My Charming Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 2) Read online

  My Charming

  Billionaire

  Book Two

  The Grimwood Legacy Series

  Jackie Castle

  Castle Book Creations

  My Charming Billionaire

  Copyright 2019 by Jackie Castle

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

  Bible quotes come from either the New King James Version or New International Versions.

  Find out more about the author at Jackie Castle’s Story World,

  To keep updated on new releases, sign up for the Castle’s Story World Newsletter

  Or email her at [email protected]

  Castle’s Other Works

  For Romance Lovers

  The Grimwood Legacy Series

  My Beastly Billionaire

  Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Series:

  Snow Belle

  Secretly In Love

  Stormy Hearts

  Sun Kisses

  Candy Lane Christmas

  The Heart Collector

  Seasons End

  The Lavender Vale Farm Series

  Merciful Love

  Graceful Harmony

  Blessed Gifts

  ~*~

  For Fantasy Readers:

  The White Road Chronicles:

  Illuminated

  Luminosity

  Emanate

  Radiance

  Ignited

  Ablaze

  The White Road Tales Novellas

  Captured

  Stolen

  Ransom

  The Chronicles of Alburnium

  Blood and Water

  Silver and Light

  For Young Readers

  The Sentinels Archives: Through the Portal

  Dedication:

  I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

  where does my help come from?

  My help comes from the Lord,

  the Maker of heaven and earth.

  Psalm 121:1 NIV

  ~*~

  To friends who’ve encouraged the big dreams

  Patty, Kellie, Lynne, Janice

  To my steady rock and bestest friend

  Bob

  Table of Contents

  The Reading of the Will

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Four Months Later…

  Before You Go…

  Sample Chapter Here

  About the Author

  My Charming

  Billionaire

  Book Two

  The Grimwood Legacy Series

  The Reading of the Will

  So far, nothing from Father’s will had come as a surprise to Jeremy Grimwood. Aside from his older sister, Suzette, who was the princess of the family and doted on by her daddy, he was the second closest to Marcus Grimwood. But only because he agreed to work in his father’s investment bank.

  The closeness they had was more spatial than emotional. He saw his father every day, up until he became too sick to leave his bedroom. Once in a while, Jeremy was even called into Marcus Grimwood’s plush office, but only for briefings or special meetings.

  Then his father took ill and Uncle Thomas, otherwise known as Thomas Hanson, took over managing the bank. Uncle Thomas had married into the Grimwood family. He was also from a wealthy family, and father’s best friend in high school. It only stood to reason he’d sway one of the Grimwood sisters into marrying him.

  Jeremy glanced out the sixteenth story window at the hazy city below. His apartment was five blocks down the main street and two blocks to the right. He couldn’t see the tower from here. Too many other skyscrapers blocked his view.

  Suzette lived in the Upper East Side close to Central Park. Jeremy preferred to be in walking distance from the bank and had taken a long-term suite at Colton’s hotel in Midtown.

  Jeremy wasn’t big on parties or social events. Not like his brother Duncan or Suzette. Matter-of-fact, as far as his family went, he was pretty much the invisible child.

  “What do you mean, Mr. Peterson,” Duncan sat forward, his hands tightened into fists. “I never heard about a trust…”

  Ah, the trust. Jeremy had overheard Father talking about it to his senior partner, Uncle Thomas. He kept his face neutral, not wanting Duncan to know that he’d heard about this condition of the will and not warned anyone.

  Jeremy didn’t know enough about the change to warn anyone about anything.

  The two oldest were what he called the golden boys with their fair hair and handsome features. Mother’s pride and joy, before she’d passed away nearly ten years ago. The last two, he and Suzette, had taken after their mother and though Dad doted on his only daughter, he tolerated Jeremy at best.

  Yes, meet the conditions or accept the consolation prize. A few million. Jeremy bit his bottom lip. He knew meeting Father’s conditions shouldn’t be any problem for him. Uncle Thomas had let slip that Jeremy was being given the bank, though the old fellow didn’t seem happy about it.

  Oh well, between Thomas’ own family inheritance and his wife’s share, he would never be hurting in this life, nor his children for the next couple of generations.

  While Duncan and Colton bickered over the trust’s terms, Jeremy tuned out of the conversation until he caught his sister studying him. Clearing his throat, Jeremy straightened in his chair and considered going to refill his water. Except that might draw unwanted attention on himself. Better to stay still and wait for their fury to wane.

  Duncan was getting the jewelry stores. Since he enjoyed creating pieces, it seemed logical to give him the stores. And Colt, who loved living on his massive yacht seemed perfect to handle the family’s island. Jeremy wasn’t too sure what Suzette would get in the deal, but knowing how much Daddy doted on her, he was sure it would be something to her liking.

  So far, Mr. Peterson hadn’t had a chance to read their conditions. He stood, looking rather uncomfortable, which was odd. Clearing his throat, the lawyer read a paragraph from the paper he held in his hand. Jeremy blinked, wondering if he’d heard correctly.

  Suzette had spilled her water. Colton looked so angry his tanned face had turned red. Duncan seemed just as startled over the news as Jeremy was feeling. Surely, he’d heard wrong.

  “What do you mean,” Suzette gasped, trying to clean up her mess. “Another Grimwood? You mean a cousin, or—”

  “No!” Colton growled. “Do not tell me that Father wants to include him in this… this mess?”

  Everything that happened from then on was lost to Jeremy. They had another brother? A half-brother. And Father never once mentioned…yet, how did Colt seem to know?

  What about the others? Did…? No, from their shocked expressions, it seemed that they didn’t know either.

  Before he realized what was happening, Duncan hopped from where he sat and bid all of them a curt good-bye. Suzette sat on the leather couc
h, weeping. Colton continued to stare out the window, muttering that this was a cruel joke.

  Jeremy stood and went to sit by his sister, draping his arm over her shoulder as she cried, “What am I going to do with…why would Daddy do this to us? And not tell me, or us, that we have a…a... brother? How could he?”

  Colton slammed his glass on the side table. “Because, that’s the true man behind the mask, Princess.”

  Jeremy shot his oldest brother a warning glare. “Don’t take it out on her. I’m sorry you’re upset with inheriting the island. I thought it was perfect for you. And Suze, just think about what you can do with those stores…” he was about to say like Dunc, but he’d left in a huff.

  Colt shoved his hands into his baggy trousers. He’d always preferred casual dress to business suits. “You knew? Well of course you did. Both of you were Father’s pets. He’d not cast you aside like the rest of us, including the big mistake, right?”

  “Colt, stop,” Jeremy begged. This wasn’t helping anything. Why did his older brothers both have to be so…so…self-centered? “This isn’t helping anything. Did you know? About Rafe?”

  But Colton didn’t answer. He turned to Mr. Peterson and thanked him for his time, then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

  Suzette dabbed her eyes on a silk kerchief, then shoved it into her over-sized designer bag. “It’ll be fine, Jere-bear. I’m…I’m shocked, there’s no doubt. And I’ll find a way to…do something with those stores. You’re the lucky one, being given something you already knew how to run. The bank, of all things. And you’re smart with stocks and all that stuff I have no clue of. I’m a designer, not a businesswoman.”

  “Suze, that’s not true,” Jeremy tried to sooth. “You’re a smart businesswoman. I’ll help. Where I can.”

  He hated when his family fought like this. Maybe it was better that they all stayed far apart. Except that he hated that, too. At least his sister was near. Though she was often too busy with her clothing shows and parties to bother much with him.

  “Oh, you sweetie-pie.” She patted his cheek. “Why haven’t you snagged yourself a wife yet? You’re the sweetest out of this group. And the kindest.”

  Maybe because sweet and kind didn’t bode well in the investment world. She had no clue of the masks he wore on a daily basis. Nor did she know the deals he’d had to make, destroying struggling business, like pirates descending on a cargo ship. If she wasn’t careful, someone would come along and try to take what Father had left her, too.

  Jeremy squeezed her jeweled hand. “Call me, Suze, if you need help. I’ll do my best—”

  She was already standing and collecting her bag. “I’ll manage. Mr. Peterson, please let me know how your search for my brother goes? The moment you find him, I want to know, even if the others don’t.”

  Her brother? Like she didn’t have enough already?

  She was out the door before he could make a remark. Jeremy realized it wouldn’t make a difference anyway.

  “Jeremy, I’m glad you stayed behind. Mind if I have a word?” Mr. Peterson returned to his seat and leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he were suffering from a headache.

  “Sure. What’s on your mind, sir?” He took the chair that Colton has previously occupied.

  Mr. Peterson began to gather the papers and return them to their folder. “Despite what your siblings might think, I don’t wish for you to be under the illusion that you’ve been given the easiest task, son. I like you. You’re a man of integrity. You take after your mother. She was a fine, kind-hearted woman. I see a lot of her in you.”

  Jeremy ducked his head. He’d heard this before but it still bothered him. He’d always tried to be like his dad. Stern, formidable, and intelligent. Except, he didn’t have the callous personality of his father. And Marcus Grimwood knew it.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “There’ s a provision in the trust, I think you should be aware of.” Mr. Peterson pulled out the paper that had Jeremy’s information on it. “If you fail, your uncle will be awarded the bank. Now, I know you have the means to not fail. Your father often bragged about how savvy you were with finances and making money. He liked to call you Prince Midas as a joke.”

  This was news. Jeremy looked up at the lawyer, another long-standing friend of Father’s.

  “But you need to keep in mind that someone will hope you do fail. He stands to gain a lot if you do, understand what I’m trying to tell you?”

  Jeremy nodded, then stood. “Yes, thank you, Mr. Peterson. I appreciate you sharing that with me.” He extended his hand and shook with the lawyer before bidding him goodbye.

  As he headed down the elevator, Jeremy wondered, for a brief moment, if it would be so horrible to settle for the consolation prize. Being good at earning money hadn’t given him what he wanted. Not his father’s respect, nor his brothers’ and sister’s respect.

  He was well off but had nobody to share it with. And all his life he’d been warned about choosing a mate. Make sure they match your social status and wealth or they’ll try to sap you dry.

  Was that true?

  Jeremy Grimwood hoped not, but he wasn’t too sure.

  Chapter One

  Two years later…

  Melody Carson watched the Grimwood family’s celebration with a heavy heart. All of them were gathered in the private party room: Colton, the oldest, then Duncan, who she once had a huge crush on. Suzette with her raven black hair tied into a bun at the nape of her neck, and finally Jeremy, the youngest, yet most level-headed of the clan. He favored his sister more than the others.

  Duncan held his new fiancée, Elisa, wrapped in his arms. What a darling woman, and perfect for her old friend. She’d not seen Duncan smile so widely in years. This had to be the first time all of the Grimwood siblings had gathered under one roof in ages.

  Jeremy had told her it was a special occasion. Duncan had proposed to Elisa and wanted both families there to celebrate with them. Elisa Lucken’s parents and siblings were also crowded around the long wooden table of her ski lodge.

  Melody turned to the bartender, Barty, whose shy smile and quiet manners always made Melody grin. “Their drinks are on me. Just put the bill in my office after they leave. Don’t let Duncan argue with you about it.”

  Barty jerked his head in a nod. He never had much to say, either.

  Melody chuckled at his silent answer. Her blond curls brushed against her cheeks and she pushed the annoying tendrils behind her ears. Someday she’d draw Barty out of that introverted shell of his.

  “Say, have you seen Susie?” Melody asked, looking around for the accommodations manager. “I wanted to make sure to send a basket of drinks and snacks to their cabins.”

  Barty’s thick brows furrowed. “Think she’s in the office.” He reached for the old-fashioned rotary phone sitting behind the bar. “Should I call?”

  The old phone needed to be replaced a long time ago. Most of her newest employees didn’t even know how to use it. Her father, Steven Carson, had never seen a reason to replace a perfectly well-functioning phone with one of those small contraptions that were easily misplaced. Mom had agreed, as she was often losing anything not tacked down by nail or string.

  Four years ago, her parents had died in a car accident and left everything to her. Everything. Including the outdated phone, among other things. If only her parents had had more than one child. Maybe then Melody would have someone else to blame for the mess the resort was in. But no, she was the sole owner and manager. Melody had nobody to blame but herself.

  She’d reluctantly asked Jeremy Grimwood a few questions about finding investors, and he’d graciously answered as well as he’d been able with what limited information she’d offered. He was here to celebrate, not fix her problems. She already felt like a complete jerk for even bringing the matter up in the first place.

  Except she was bordering on desperation.

  Melody headed over to the noisy table. The Grimwoods were cluster
ed at one end and the Luckens at the other with Duncan and Elisa in the middle.

  “I wanted to wish you all a good night and let you know how happy I am to have you all here. If any of you need anything, do not hesitate to call.”

  “Yeah,” Colton smirked, an identical pre-teen girl on each side. “It’s like old times. I can’t wait to take my girls out on the slopes in the morning. Let them see where their old man learned how to ski.”

  The girls giggled and made a joke about leaving him on the bunny slopes.

  Suzette, who was sitting at the end of the table, patted Melody’s hand. “We are so pleased to be back here, Melody dear. You are looking stunning tonight, isn’t she Jere-bear?”

  Jeremy nodded, his cheeks blushing in that delightful way he had. When he was a boy running around the resort with his brothers and sisters, they used to make bets over who could make Jeremy’s face turn red first.

  Melody usually won.

  “Isn’t it wonderful to see our Dunc so happy?” Suzette propped her chin on her hand. “They’re almost disgusting, but it’s good to see him alive again.”

  Seeing Duncan’s change gave Melody hope that her own circumstances could change in the blink of an eye. Somehow, she’d find a way to save her resort from the wolves circling in for the kill. Try as she might to keep her situation quiet, the word had got out that the resort wasn’t making enough to cover expenses.

  She’d tried hard to keep this news from her workers, who were like family to her, but she feared they knew as well.

  So many of the large cooperation resorts had her beat with special-deal multi-resort package plans they offered customers.

  Melody only had this one resort, that still had landlines and rotary phones, for goodness sakes. She must find a way to bring her resort up to date. Even that wouldn’t be enough, she feared.