coated with bitterness. Not to mention sprinkled with regret. He’d been burned enough times by women who had dated him only for his money. “I don’t do love. Or marriage. Work keeps me busy enough and satisfied,” he added for good measure. The whole idea of relying on a person for fulfillment sounded desperate and foolish. He was neither. “I have everything I want.”

  “Sure, you have everything money can buy. But what about the things you can’t buy, like the support of a strong, faithful woman?”

  Gabriel scoffed. “I’ve yet to meet such a woman. If one does exist, I’d be willing to pay money to meet her.”

  Their limousine slowed and came to a stop. Gabriel’s shoulders relaxed, relieved to see Noah’s attention shift to the beautiful scenery outside.

  Seconds later, their driver opened the door and greeted them with fresh leis as they stepped out. “Aloha, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Carter. Please go ahead. I’ll bring your luggage in for you.”

  Gabriel thanked the driver then took a long, deep breath. The sweet scent of plumeria flowers filled his senses, calming him. This vacation was just what he needed. Some time away from the office. Disconnecting from the pressures of board meetings, financial statements, and sales forecasts. Just him, his siblings, and his best friend spending time together in paradise.

  A wave of peace washed over him as he beg
an leading Noah up the walkway toward the villa. “Come on, let’s get settled in. Since Laurene and Devon aren’t arriving until tonight, you can have first dibs on any room you want.” He winked at Noah as he opened the front door.

  Upon entering, Gabriel’s gaze swept the large sitting room, taking in the familiar vaulted ceiling, stone flooring, and the stunning ocean views from every angle. His eyes stopped, however, when they landed on the one thing—or person rather—that didn’t belong.

  A petite blonde woman stood next to a large hand-carved Hawaiian drum, wearing nothing but a white robe. Her face was natural-looking, devoid of any makeup. Other than some dark circles under her eyes, she had a healthy flush to her cheeks. Jaw slack, she gaped at them and shrieked, “Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?”

  Heat rushed up Gabriel’s neck as memories from high school suddenly flooded his mind. It’d been over a dozen years since he’d last seen her, but he’d recognize those big blue eyes and pouty lips anywhere. Seraphina James, Ms. Trust Fund Baby herself. What was his high school nemesis doing in his vacation home?

  Chapter Two

  Seraphina

  “I beg your pardon,” the unsmiling man standing before her touted. “This is my house.”

  Seraphina James pulled her robe tightly around her torso and crossed her arms for extra protection. She’d just taken a refreshing dip in the pool and was on her way to the kitchen for a snack. The last thing she expected to see was two strange men in her foyer. Her first thought was that her parents had sent them here to look for her, but she hadn’t told anyone about this weekend trip.

  Had they walked into the wrong villa? Or worse, were they trying to rob her? She highly doubted that though; they were too handsome to be thieves. Especially the taller man with the wavy brown hair and piercing eyes. She swallowed hard as her body warmed under his gaze. Argh! What was she doing? She shook her head free of the thoughts invading her mind and tried to focus on the issue at hand. What had they been talking about? Oh yes, the house!

  “No, it’s not! This is my house,” Seraphina reiterated with a firmer tone, the one she used when she gave orders at work. “At least it is for another week while it’s in escrow. I don’t know who you are, but you need to leave.”

  The taller man opened his mouth, but she cut him off before he could speak. “Before I call the authorities. Capiche?”

  The men looked at each other, seeming to communicate with only their eyebrows. She wasn’t sure how they were related, if they were. The two guys were dressed as differently as possible; one in casual shorts and a T-shirt, the other one in a suit and tie. The latter man looked hot in his attire, both literally and figuratively. Seraphina narrowed her eyes as she studied his face. She couldn’t place him, but there was something very familiar about the way he smirked. The last time she’d seen such haughtiness was back in high—! Her jaw dropped in shock. “I do know you. You’re Gabriel Brooks, the guy who stole the valedictorian title right out from under me!”

  He scoffed loudly. “I beat you fair and square by four points. At least I’m not the one squatting in someone else’s home.”

  Seraphina’s cheeks heated. Did he forget who she was? Her family owned James & James, the largest multinational consumer goods corporation, making her one of the youngest billionaires in the world. She owned a dozen properties, for goodness’ sakes! She’d only decided to sell this particular place after she found one twice its size on a Caribbean island.

  How dare Gabriel accuse her of something so desperate and distasteful as squatting? She shouldn’t be surprised, considering how jealous he’d been of her and their wealthy classmates. He and his siblings were among the few students who had attended their elite prep school via scholarships. “I resent that ridiculous claim. If anyone’s squatting, it’s you! How else would you be able to afford to stay here, Gabriel?”

  If looks could kill, Seraphina was sure her heart would stop beating any minute now. She saw Gabriel’s friend pull him back. The man then stepped forward and placed himself in between the two of them. “Hi, I’m Gabe’s friend, Noah. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  Seraphina eyed Noah’s outstretched hand before shaking it. At least Gabriel had something going for him—good taste in friends—other than his handsome face, which she really ought not to be staring at. Blinking quickly, she returned her attention to Noah. If Gabriel wouldn’t listen to reason, maybe his friend would. “I’m Seraphina, but you can call me Sera. That’s a privilege reserved for my friends,” she added with a glare in Gabriel’s direction.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Sera.” Noah smiled graciously. “I, uh, believe we have a misunderstanding of sorts here that can be cleared up easily enough. You’re in the process of selling this place, and Gabe was the one who bought it. His realtor said he was welcome to move in today. What did yours say?”

  “Mine?” Seraphina tapped her chin with one red polished finger as she tried to remember the conversation. “I believe she said I had until July seventeenth to move out.” Or was it the seventh, which would be today? She chewed on her lower lip, truly unsure of the answer.

  She’d taken her realtor’s call right after a board meeting where she had learned some devastating news that affected her both professionally and personally. The shocking announcement had caught her completely off guard. Unfortunately, she hadn’t had the clarity of mind in that moment to write the date down.

  Gabriel’s brows shot up. “You remembered wrong. It was the seventh, not the seventeenth.”

  Seraphina bristled at his haughty tone. He sure had changed. The teenager she remembered had been a pain in her behind but more humble than the man standing before her. If he was truly the owner of this villa, he must’ve come into some serious money since high school. Whatever the case, she hated the fact that Gabriel was winning this argument.

  He promptly strode over, cell phone in hand, and presented it for her to read. “This email from my realtor proves it.”

  She took the phone from him, inhaling sharply as her fingers brushed his. Had he felt the jolt of electricity that passed between them? If so, he didn’t let on. Instead, he tapped on the phone screen and declared once again, “The house is mine, Fiery One.”

  The grin on Gabriel’s face stole Seraphina’s breath away. He had some gall to use the old nickname he’d given her, even though by definition, it was what her name meant. For a moment, she spotted his playful side, the one that had made sparring with him so much fun. She had loved how different he was from the other kids at school, that he didn’t come from old money or have a sense of entitlement. Instead, he had worked hard and earned his way to the top. She’d never tell him this, but she hadn’t minded losing the title of valedictorian to him.

  But she hated the idea of losing this house to him when he was being such a jerk. She supposed it was a good thing she was seeing his true colors. Old feelings she once had for Gabriel were creeping up again, making it hard to think straight. The sooner she could leave this place, the better. She desperately needed to escape the presence of this pretentious man.

  Chapter Three

  Gabriel

  “What are you waiting for?”

  “Huh?” Gabriel blinked as Noah’s question traveled through one ear to the other. It seemed to bypass his brain because all he could focus on was the woman sauntering out of the room, her long legs disappearing as she rounded the corner. Never in a million years had he expected to see Seraphina again.

  Sure, they both lived in Silicon Valley, but it wasn’t like they ran in the same social circles. Not that he socialized much to begin with. During high school, Seraphina had always kept up with the Joneses, or in her case, anyone who wore designer shoes and drove the fastest cars. She’d been a pampered little thing with her false lashes and manicured nails. Rumor had it her father had even paid for a nose job the summer after graduation. From the looks of it, Gabriel guessed that one was true. Her pert nose was just about perfect, along with the rest of her face
. She was what his brother would call drop-dead gorgeous. But that attitude? No surgery in the world would be able to fix that.

  Gabriel realized his friend was still waiting for him to answer. He had no idea what Noah’s question was though. “Sorry, what did you say?”

  “The driver brought in our bags. Care to show me to my room?”

  “Oh, right.” He glanced around for a moment to gather his bearings. Too many late nights at work, coupled with the weariness of a five-hour flight, had his thoughts jumbled. Getting into a verbal sparring match with Seraphina hadn’t helped either. Her presence reminded him of how hard he had worked back in high school to prove that he was just as good as the rich kids. Little did he know he would one day be like them—sans the streak of entitlement.

  He led Noah through the bright and airy living room with its large windows facing the Pacific and down a long hallway. The path took them to a guest bedroom, the smallest of the four bedrooms in the 7,000-square-foot house. Small was a relative word, considering it had its own sitting room and bathroom. The walk-in closet was larger than the bedroom he’d had growing up. He knew most people would jump at the chance to stay there.

  Noah was obviously one of them. He took one step into the room and declared it his. “This is perfect. I’ll take it, if that’s okay.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to check out the other rooms? There’s also another guest room similar to this one, a secondary master suite, and a grand master bedroom suite. The suites are much larger and have their own door to the pool in back.”

  “This one is as big as my whole apartment. Anyways, Laurene would appreciate having more space.”

  “You’re right. Her shoe collection alone needs its own room.” Gabriel rolled his eyes. It was a wonder his sister still qualified to be a billionaire, considering how much she spent on retail therapy. Fortunately, she had a knack for picking the right stocks to invest in. At least she made an effort to earn money, unlike a certain woman he knew who depended on her father to provide. He shook his head. How had Seraphina squirmed her way into his thoughts again?