THE BILLIONAIRE CEO AND THE CON WOMAN

Author's POV

As Charlotte hurriedly packed her clothes into a box, her mind raced with a lot of emotions: fear mixed with rage and regret. As she packed her bags, memories of her past started to flood in, especially her complicated past relationship with Carter Richardson. She couldn't help but think back to when they first met, how she had orchestrated their encounter at the airport. She had seen his picture on the television and had marked him as her next target to defraud. Charlotte was a con woman and her job was scamming rich men. Initially, she thought he would be a heartless, devilish billionaire as the newspapers portrayed him to be. However, upon getting to know him personally, she realized he was different from what the newspaper and tabloids have portrayed him to be. After going on a few dates, she started getting drawn and attracted to him. Before she knew it, she was already in love with him. Their romantic relationship had blossomed unexpectedly. Carter had fallen deeply in love with Charlotte, and she found herself also in love with Carter.

As she contemplated what to do with her feelings, she got a call from her younger brother, Hudson.

"Hey sis," he said, panicking on the phone.

"What's wrong?" She asked, feeling concerned.

"I am in trouble sis, I have really messed up this time," he finally responded.

Hudson then told her that he had been involved with a drug lord, Julian, and that he has lost his drugs, and now owed Julian about 20 million dollars and if he doesn't pay the money soon Julian would come to kill him.

"Don't worry, I will do something about this," she reassured Hudson before ending the call.

After the call ended, Charlotte resolved herself on what to do. She would have to choose her brother over the love she had for Carter.

When Carter finally proposed to Charlotte, Charlotte accepted, but deep down, she knew she couldn't go through with it. She had to protect her brother, which meant she had to go back to her original plan of defrauding Carter. So, on what was supposed to be their wedding day, Charlotte vanished, along with $19 million of Carter's money. She left the country, leaving behind the love of her life in order to protect her brother.

Now two years have passed, and her younger brother has again gotten caught in trouble that requires a lot of money that she could not afford. The only person she knows who has that kind of money is Carter.

Now, she prepares herself to meet Carter once again and seek his help, while she still cared for him and despite her betrayal, her priority was her brother's safety. She would not allow sentimentality to cloud her judgment nor will she show any sign that she still has feelings for him, not when her brother's life was at stake.

With her passport and visa for Miami in hand, Charlotte resolved herself. She knew confronting Carter was risky, but she had to try. She had to convince him to help her brother escape the dangerous situation he had gotten himself into.

She landed in Miami early in the afternoon and immediately went to Carter's office.

--------------------------------

Carter Richardson while in his office was feeling off. He was sensing that something was about to happen,

he felt a sense of impending trouble in his bones, and he struggled to shake off the feeling and focus on work. He sighed, trying to wake himself up.

"Focus, Carter, what's wrong with you?" he muttered to himself.

Opening his emails, he scanned through tasks and messages but couldn't bring himself to respond to any of them. "What's going on with me today?" he wondered.

Finally, he called his assistant, Austin, to his office. Austin, a chubby man, hurried in looking nervous.

"Yes, sir?" Austin asked anxiously.

Carter observed him. "You seem like you're hiding something or have seen something you don't want me to know. What is it?" he asked, already sensing something was up with his assistant.

"It's nothing, sir. I didn't see anything bad, just someone..." Austin hesitated.

Carter waited patiently for Austin to continue.

"...Someone who might not be bad to me, but to you, she's not good. And she's probably on her way up here to see you," Austin finally explained.

"Who?" Carter asked, feeling uneasy.

"I didn't notice her until she got into the elevator," Austin admitted.

"Who are you talking about?" Carter pressed.

Before Austin could respond, the door opened, revealing someone Carter never expected to see again. His heart raced, and he felt a lump in his throat.

It was Charlotte fucking Patterson. Now he understood why he hadn't been feeling right that morning. The trouble he sensed had arrived, and it was standing right in front of him.

CARTER POV

It felt like time stopped. All I could hear was my racing heart, the ticking of the wall clock, and the door closing as Austin left to give us some privacy.

I didn't know what to say or do. I just stared at the woman who had caused so much trouble in my life two years ago.

I had imagined this moment countless times. I thought I'd confront her, ask her why she did what she did, or maybe just break down in front of her.

But now that it was happening, I was speechless.

She took a step closer, the sound of her heels echoing in my office. I swallowed hard.

She hadn't aged a day. If anything, she looked even younger and prettier than I remembered.

"Hi," she said quietly. Her voice sounded familiar, but there was something different about it this time. I sensed desperation and frustration in her tone.

"If you knew what I was thinking, you wouldn't be here," I replied, keeping my voice steady.

She took another step closer, swallowing nervously.

"I... I don't know where to start," she began, then sighed. "But I guess I should apologize..."

"What do you want?" I interrupted, knowing she wasn't here to apologize. If she truly wanted to, she would have done it two years ago. Women like her only come back for a reason.

She swallowed again. "Okay, you want me to be direct? You always liked that." She ran her hands through her blonde hair, something I used to admire. "Fine. I'm here because... well... I..."

Silence hung in the air, making my heart pound harder.

Stay in control, Carter. Stay in control.

She spoke up again. "Carter, I really need your help, and-"

"I figured that out pretty quickly," I scoffed, interrupting her. I stood up, keeping my distance from her. Leaning against my desk, I crossed my arms over my chest. "What's the deal? Did you blow through the 19 million you stole from me? Need more?"

"Carter-"

"Answer the question or get out," I said calmly, though I could feel my buried pain and anger resurfacing.

"I'm in debt and on the run. I know what I did two years ago-"

"We all know," I cut her off.

Another awkward silence followed.

"My point is, it was wrong. I know you don't want to hear my apology, so I'll get straight to the point. I'll repay the 19 million dollars by working for you for free until it's paid off. And if you accept, I'll work off the rest of my debt to you the same way. No salary or favors, just complete loyalty."

I shoved my hands into my pockets. "Go on."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "You have no shame, do you?" I asked.

"Please, Carter, I wouldn't be here if I didn't need your help. I have no one else to turn to. I know we didn't part on good terms-"

"We didn't part at all. You left without a word," I interrupted.

She looked frustrated, but I didn't flinch.

"I know what I did, Carter, and I know why the police haven't arrested me yet. I'll repay you. It's a fair deal. I'll work for you without complaint, I promise," she begged. "Please, this is a matter of life and death... You know these people, Carter."

"I don't know anything," I replied.

She sighed, biting her lip. I forced myself to look away.

"I'm sorry, Carter."

"I don't need your apology," I snapped. "You can leave now," I said, turning away and indicating the door.

"What I did was wrong," she blurted out, stopping me.

I turned to face her.

"I know I hurt you, played you, and stole from you. My actions were unforgivable. My brother's life is in danger, and so is mine. We're talking about men with guns, Carter. I just need some money to keep them at bay. We can make a deal on paper. I promise I'll be loyal. I don't care how long it takes to pay off the debt, even if it's twenty years. I'll do anything you ask. Please, Carter, don't turn me away. You're the only one I can ask."

My heart swelled with emotions I couldn't deny. She still had my heart after two years, maybe even more.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. What did I do to deserve this punishment?

I was considering her plea, though I shouldn't have been. But here I am, considering it.

"Okay, I've heard you," I said.

She let out a sigh of relief. "But I sense a 'but' coming."

I nodded. "But first, you have to answer a few questions."

"Anything you want."

Two years ago, I had so many questions. Now, I could only think of a few. "Did you ever love me, like you said?"

She swallowed, guilt in her green eyes. "No."

I nodded, feeling a sharp pain in my heart. "So, our meeting, everything-"

"It was all planned. I'm sorry," she admitted.

"You didn't feel anything for me at all?" I asked, needing confirmation.

"No, Carter. I never loved you. The plan was to keep the game going for a few months, but then you proposed. You wanted to get married quickly. I had to leave abruptly. I wanted to break up normally, but I ran out of time. I'm sorry, I deceived you. You didn't deserve that."

Hurt and hatred burned inside me. "Is Charlotte even your real name?"

She hesitated, avoiding my gaze. "Not exactly. I changed my name from Selena to Charlotte years ago. And my last name isn't Patterson. I changed that too."

"What else about you is fake?" I asked.

She sighed. "Carter, this isn't necessary. I'm Charlotte Patterson now-"

"If we're going to work together, I need to know the real you," I insisted.

"Okay. I was born in Mexico City, Veracruz. I never knew my parents, but I knew my brother and I were Mexican, not Irish like I told you. We moved from foster care to foster care, all over. My hair isn't really blonde but dark brown, and I hate pizza," she confessed.

She once told me she loved pizza. How could I have been so foolish?

"You really fooled me, didn't you?" My tone was cold.

"I'm sorry," she said.

I shook my head, unable to handle my emotions. "You'll work for a month. After that, I'll give you the money, and we'll have the paperwork for the deal ready by then."

Her eyes widened. "A month? That's too long, Carter. I might not have much time."

"It's a month, or no deal," I insisted.

She hesitated, thinking it over before nodding. "Okay, I'll manage. Thank you."

"I don't need your thanks. You need to be here before six in the morning, before my other employees arrive."

"Okay. What will I be doing?" she asked.

"Your job is to do whatever I ask without questioning or complaining," I replied.

She nodded.

"If you're even a minute late, the deal is off," I warned.

"Got it," she said uncomfortably.

"One more thing," I added.

"Yes, Carter?" she answered eagerly.

"Don't call me Carter. It's Mr. Richardson or Sir," I instructed firmly.

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Sounds good, Miss Patterson," I said with a glare.

This was just the beginning.

I was only accepting this because I wanted to get my revenge. I'll break her so bad, just like she broke me.16

You don't know what you just signed up for Charlotte.

You don't.

CHARLOTTE POV

I stood in front of the mirror in my old Miami apartment's bathroom, feeling small. My life had been terrible these past few years. Running from Nacho Alvarez was a constant threat.

Ever since Hudson and I escaped from our 11th foster home, we'd been on the run, changing our names, scamming wealthy people, and getting away with it.

But when Hudson messed with the wrong guys, things went downhill fast.

Now Julian was after both of us. I had to come up with 14 million or we'd be in serious trouble. I managed to hide Hudson, but he thought I was controlling him too much. He insisted he could take care of himself.

But he was only seventeen. He was still a kid, and I had to look out for him. He made a mistake getting involved with those monsters.

I knew what we did to survive. We conned people, but we kept our distance to avoid getting attached. However, Hudson once broke the rules by falling for a girl, and it nearly got us into trouble.

All Hudson and I had was each other. We managed to stay out of foster care and build a decent life from our illegal activities. But Hudson's drug use was a problem.

Sometimes I blame myself. If I had paid more attention to him, maybe this wouldn't have happened. I regret hurting poor Carter.

I had to leave Carter suddenly to save my brother. I never planned to marry him, but if Hudson hadn't caused trouble, maybe I would have considered it.

I didn't love Carter. I was with him for his money. It was a selfish move, but I had to take care of my brother somehow.

I tried to end things, but it didn't work. I was only supposed to con Carter for a few months, but then he proposed, and I felt bad for him.

I didn't love him back, but he believed I did. I was good at pretending, too good. It was almost too easy. That's why I was considering the marriage proposal. I knew I could keep up the act forever.

I had deceived rich men before, but I had never felt guilty until now.

Before I started deceiving Carter Richardson, I researched him. He was wealthy and young, just a bit older than me. He seemed like the perfect target. But when I got to know him, I realized he was genuinely nice. Nicer than I expected.

Playing him was easy. I arranged a fake meeting at an airport, purposely mixing up our tickets so he would come find me. He fell for it completely.

Now, he hated me, and I didn't know how things would turn out. But I promised to do whatever he wanted without complaint, as long as I got the money and protected my family.

Like I said, Carter was really nice and a part of me knew before hand that he wasn't going to call the cops on me. If it were any other man, I'd be dead the moment I stepped into his office.

He still looked the same, as charming as he did the first time I actually saw him in person at the airport. His dark eyes was enough to pull you into lust. His eyes were so sexy that I Charlotte Patterson, found it so difficult to put my words together.

But it all worked in my favor.

I was aiming for the target, and I got it. I got it, claimed it, and then I broke it.

I won't lie, I felt so freaking guilty the moment I left, I felt so guilty and sorry that I even felt moisture in my eyes, and when I landed back in Mexico, my reflection in the mirror was something I would never forget. Ever.

Then and there, I had decided to stop the stupid job, I had decided to just work hard on my own, and stop the illegal, not so illegal job. But then, Hudson just had to do it again.

Ding dong.

My attention shifted to the front door. Who could that be?

Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong! The person kept pressing the doorbell.

I made my way to the door and checked the peephole to see who it was. It was Anaisha Kaif, my Indian neighbor.

I sighed. Why was I even wondering again?

Taking a deep breath, I unlocked the door and pulled it wide open. Immediately, she pounced on me, hugging me tightly.

So, meet Anaisha Kaif, my neighbor. She had long, dark hair and was incredibly caring and thoughtful. Let's just say, everything good.

More like everything I'm not.

"Oh my God! You're alive! I can't believe you're alive! Praise all the gods who are listening right now!" She exclaimed, breathing into my ear.

"Anaisha! Can't breathe - can't breathe," I wheezed out. She let go of me immediately, her eyes wide with awe, shock, anger, surprise, and mostly worry.

"Where did you go? Why did you go? I thought you were going through with the marriage? Carter was a mess. You have no idea how heartbroken he was. God, the media went crazy!" She said, her Indian accent evident in her tone.

Oh.

I sighed. "Have a seat, Anaisha," I said, motioning to my small couch. Like a child, she flopped down on the couch, looking up at me in anticipation.

I settled myself comfortably on the couch, crossing my legs underneath me. "How have you been?"

She looked taken aback. "I'm not here to talk about me, you rascal! I'm here to talk about you. What happened, Charlotte?"

I let out a shaky breath. "I left."

"Why?" She asked.

"Because I had to."

"Because you had to?" She asked, her confusion evident in her voice. "What does that mean? You left on your wedding day. And you left with his money! It was all over the news, Charlotte! All over the news! Oh, the humiliation poor Carter endured. He had to deal with your sudden disappearance and the stupid stories written by stupid reporters. He changed."

Oh, I know that! I experienced his change firsthand!

"You know what I do, Anaisha... You know my relationship with Carter was a sham."

"I remember you telling me it didn't feel like a sham to you."

I suppressed a groan. "That was two years ago, Anaisha. I didn't even know what I was thinking! I'm not the marrying kind of person. My past isn't shiny, and I knew, one day or another, he was going to find out. How was I supposed to go through with the marriage? I didn't love him, and I didn't want to hurt him - besides, Hudson got in trouble, and I had to deal with it," I said.

Anaisha shook her head. "I see it in your eyes, Charlotte. You did care about Carter. You had feelings for him, that's why you were going to marry him."

"No," I deadpanned. "I was going to marry him because he had money, he was rich, wealthy, and in love with me. It was a perfect life. I wouldn't have to go about conning men to take care of Hudson. I had found a permanent solution, and I was going to stick by it... But then Hudson got mixed up with these crazy cartel guys, and I had no other choice. They would have killed him."

"So why didn't you tell Carter?" She asked. "Why didn't you ask him for help? Why did you steal from him? He would have done anything and everything for you, Charlotte. If he could have stopped time, he would have. Why did you leave?"

I swallowed. Why was I finding it difficult to answer that question? I always had an answer. I left because of my brother. But right now, that wasn't enough of an answer. She was right. Carter would have done anything for me in a heartbeat. Hernandez Julian wouldn't even stand a chance.

So why did I leave? I couldn't answer.

Anaisha sighed. "Have you gone to see him since you arrived?"

I nodded.

"How did it go?"

My heart gave a sharp squeezing pain, recalling our not so happy reunion, earlier today. "Not good. He hates me." I said.4

Anaisha's face softened. "Oh dear." She pulled me into her arms. "I'm so sorry. I know you don't want to admit that it hurts you, but I know it does."

I rolled my eyes. "I just feel bad about what I did. I deserve his hatred."

She pulled away. "So what now? Why did you come back?"

"Hudson." I said.

"Another debt?"

I nodded.

"Oh my world. Wait- don't tell me- is that why you went to see Carter?"

"Why else?" I asked. "I need money, Anaisha... And I wouldn't have come back but- Carter is the only one who can help. I went to apologize but, he didn't want to hear it, so I offered him a deal. I'd work for him for free, till all my debts are completed."

Anaisha shook her head. "What's the problem with you? Do you have any shame or not!!? Have you gone mad?"

"No, I'm not crazy, and there is nothing shameful about it and there is nothing wrong with me. I did what I thought was right."

She sighed. "Did he agree?" she asked.

"Fortunately, yes... He agreed."

Her eyes softened. "Oh, more like he couldn't say no."

I scoffed. "He could say no. But he didn't, and I know why. If I know that man like I think I do, he's going to make my life a living breathing hell. He's going to want revenge. But guess what Anaisha?"

"What?"

"My life is already a living breathing hell," I muttered. "There's absolutely nothing he can do that I haven't faced before. I've seen everything there is to see in this life, and I think I can take a couple more challenges. In sum total," I gulped. "I'm ready."__