The Billionairess's Reckoning

Rose's POV

I woke up to the feel of fingers slowly running up and down my bare back. The light strokes sent chills down my spine and I could feel a hot breath over my spine.

My head buried deep in my pillows, I didn't need to open my eyes to know who it was. It was none other than the guy I picked up last night.

"I know you are awake babe," he said in an alluring voice, which was followed by a hot breath fanning my ear. I raised my head and opened my eyes slowly, only to be greeted by the streaks of sunlight filling my room, making my head throb, and I shut them close as I sat up and rubbed my head with two fingers while I used the other hand to pull the sheets to my body, covering myself.

The guy, whatever his name was, spoke again, bringing me back to the reality of my decision last night, which was a result of taking a few drinks.

"Good morning babe," he purred into my ears, and I could tell by his freshly sprayed cologne and minty breath that he was trying too hard. "Ready to go down with me again?"

"Ughhh!" I let out a groan at the expense of my mistake. Memories of last night flashed through my mind. Being burnt out from working too hard, wanting to have some fun, having a few drinks and bringing this guy over to my place. My blood rushed as I recalled the world of pleasure I had last night. It was undeniable that this guy was good, but it was not enough to make my heart skip a beat have me crave for more.

"Are you still here Mason?" I opened my eyes and looked him in the eyes. He was propped up on one elbow as he laid on his side in only his underwear, like a model would, but all the effort made him look like an amateur. His smirk dropped, and his resolve fell at the sight of my cold stare. "Who do you mean, babe? And the name's Jack. Although I can be the man of your dreams," he tried to laugh it off as he regained his composure.

"You were a bit tipsy last night, but I can give you a trip down memory lane. If you want Mason, then Mason it is," he winked, making me roll my eyes.

"How stressful," I rolled my eyes. Why can't anyone get the cue these days?

My first mistake was taking him over to my place and second, letting him stay over the night for him to think that this was more than a one night stand. But I must have been exhausted that I slept away myself without kicking him out first.

"Well, it seems like you've already freshened up and taken a shower," I said, getting out of bed. "So, just scram already. I don't want to see you here once I am out," I said, getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. "Oh, and lest I forget," I turned to glance at him. "My secretary will make sure you are well compensated."

The guy let out a gasp, sitting up abruptly. "What the f**k?! What do you take me for? Some gigolo?! How dare you treat someone like me this way!? How absurd!"

"Ugh. Whatever. Such a headache." I slammed the bathroom door shut and went straight for the shower.

Steam filled the bathroom while the hot water massaged my skin as it dribbled down my body. Soon enough, I came out of the bathroom, my teeth brushed, and my hair washed and blow-dried. Without wasting much time, I came out of the bathroom and headed to my walk-in closet.

Not long after, I came out wearing a crisp cream blouse tucked underneath black suit pants with a matching tailored brazer draped over my shoulders. One hand carried my designer Gouci handbag at my elbow while I tried to put on my sleek, golden Channel wristwatch.

The sound of my stilettos clicking against the cold tiles announced my presence to my driver, secretary and housemaid, whom, before that, were all busy doing something.

"Good morning miss," My maid, Miss Adam, a woman in her mid-forties greeted me while preparing breakfast.

"Morning boss," Alice, my secretary said briefly, as she sat on the kitchen bar stool. She was wearing a gray office suit, her hair in a bun while her face was expressionless as she tapped the ipad in front of her which was supported by its leather cover on the kitchen table.

My bodyguard, on the other hand, Cade, did not even look up as he sat across Alice while eating his breakfast. The three of them might as well be my family. Just three people I managed to adopt over the years. I placed my handbag on one of the stools close to me and as soon as I sat down at the head of the table, Miss Adams placed my breakfast in front of me, a plate of pancakes and a cup of strawberry smoothie.

"Did you get rid of him properly?" I asked Alice, so I dove my fork into my breakfast while Miss Adams placed a glass in front of me before filling it from a jug of water.

"Yes. He received compensation and won't tattle. They are all the same after all. Cade checked his phone for pictures or videos, but there were none," Alice replied, and I nodded in response. As a billionaire and CEO, in her late twenties, it was crucial to avoid unsolicited rumors that may cause any sort of ruin to my person or give my enemies something to feast on. I didn't get to where I was easily, and I wasn't about to let anyone think they would take it away from me.

Extending her arm towards me, Alice handed me the tablet she was working on while she briefed me on the details of today's event.

As the owner and CEO of a shipping company, for the past months, I have been busy trying to secure a partnership with two popular online shopping companies, build connections with three countries and secure places in their ports while dealing with taxes. But all of that will be over today as I finalized all the deals and celebrate the companie's 30th anniversary. If everything goes smoothly, this would be my biggest achievement yet, in my four years as CEO, and as much as I was confident, a part of me was nervous.

"Today, we will sign the final contract with Anazon. As for the event, this is the list of the VIPs, and it includes the shareholders, representatives and ambassadors whose countries we have secured a deal with," Alice continued to explain in detail while I went through the tablet. As always, Alice never disappointed with her job, making me glad that I decided to take her in all those years back.

"And that will be all," Alice concluded, at the same time I had my fill of the breakfast. "Alright," I took the glass of water and downed it in one go. "Let's go." I stood up, still going through the tablet in my hand. Alice and Cade stood up, with Cade taking the car keys from his pocket as he led the way to the parking space.

He opened the passenger side door and I entered before he closed it shut. He entered the driver's side while Alice entered shotgun, and he drove out of my mansion, heading straight for my workplace.

Third person POV

Zack placed his long legs on the coffee table, one on top of the other, as he pressed his phone.

As Zack surfed through the internet reading the news about the market and stocks, mindlessly looking at what he deemed important to his person and scrolling over what he didn't need to concern himself about, especially gossip, one would easily mistake him for the owner of the fancy restaurant he was in and the staff room to be his personal office if not for the waiter's uniform that betrayed him.

The uniform consisted of a white dress shirt, a black bow and black slacks. With his tall legs, slim waist, broad chest and styled but messy dark hair, one could mistake him for a model.

Zack checked the time, and it was 6:50pm at the moment, meaning his break would end in about ten minutes. In two hours, he would be heading home after an eight-hour shift that started at 1pm. Zack checked the date on his phone and he let out a deep breath. Tomorrow would be his third anniversary with his girlfriend, Emilia. They had been together for three years now, and despite their different schedules, he always looked forward to spending more time with her.

Emilia is a student studying law and will graduate in a month's time, hence she had been very busy. So busy that even though they live together in the same house, Zack barely saw her, and when he did, she barely had time for him.

From last minute projects, late night studying and meeting up with colleagues to talk about job hunting, Zack rarely saw his girlfriend and even when he did, it was only for a few minutes, meaning they hadn't been intimate for long.

But Zack, being the understanding boyfriend he is, gave his girlfriend the space she needed, knowing how important her carrier was to her. Just as he was scrolling, a list of articles popped up and one caught his eye.

'Best gifts for your woman to celebrate your anniversary' Without a moment of hesitation, Zack clicked on the article and was directed to the page.

"Lover boy!" Someone laughed while patting Zack on his shoulder. Even before he looked up, Zack already knew it was none other than his cousin, Chris.

"Hey, when did you come here, and since when are non-staff allowed to be in here?" Zack looked at his cousin.

"You know me, charms and all," Chris grinned and winked at the same time. "But what are you doing here when you should be working?"

"I am just having a few minutes' break. What brought you here anyway? Hard to believe you came here just to say hi."

"What do you mean? Of course, I came to say hi to my favorite cousin."

"I am your only cousin," Zack deadpanned. "All the more reason to come see how you are doing! You never visit home anyway. It's so rare to see one would think you are the CEO," Chris chuckled. "I actually came to have a work dinner with someone," Chris said, less energetically this time.

"Good luck with that," Zack whistled.

"But I can't seem to convince him about a certain deal," Chris kneeled beside Zack's chair and looked at him with pleading eyes as Zack looked away, rolling his eyes playfully.

"Whatever it is, I really don't see it working," Zack shook his head, waving his hand over his uniform.

"It doesn't matter," Chris shrugged. "And it's just this once, help a cousin will ya?" Chris rubbed his palms together.

"Nope!"

"I just need you to say a few things for me. Put in a few good words, you know," Chris pouted. "Please!" Chris blinked while blowing his cheeks.

"Ughh! Will you stop already! You look like an ogre doing that," Zack stood up, acting disgusted, making Zack laugh.

"I knew you would do this for me," Chris linked arms with Zack, continuing to act cute.

"Stop that before I change my mind." "Sorry," Chris laughed, as they walked out of the staff room.

"What is it about anyway?" Zack asked as they walked through the hallway that would lead them back to the main restaurant. "There's this guy, and he is very hard to please, and I've been trying to set a meeting with him, for weeks, but he's not quite, how do I put it..."

"Ready to sign it yet?" Zack inquired. "Bingo!" Chris clicked his fingers just as they entered the service area of the restaurant. "Now you don't have to do much, I just need you to..." Chris' talk came to an end when they realized the chaos that was going on at the table as everyone other person watched the whole deal. Some annoyed, some entertained and the others minding their business and trying to ignore the chaos.

At a particular table for two, where a couple were seated, and standing beside the man was a hysterical woman who had just found her husband on a date with a younger, more beautiful woman.

The husband looked guilty having been caught red-handed, while his partner in crime hung her head in shame, obviously aware that her man made vows to another. The hysterical women, unkempt in appearance, having had to rush to the scene to catch them in the act, was laying curses on the woman.

One waiter and two waitresses were by the table carefully trying to calm the situation while knowing the consequences of crossing a rich and powerful person.

"You lewd b*tch of a prostitute!" the wife shrieked. The other woman, having enough of the embarrassment, decided to speak up for herself.

"Why don't you tell your wayward husband to keep it in his pants instead," The woman decided to take it a step further and said arrogantly. "And maybe, if you were half the b*tch I am, your husband wouldn't have..."

"How dare you talk back to me, you shameless wh*re," the wife raised her hand, ready to strike the other woman in the face, but was extremely shocked when someone caught her hand, and when she looked up, it was none other than a waiter, which made nose flare in fury. The other woman, having seen what was coming for her, stood and staggered back, one of the waitresses helping her stand up straight. "Who the h*ll do you think you are to hold me back?" the woman angrily spoke through clenched teeth.

"You are making a scene here madam and disturbing the tranquility of our restaurant," Zack spoke calmly. "I suggest you stop or take it outside, else we will have security escort you outside."

"Do you know who I am. How dare a mere waiter treat me this way?" the woman seethed, yanking her arm out of Zack's grip. "You are embarrassing yourself right now, so plea..." Zack started to say but didn't get to finish his sentence. "Learn how to f*king mind your business next time," the woman said and everyone including Chris let out a gasp as a dish of creamy garlic velouté was poured on Zack's head followed by a splash of red wine on his face.

Back in the lounge room, Chris handed Zack another towel which Zack used to rub his wet but now clean hair.

Zack had taken a shower and changed out of his work clothes into simpler clothes, which consisted of a white tee and blue jeans.

"You will have to take a proper shower after getting home. I think it would take a few days for the smell to get off," Chris complained. "Who orders food like that anyway? Can you believe they made a soup out of garlic?"

"How am I supposed to continue working smelling like this? And I was hoping Emilia and I would get to eat dinner together ," Zack grunted in annoyance.

He smelled the dampened towel which now smelled of garlic before throwing it on a nearby couch and, using his fingers, tussled his hair.

"I could never understand why people cheat on their spouses. Especially the ones they made vows to," Zack shook his head. "Because it's fun?" Chris grinned.

"It's my fault, the whole scene that was caused, and what my wife did to you." A voice came, making both Zack and Chris turn their heads towards the door, and it was none other than the cheating husband.

"What brings you here?" Zack asked the man.

"I stayed behind to apologize and take responsibility for what happened earlier. I know you were just trying to do your job, so I am sorry."

"Sorry isn't going to cut it," Chris folded his arms over his chest and looked at the man squarely, but the man ignored him and went over to Zack.

"I happened to overhear your conversation just now, actually. Five years ago, if I saw anyone cheating on their partner, I would have cursed them to the ends of the earth," the man sighed, his eyes looking sad. "But now, it's only moments like that I'm able to find peace. Samantha and I were going on vacation next week, and even that is ruined now," the man put his hand in the pocket of his suit before bringing out an envelope. "I also overhead something about you wanting to have dinner with your girlfriend, I am sure she will appreciate this," he extended an envelope towards Zack. "I hope this makes up for it."

"If you don't want to be with your wife anymore, why not divorce her, then you can date anyone freely. And please, I don't want that, I was doing my job anyway."

"I wish it was that easy. But please, I implore you take this, else it will go to waste," the man insisted.

Zack was about to say no again, but Chris beat him to it and snatched the envelope away from the man. "Someone has to pay for the emotional damage," Chris stated while waving the envelope in the air.

The man nodded grimly and walked out with his head down. "I can't believe he tipped you, and why is the envelope so flat?" Chris rubbed the envelope between the tip of his fingers, but Zack was already feeling pity for the man who looked really sad.

Was the man the bad person in the relationship or did he end of with a bad partner? Zack wondered. Just then, the manager of the restaurant, Mr. Alfred, a 50-year-old man came in.

"I hope you accept his apology, Zack, Smith is a very good man I promise," Mr. Alfred told Zack.

"It's not like he dumped the soup on me anyway," Zack shrugged, taking the envelope from Chris. He opened the envelope and peeked into it's contents, his eyes widening. "Hey, what's in there?" Chris asked him.

"I think he gave me the best idea to celebrate this year's anniversary," Zack smiled.

"That's great," Mr. Alfred patted Zack on the back. "Why don't you take the rest of the night off? I don't want you serving my customers with that smell anyway," he said, wrinkling his nose.

"I appreciate it, sir," Zack said happily, putting his coat on before saying bye to the two and leaving, Even though Mr. Alfred was his boss, Zack liked the man for his kindness and integrity. Not only was he nice to the workers, but he also always put them and their dignity above everything else when it came to the rich people they had to deal with, some of whom were rude. Like today's instance, for example.

As Zack boarded the taxi, he recounted how Mr. Alfred came to his rescue, appearing on the scene just as the woman splashed wine on his face, with two security guards and having them drag her out before warning the security not to ever let her into the vicinity again.

Now, Zack was excited to go home and present the gift to his girlfriend, imagining how happy she would be. It would be the first time they would go on a date in months.

A few minutes later, the taxi stopped in front of a modern, but small and humble house, which consisted of a bedroom, living room, kitchen and a bathroom.

Zack paid his fare before stepping out of the taxi and heading towards his house, wondering if Emilu was back from school.

He checked the time on his phone, and today he was home two hours early. Using his key, he opened the front door and entered, closing the door behind him and turning the lights on.

The house was quiet at first, and he was starting to think that Em wasn't home already, when he heard moans coming from the bedroom.

Emily must be home already. He innocently thought to himself. Then, was she pleasing herself? It must have been the hardest for her, being at the end of her school year, preparing for exams and what not. Zack remembered when he first met her and how her cuteness exuded shy and innocence.

He decided to give her some space to finish, and was about to head to the kitchen to drink water when he heard groans, which was unmistakably that of a man.

As much as he wanted to believe that she was watching an adult video, the creak of the bed convinced him otherwise, and with each step he took towards the bedroom, he could feel his heart beating louder and louder. But why was he feeling so much fear when he did nothing wrong?

But when he finally opened the door to the bedroom and was met with a less innocent picture of his three-year old girlfriend, Zack had never felt so much rage. Emily was the first to turn towards the door and when she noticed him, she looked more displeased than anything. "Babe," she patted her boyfriend on the chest to bring his attention back to reality.