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  Investigating the Billionaire

  Eliza Boyd

  Investigating the Billionaire

  Copyright © 2019 by Eliza Boyd

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information and retrieval system without express written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.

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

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  Contents

  Investigating the Billionaire

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peek of Book 2

  To The Reader

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Investigating the Billionaire

  One reporter who needs to uncover a story.

  One billionaire who mistakes her for his new chef.

  Two giant secrets.

  Is that the recipe for a disaster?

  Or the recipe for love?

  1

  Tessa closed the door to her boss’s office. The rain beyond his window didn’t seem like it would ever let up. That was unusual for October in Phoenix, but it perfectly set the tone for this meeting. When Mitch had called her in, she’d known that this wasn’t going to be good. And judging by the look on his face, it really wasn’t going to be good.

  She rolled her shoulders back and prepared for the worst. If she wanted to keep her job at the Phoenix Tribune after what had happened with her last article—and she most certainly needed her job—then she’d have to go along with it. Whatever it was on this dreary Wednesday morning.

  Mitch gestured with his hand from behind his desk. “Have a seat, Miss Berkley.”

  She started to do just that and then paused halfway down, hovering over the chair. “I’ve worked here for three years. We’re back to that now?”

  Her boss rested his elbows on his desk, clasped his hands, and leaned forward. “We’ll go back to first names when you’ve earned a seat at the first name table again.”

  She didn’t like the sound of that, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. She sat in the chair, readying her pen over her notepad.

  He cleared his throat and grabbed a manila folder from a stack on the edge of his desk. “Ready for your next assignment?”

  Tessa took a deep breath and prepared herself. “Yeah, sure. What is it?”

  “Okay,” Mitch huffed. He opened the folder and licked his thumb to turn the page. “Beckett Stone, twenty-nine and living right here in Paradise Valley. He’s had several trips all over the country in the last few months, meeting with a different ex-con each time, but nothing’s on the public books. Looks like his multibillion-dollar company, Jack Stone Enterprises, is doing something illegal—or maybe it’s just him. Not sure. It’s up to you to find out and report about it.”

  Her pen fell to her notepad. All she could do was blink at her boss. “Did you say billion?”

  “Yep,” he confirmed, shutting the folder and sliding it toward her with his fingertips. When she didn’t say anything, he leaned back in his chair. “I know. Okay? I know how you feel, but this is the comeback story I’m assigning you.”

  Shaking her head, she scoffed. “You’re setting me up for failure.”

  But he shook his right back. “Not the way I see it. To me, I’m setting you up to succeed. You’ll stop at nothing to bring the bad guy down.”

  Tessa’s jaw tightened. Mitch had a point, but she didn’t want to see it that way. Instead, she wanted to be assigned a story about a scandal within a local knitting club or something. Not something that could potentially make national—or even international—news. She needed a lowkey job after what had happened. This was decidedly not lowkey.

  “Mitch—” she started, but he wouldn’t hear it.

  He raised a hand in the air. “Nope. That’s final. I expect this story on my desk in the next two weeks. Otherwise…” His voice trailed off and he let the unspoken truth hang in the air.

  Otherwise, she was fired. Otherwise, she’d no longer have a job or an income. Otherwise, her reputation as a serious reporter in this city would never bounce back.

  Yeah, yeah. She got it.

  Tessa tucked her brown hair behind her ears. She had to do this to continue supporting her sister. There was no way she’d let Sarah down. “Okay,” she said, jotting a couple of notes down on her notepad.

  Beckett Stone

  Jack Stone Enterprises

  Illegal dealings?

  Billionaire

  Two weeks

  She had no problem believing he was doing shady stuff. From her experience, that was what people with that kind of money did. They were above the law—or at least they thought they were. Untouchable. She’d figure out how to get to the bottom of this. It was her job, and even though she was in a corner, she loved her job. Exposing the truth was her calling.

  “On it, boss.” She rose from her chair and spun toward the door. When she put her hand on the doorknob, Mitch’s voice stopped her.

  “Don’t forget. This is your last chance. So don’t get yourself in trouble this time, got it?”

  Her stomach soured as she thought about the debacle related to her last article. This wasn’t going to be another version of that, but nothing she could say would assure him otherwise. She’d just have to do her job—correctly this time—and prove herself.

  “Got it.” She twisted the handle and left his office, ignoring the pit of worry in her belly. Instead, she replaced it with determination to keep her sister in good hands.

  The money from an internationally published article could work miracles for Sarah. It could help Tessa get Sarah to the new clinic opening in Cambridge, Massachusetts, later in the year, and she would do whatever she had to in order to make that happen. Sarah didn’t deserve to have yet another person in her life disappoint her. So she set her sights on Beckett Stone and whatever mess he’d gotten himself into.

  Instead of going back to her desk, Tessa went to the office kitchen to microwave some popcorn so she could snack her stress away. After unwrapping the package, she checked the directions, popped the bag into the microwave, and set the timer. Turning her back toward her future snack, she folded her arms and leaned against the counter.

  Audrey found her in the kitchen. Her frizzy curls bounced as she approached Tessa. “How’d it go?” she asked.

  Tessa huffed out a breath. “Fine, I guess. Relatively painless.” She unfurled her arms and placed her hands on the edge of the counter behind her. “But this new assignment…” Shrugging, she finished with, “We’ll see.”

  Audrey scrunched her face sympathetically. “Well, if I can help, let me know.” Her friend drummed her fingers on the counter. “I’m just five feet away.” She pointed through the doorway to the desk next to Tessa’s.
br />   That made Tessa smile for the first time that day. She had always been able to count on Audrey to be there for her, so she knew she’d be there if she needed her now. “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

  But the smile faded when Audrey said, “Is something burning?”

  Tessa sniffed the air. Yep, something was burning, all right. Leave it to her not to be able to even microwave popcorn correctly. She pulled the microwave door open and steam rolled out, creating a cloud around her head. Batting the air away with one hand, she reached inside with the other, burning the tips of her fingers on the bag. She yelped but managed to get the bag out, passing it from one set of fingers to the other until she reached the garbage.

  So much for snacking her stress away.

  She went back to her desk instead. After snagging the address of Jack Stone Enterprises’ headquarters, Tessa told Audrey that she was going to follow her lead. She had no more time to waste, so she grabbed her keys and her purse.

  “Already?” Audrey asked. When Tessa nodded, she stood from her chair. “Want company?”

  Part of her wanted to dig her stubborn heels in and insist she had this on her own. But another part of her knew she couldn’t let her pride get in the way of her success, which was ultimately money for Sarah’s healthcare. The insurance through her job was awful, which meant she had to save up every penny she could. Raising a young teen was not cheap, but neither were treating her autism and staying on top of her development.

  So she agreed and they both went to her car, a beat-up Toyota Corolla she’d bought used with all the cash she’d been able to scrounge up three years ago.

  When Audrey grabbed the passenger’s-side door handle, it fell off the car and she stumbled back. “Oh, Tessie. It’s that bad now?”

  Tessa’s cheeks burned, but there was nothing she could do except stop at the store for more duct tape. She put it on her mental list for later—whenever that would be. “We make it work,” she mumbled before getting in behind the wheel. Then she opened Audrey’s door from the inside and took the handle she’d fix when she had time.

  On the drive, Tessa gave her friend the rundown of the assignment Mitch had given her as the rain splashed against her windshield. “So we’re headed to the headquarters so I can get a feel for what they do there. Maybe something will give me a feeling when I look around.”

  “Maybe.” Audrey lifted a shoulder. “Hopefully.” Then she gasped and whipped her head in Tessa’s direction. “What if he’s there right now? What are you going to do?”

  Tessa narrowed her eyes, keeping her gaze aimed through the windshield. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean,” her friend insisted, stretching the words out, “what’s your story for this one? Who are you and why are you there?” She poked Tessa in the leg.

  Rolling her eyes, Tessa gritted her teeth. She hated lying, even though her honesty was what made her fail her previous assignment. That was half the reason she wished she could switch desks and report about fashion or the latest trends in vegan food. Something simple. Something that didn’t require deception or butting her nose into someone else’s business.

  Unless, of course, it was for someone with money who couldn’t help but get his hands dirty. Why couldn’t anyone with those kind of zeroes in their bank account do something good for a change?

  She took a deep breath. “I’ll say I’m there to interview people about the business. That’s kinda true, isn’t it? It’ll be fine.”

  Audrey didn’t look all that confident, but she’d have her back. Tessa was sure of that. She’d stuck up for her when things had gone awry for Tessa last time. In fact, Audrey was the only reason Tessa even had this second chance. She owed her a lot for being such a great friend, and she hated being in anyone’s debt.

  When they arrived at the high-rise, she parked the car in the garage, thankful she wouldn’t have to get soaked in the rain. Inside the building, they took the elevator up to the twenty-fourth floor—almost the top—where Jack Stone Enterprises was located. There, they were greeted by a secretary with gray hair in a bun at the nape of her neck.

  “Hi,” Tessa said, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. “I’m here to interview—”

  “You’re here for the new chef position, correct?” the woman questioned like she was in a hurry. “Let me get the paperwork. One second.” She held up a finger and shuffled through some papers on the desk with her free hand.

  Chef position? Tessa had no idea what this woman was talking about. No one in their right mind wanted her to cook anything for them. She could mess up baking premade cookies and cooking microwave meals. The popcorn earlier was a prime example.

  This was not off to a great start.

  “Actually, my name is—” Tessa tried to say.

  “Ahh. Here it is.” The older woman held a sheet of paper in the air. “Jamie Kent, the new chef the agency placed with Mr. Stone. No interview needed, it says.” When she looked up at Tessa, it was like she was expecting her to confirm that fact.

  Tessa peeked over at Audrey before trying again. “Oh, n-no, I’m—”

  But Audrey cut her off and pushed her forward. “Yes! This is Jamie Kent, the new chef!”

  Oh, no, she didn’t, Tessa thought. But it was too late.

  “Hi. I’m Gwen,” the secretary said, reaching forward to shake her hand.

  Conflicted about what to do, Tessa hesitantly gave the woman her hand while glancing over her shoulder at her friend. With wide eyes, Audrey urged her to go along with this. Then she wiggled her fingers in Tessa’s direction, further sending home the message. A second later, she suddenly straightened her face out and brought those fingers to her hair, pretending like she wasn’t paying attention as she gazed at the ceiling. When Tessa looked back at Gwen, who was still shaking her hand, her gaze was over Tessa’s shoulder.

  “And who are you?” Gwen asked Audrey.

  “Just a friend,” she answered quickly, waving the question away. “I wanted to make sure she got here safely. That’s all.”

  Gwen let go of Tessa’s hand. “Isn’t that sweet.” She leaned toward her and said, “You’re lucky to have such a caring friend.”

  Tessa was aware of that, but in this instance, she couldn’t quite agree with the sentiment. She gave Gwen a tight smile instead.

  “I’ll see you later, Jamie,” Audrey said, placing a strong emphasis on the name. “Good luck with the new job!” Grinning, she flounced through the doors, leaving the two women alone.

  Tessa decided she no longer owed Audrey anything after that. She wanted to wipe the smirk off her friend’s face. But this might be her only way in, and even though it was a lie, she had to take it.

  Sarah’s health relied on it.

  She followed Gwen down a long hall. Name plates announced whose offices they were passing, and she wondered if any of these people knew what kind of shady business dealings their boss had gotten into. Probably not, but she made a mental note to ask around when she got the chance anyway.

  When they reached the end, Gwen said, “Here’s Mr. Stone’s office. I’ll introduce you two and then we’ll see if he wants you to stick around today.”

  Tessa nodded, but inside, her heart was racing. She’d had no idea she was going to meet the man this quickly. Especially for a job she couldn’t even do. Her palms started sweating, and she readjusted the bag on her shoulder again, wishing she hadn’t lugged her computer with her. She’d thought she’d look around, observe, ask some questions, and then write up her notes at the coffee shop down the street. Not come face-to-face with the man in question.

  Gwen knocked on the door before opening it, and then there he was.

  Beckett Stone. Billionaire and possible criminal.

  Sitting behind his desk, he exuded power and intrigue. He looked commanding in his suit and tie as he used a pen to scribble something down on paper. As Tessa stepped through the door and stopped right before the rug under his desk, she tried to imagine what kind of illegal stuff he’d do. Mayb
e using offshore accounts to launder money or some other white-collar crime.

  But then he lifted his head when Gwen called his name and Tessa’s heart started racing for a brand-new reason.

  Sure, she’d seen a few photos of him when she’d done her hasty research. But none of those pictures had prepared her for the man in person.

  How could anyone with such intense, green eyes and that carved jawline do anything illegal?

  His gaze softened when it landed on Gwen. “Who have you brought to my office today?” He got up and walked around to the front of his desk. There, he braced his hands on the edge and perched on it.

  “This is Jamie, the new personal chef you hired through the agency,” she answered.

  Beckett’s eyes narrowed. “I thought they were sending them to my house. And tomorrow, not today.”

  Uh oh. Tessa wiped her slick hands on her jeans. This wasn’t at all going the way she’d imagined. And if she’d known she was going to get caught lying to a billionaire when she’d gotten dressed this morning, she would have put on something more presentable.

  “I thought so too,” Gwen said, “but it seems they messed up.” After a pause, she added, “Again.”

  He hung his head and sighed. “That’s the last straw. Fire them.” To Tessa, he said, “Sorry you came all the way out here for nothing,” as he rose from the edge of his desk.

  Oh, no. She hadn’t come this far for nothing. She had to fix this now that she was committed to the lie.

  “But you’d be making a—” she began to say as she lurched forward to get his attention.

  And she got his attention all right.