The Billionaire's Island Bargain

Emily POV

The shrill ring of my alarm jolted me awake. Still groggy from too little sleep, I groaned and fumbled to switch it off.

Before I could bury my face back in the pillow, the door creaked open and my mom walked in.

"Get up, Emily, or you'll be late for work," she said, pulling the curtains wide. Bright morning sunlight flooded the room.

"Can't I sleep for just a few more minutes, Mom? Please..." I begged, already turning over.

"Stop being lazy and get up. Didn't you say you have a presentation today?"

The word "presentation" hit me like cold water. I shot out of bed.

"Oh no! The presentation!"

I dashed into the bathroom, showered in record time, threw on my clothes, and shoved my feet into my heels. My colleagues and I had spent weeks perfecting this pitch. I couldn't afford to mess it up now.

I raced downstairs, nearly tripping over my own feet.

Why are you in such a hurry, dear?" my dad asked from the dining table.

She woke up late. Today is the big presentation," Mom answered for me.

Goodbye, Mom! Goodbye, Dad!" I called, grabbing my bag and bolting out the door.

There was no time to wait for the bus. I flagged down a taxi and jumped in.

While the driver weaved through the chaotic streets of Los Angeles, I pulled out my laptop and frantically worked on the final touches of the presentation.

We're here, miss."

I paid quickly and stepped out, heart racing. As I turned, I collided hard with someone. My laptop flew from my hands and crashed onto the pavement.

Oh no! Oh no!" I dropped to my knees, picking up the broken pieces.

I tried powering it on, but the screen stayed black. Panic surged through me. All our work was on that laptop. If it was damaged, the entire presentation would be delayed.

Are you okay, miss?" a deep voice asked.

Okay?" I snapped, thrusting the broken laptop toward him. "Does this look okay to you?"

The man stared down at me, irritation clear on his strikingly handsome face. "I didn't mean to bump into you. You should have watched where you were going."

I was getting out of a taxi! You were the one walking on the sidewalk like you owned the street!" I shot back, voice rising. "Don't I have the right to be mad?"

He glanced at his expensive watch. "Look, miss, I have an important appointment. I'll give you my number. Call me later and I'll compensate you generously for the laptop. Right now, I really must go."

He tried to walk past me, but I blocked his path.

Miss!" His tone grew impatient.

Mr., I didn't go through all of this just for your stupid money. I have a very important meeting too, and everything I need is-"

Without waiting for me to finish, he pulled out a thick wad of cash from his wallet and pressed it into my hand. "This is all I have on me. That should cover it. Now we're even."

He moved to leave again.

Fury boiled over. I stormed after him, shoved him hard in the chest, and watched as he stumbled and fell onto the pavement.

Are you crazy?" he growled, eyes flashing with anger.

You think your money fixes everything, don't you?" I yelled. "A simple sorry would have been enough, but no - you had to be arrogant! How much do you even have that you throw it around like that?"

I flung the money back at him. "Take your damn cash! You clearly need it more than I do to fix that arrogance."

How dare you-"

No, how dare you!" I cut him off. "Who do you think you are? You're nothing but a rude, mannerless jerk. Your parents clearly failed to teach you basic manners."

I didn't wait for his reply. I turned on my heels and stormed toward the building, leaving him sitting on the ground.

Serves him right.

Moments later, I stepped out of the elevator on my floor, still fuming. My colleagues immediately surrounded me.

Emily, what took you so long?" Gracie asked as we hurried toward the presentation room.

Something came up," I muttered, setting my laptop on the table and plugging it in. To my relief, it finally turned on.

You look stressed. Is something wrong with the presentation?" Michael asked.

I just bumped into an arrogant idiot on the way here. But it's fine. We're ready."

Is Emily here?" Our boss, Rose Brighton, strode into the room.

Yes, I'm here."

Why were you late? Do you want us to lose this contract?" she snapped.

Before I could explain, she continued, "I don't want excuses. This is the biggest opportunity this agency has ever had. Give it your absolute best. No mistakes!"

She turned to Gracie. "Did you research the client's profile?"

I tried, but there's almost nothing online. All we know is that he's a wealthy billionaire who likes to keep his life private."

Rose let out an exasperated sigh. "You're not doing your job properly, Gracie!"

After another sharp lecture, she waved her hand. "Enough! You all will give me wrinkles before my fiftieth birthday. Emily, take over." She stormed out.

Gracie mimicked her dramatically once she was gone, and we all laughed, the tension easing slightly.

Everyone was on edge. Our small advertising agency needed this win. Landing the Callaghan contract would change everything for us.

Guys! They're here!" Mary, the receptionist, burst in.

While Gracie and Michael went to welcome the guests, I quickly finished setting up the room. A cable lay loose on the floor. I bent to pick it up just as Gracie's voice floated in.

Come in, sir."

This better be worth my while," a familiar deep voice replied.

My stomach dropped. I stood up slowly... and froze.

Standing in the doorway, looking just as shocked as I felt, was the rude man from the sidewalk.

Emily," Gracie said cheerfully, "meet Cade Callaghan, owner of the Callaghan Empire."

My mouth fell open.

Emily POV

"Emily!" Gracie's voice snapped me out of my shocked daze.

"Oh-yes. Mr. Callaghan," I said, quickly slipping back into professional mode. "It's nice to finally meet you."

I stepped forward and extended my hand. He stared at it for a second before a slow, dangerous smile curved his lips. He took my hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his mouth and brushed a kiss across my knuckles.

"Nice to meet you too, Miss Wilburn," he murmured, his eyes locked on mine.

I yanked my hand back as if burned.

Before I could recover, our boss, Rose, swept into the room with a bright smile. "Mr. Callaghan! Welcome." She pulled him into a quick hug while Gracie leaned toward me.

"Look at her," she whispered. "Operation: Get a Husband has officially begun."

I couldn't even laugh. My mind was spiraling. What if he recognizes me? What if he refuses the contract because of what I did earlier? I had shoved him. Called him arrogant. Thrown money in his face. This could ruin everything.

"Shall we begin?" Rose said, giving me a pointed look.

I swallowed hard and started the presentation, doing my best to sound confident. I deliberately skipped the dance segment. There was no way I was going to dance in front of him after everything that happened this morning.

When I finished, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to Cade Callaghan.

"What do you think, Mr. Callaghan?" Rose asked eagerly.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing as it settled on me. "The concept is meant to improve the image of my company. I won't lie - I've seen many proposals from other agencies." He paused. "And honestly, they were much better than this."

My stomach dropped.

"But we poured everything into this," Gracie protested.

"Your best isn't good enough," he said flatly, rising to his feet. "I'm sorry, but I'll be choosing a different agency."

"Mr. Callaghan, please-" Rose began, desperation creeping into her voice. "Can't you give us another chance?"

"Once I'm done with something-or someone-I don't go back." His eyes flicked to me as he said it. "Have a lovely day."

He walked out with his secretary, leaving heavy silence behind.

"That was our only real shot," Rose said, collapsing into a chair.

"We really did our best..." Gracie added quietly.

Michael sighed. "I guess we'll have to let this one go."

Guilt twisted sharply in my chest. This was my fault. Because of my temper this morning, we had just lost the biggest contract our agency had ever been offered.

I couldn't let it end like this.

"We're not losing this contract," I declared.

Before anyone could stop me, I ran out of the room, took the elevator down, and sprinted outside. Cade was just about to step into his sleek black car.

"Wait!" I called, grabbing his arm.

He turned, eyebrows raised. "What now?"

"I need to talk to you. Please."

"I've already said everything I need to say. There's nothing left to discuss." He gently pulled his arm free.

"Please, Mr. Callaghan. Just give me a minute."

He studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. What do you want?"

"The presentation was good. My team and I worked extremely hard on it. Please don't reject it because of what happened earlier this morning."

"And why would I do that?" he asked, feigning innocence.

"Because... I'm sorry," I forced out. "I'm sorry for shoving you and being so rude. I was stressed and I lost my temper."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "My decision has nothing to do with that little tantrum, Miss Wilburn. I simply don't think your agency is up to my standard."

"Then give us another chance," I begged. "Let us prepare a new presentation. I promise we won't disappoint you."

He shook his head. "You're wasting both our time. You're off the list."

"Please-"

"Sorry, Miss Wilburn. My decision is final."

He slid into the car and it pulled away, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, watching my mistake drive off with our future.

Cade POV

"Welcome back, sir," my secretary greeted me as I entered the office.

"Any messages?"

"Your mother called. Also... Miss Jessica is waiting in your office."

I frowned. "Why is she here?"

"She said you were expecting her."

I exhaled sharply and headed to my office. The moment I stepped inside, Jessica rushed forward and threw her arms around me.

"My love, you're back," she purred.

I pushed her away. "Why are you here, Jessica?"

"I received your flowers and letter yesterday," she said, ignoring my cold tone. "I'm not accepting them. I won't let you end things."

"I was very clear from the beginning," I replied, moving behind my desk. "This was never going to be permanent. I don't do relationships. Only pleasure."

"Because of her, right?" Jessica's voice turned bitter. "That girl on the island you're supposed to marry."

"I've been honest with you. Don't make this messy."

"We can keep things exactly as they are," she pleaded, stepping closer. "You can have your island girl and still keep me as your mistress. She doesn't have to know."

"Would you be happy if the same thing was done to you?" I asked, anger rising.

"This isn't about me!"

I shook my head. "Your time is up, Jessica. Thank you for the months we shared."

That finally broke her.

"You bastard!" she screamed. "They were right about you. I should've never gotten involved with a heartless womanizer like you!"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," I said calmly. "We both know you were only here for the money and the lifestyle."

She hurled one final insult before storming out and slamming the door.

I leaned back in my chair with a satisfied sigh. One mistress gone.

My phone rang.

"Sir, Miss Wilburn is here to see you," my secretary said.

A slow, intrigued smile spread across my face.

"Tell her to come in."

Cade POV

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring down at the bustling streets of Los Angeles, waiting for her.

Why did she follow me all the way here?

Most likely to beg for the contract. Their presentation wasn't terrible, but I had rejected it anyway - partly because of her little outburst this morning, and partly because something about it still felt... incomplete.

A soft knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

Emily Wilburn stepped inside, still wearing the same simple white shirt and black trousers from earlier. Even without a trace of heavy makeup, she was striking. Beautiful, actually. With the right styling, she would be stunning.

"Have a seat, Miss Wilburn."

She sat down cautiously while I remained standing, studying her.

"You chased after me the moment I left your office," I said, a hint of amusement in my voice.

"I had to. I couldn't just let it go." Her voice was steady, determined.

"You seemed ready to accept my decision earlier. What changed?"

"My family. My colleagues. My job." She met my gaze head-on. "I came here because I need you to give us another chance."

I raised an eyebrow. "After presenting something I didn't like, what makes you think I'll change my mind?"

"Because I believe you're a fair person, Mr. Callaghan."

I laughed outright. "Fair? You really think I'm fair?"

"I'm usually a good judge of character."

"You judged wrong this time," I said, stepping closer. "I'm not fair, Miss Wilburn. When I want something, I play dirty. Very dirty."

"Dirty as in... illegal?" she asked carefully.

"No. I play dirty, but I stay clean. Legally speaking."

That earned me the first real smile I'd seen from her. It transformed her face.

"What can I do to get that second chance?" she asked suddenly.

I tilted my head, intrigued. She has no idea how dangerous that question is when asked to a man like me.

"I didn't mean I'd sleep with you," she added quickly, as if reading my thoughts. "That's the last thing I'd ever do."

Her blunt rejection stung more than I cared to admit. Women usually threw themselves at me. Why was she so different?

I was about to respond when my secretary barged in without knocking.

"I'm sorry, sir, but your mother is on the line. She said if you don't take her call, she'll catch the next available flight here."

Knowing my mother never bluffed, I picked up the phone.

"Hello, Mom."

"Finally! Your secretary had to threaten me before you answered?"

"I'm in an important meeting right now-"

"Don't you dare hang up. This is important too," she cut in. "You need to come home. Your bride is tired of waiting."

"I'm not ready."

"Why not? It's been three years since you put a ring on her finger! You barely visit the island, and when you do, you treat her like a stranger."

"Because I don't want her!" I snapped, forgetting Emily was still sitting there. "You've always known that."

"That girl's father gave you his kidney when you were dying. He paid for your education. He made you the man you are today. And you can't even fulfill one simple request?" My mother's voice rose with anger.

"I'm grateful to him. I respect him like my own father, but-"

"But nothing, Cade! Get to the island and do your duty. Marry Isabel."

I clenched the phone tighter. "I have a reason, Mom. I'm in love with someone else. I found her... and she changed me. I'm going to marry her. And as soon as possible, I'll bring her to the island with me."

"You're lying!" my mother screamed. "You've always said you'd never fall in love. I won't allow this, Cade. I will not let you marry someone unworthy of the Callaghan name!"

"Do whatever you want. I don't give a damn."

I ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk. Only then did I remember I wasn't alone.

Emily was watching me with wide eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Were you listening to my conversation?" I growled.

"I'm sorry. You didn't ask me to leave, so I stayed. But I can pretend I heard nothing. I'm very good at that."

Her words barely registered. I was still replaying what I had told my mother in anger.

I'm in love with someone else... I'm going to marry her... I'll bring her to the island.

Shit.

I had just created a massive problem for myself. I was heading back to the island in a few days. If I showed up without a fiancée, my mother and Isabel's father would force the marriage I'd been avoiding for years.

I looked at Emily again.

Why not her?

She was beautiful, feisty, and currently desperate for something only I could give her.

"Have a seat, Emily," I said, my voice calmer now. "You and I have a lot to talk about."

Emily POV

I sat down, unease crawling up my spine.

From the phone call, it was clear Cade Callaghan already loved someone and planned to marry her. That surprised me. Everything I'd heard painted him as a ruthless womanizer. On my way up to his office, I had even seen a gorgeous brunette leaving, looking furious.

"What do you want to talk about, sir?" I asked.

"About giving you that second chance you begged for."

My heart leaped. "You're really willing to give us another chance?"

"Yes."

Relief washed over me - until his next question.

"Tell me something... Are you single?"

"What?"

"Are you single?" he repeated, watching me intently.

"Why does that matter?"

A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.

"Because I need you to help me with something. In exchange, I'll give your agency the contract."

I swallowed hard, already knowing I wasn't going to like what came next.

"And what exactly would that be?"