THE BILLIONAIRE ULTIMATUM

ER'S PE

and expensive art that screamed wealth without apology. He sat at the edge of his bed, still shirtless, nursing a glass of bou

e buzzed

alled for small talk. When his father summoned, it meant business and

d in a black suit, no tie, the look of a man who owned

EY'S E

smelled of cigars, leather, and legacy. Dark shelves towered with law books and fin

a document. His voice was calm, but calm wi

gainst the desk, folding his arms

carry the Grey name. That means more than power. It means legacy. Responsibili

is chest tightened. "Legacy

want your inheritance, don't you? The empire, the billions, the autho

panding in markets you never considered," Alexa

filling the room like smoke. "You think this life is about indulgence and women warming your be

at him, hated how much truth they carried. He wanted the inheritance. He wante

ou will attend dinner here at the estate. I expe

the oc

eplied, already dismissi

er's tone left no room for questions. He left the study with a

or behind him and sliding into his car. The city blurred by as

***

or, he forced his face into calm. Luna didn't d

lders, wearing one of his shirts. The sight of her so effortlessly a part

ce was tentativ

ing beside her. She searched his face the way she always did,

see him," she

aw ticked. He

that had haunted them ever since Harr

forcing her gaze to stay locked on his. "Listen to me, Luna. My

cept me. You've heard the way he talks about me. Abou

t it leashed. "To hell with his eyes. You'

," he said, voice rough. "Don't let him win by making you doubt yourself. I don't care how much m

tching him like he was the only steady thing in her world. He he

hrough the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting them in

, her eyes glistened. "Don't

ybe losing myself to you is th

d against his shoulder, Alexander's mind was already a storm. He couldn't tell her what his father had implied that

EY'S E

iers that lit the grand dining hall. Long polished mahogany table. Crystal glasses. Silver cutlery a

fection. He took his seat at his father's right, nodding at his mother who offered him a th

the heavy doubl

mpson, welcome. A

head turne

yled with authority. His wife, Catherine, glided beside him in an emerald gown, he

Thom

hair fell in loose waves, framing a face too striking to ignore high cheekbones, full lips painted a deep red, eyes that c

like the ground shifted. Not softness. Not romance. No it was recogniti

in years. He ushered them to the table, seating Reginald opposit

eginald spoke with the pride of a man who owned half the world. Catherine's laughter was practiced, cultured, too perfect. Avery, how

s throat, voice carrying aut

of our families." He lifted his glass. "Alexander will marry Avery Thompson. Together, G

landed lik

fway to his lips. He turned slowly to face

without telling me?

tiny. The Greys and the Thompsons together are untouchable. It se

sell my soul for a busines

slicing through his tone. "This is

With respect, Mr. Grey, I'm not a bargaining chip either. If this ma

met her gaze again sharp, unyielding, fea

ned hotter t

fragile calm. "You want to dictate my future? My bed? My life?" His eyes cut t

ison's jaw hardened, his hand tightening around his glass. Avery, though she didn't flinch. She sat th

his ears, but he refused to back down. He wanted them all

w but lethal. "Sit down, Alexande

trode out of the hall, shoulders rigid, rage carving through his chest. Behind him

merciless. He lit a cigarette, drawing in smok

The bargaining chip. The woma

had met his like she coul

was