The French Billionaire(35)

“Just make sure the bastard gets what has coming to him,” Lillian growled in reply. “You do look amazing, though. There’s no way this won’t work.”



Mia stepped out of the limousine, momentarily starstruck. All around her, there were beautiful, well-known people in black tie suits and floor length dresses. She forgot for a second that she was supposed to be one of them tonight. And she was also late to meet Jayden, who had wanted to talk to her before the party started, as it was technically a work function for her.

She saw him waiting on the steps outside the entrance, answering emails on his phone. He looked very nice in his suit, Mia thought. She ran up the steps as fast as her dress would permit. “Sorry I’m a little late!” she said. “The hair and makeup took longer than I thought they would.”

“No worries, Sarah,” Jayden said. “You look absolutely radiant. I’m so glad to have you here. I really want you to enjoy yourself tonight. I just need you to come check in with me every once in a while. I may need to add things to my calendar or make a quick note, and as my secretary, you handle all of that stuff. But it should be a mainly social event.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be honest, Jayden, I’ve never been to something like this before. It’s quite intimidating.”

“Don’t worry,” Jayden said. “I’ll help you through it. These people seem intimidating, but really, they are just like everyone else. They have their own insecurities and problems. You’ll see.”

And with that, he offered her his arm, which Mia took as they strode into the party.



Inside was rather dark, with mood lighting everywhere creating a soft glow. There were numbered tables and a small open area with a little podium, where people were currently mingling and where, Mia assumed, there would later be speeches. Everyone was currently mingling, and as they walked in, heads slowly turned to look at them.

“I’m glad I have you on my arm tonight,” Jayden whispered in Mia’s ear. “You may be new at this, but you’re already turning heads.”

They walked around for a while, chatting with various important business people. Jayden introduced Mia to everyone, and she was surprised at how friendly and fun he was. They were seated together at dinner, where they continued to chat. Mia was engaged in the conversation, but she kept looking around, trying to find Xander. Finally, she found him two tables over, and accidentally made eye contact. She looked away immediately, turning her focus to Jayden and smiling. But when she looked back a few minutes later, Xander was still looking at her, an intense expression on his face.

Just then, the hosts of the party stood up to make speeches about the charities that were being sponsored that night. Then, they invited everyone to dance. Jayden turned to Mia and held out his hand. She accepted, and he lead her to the dance floor, where he pulled her into a slow waltz. Jayden was a skilled dancer, and soon they were whirling around the dance floor, the other couples just a blur of flowing silk and black suits.

“This is fun,” Mia said. “I’ve never been a good dancer, but you make it feel easy.”

“Thank you,” Jayden said. “I was forced into cotillion when I was young. I guess that’s where I learned everything.”

They continued to chat amicably until Mia felt a firm hand on her shoulder. She turned around to find herself looking straight into Xander Will’s deep brown eyes.

“Sorry, Jay, d’you mind if I cut in?” he said, his eyes still on Mia. “Your date’s the belle of the ball tonight. I didn’t want to miss out on a chance to dance with her.”

“Whatever you want, boss,” Jayden said irritably.

“So,” Xander said with a flirtatious glint in his eye. “Tell me something about yourself, Sarah. You look absolutely stunning tonight, but you seem so.. mysterious.”

“Well, Mr. Will, that’s probably because I’m not one of those secretaries that follows you around like a lost puppy, hoping you’ll pet me.”

“My secretaries do not do that!” Xander replied indignantly.

“They most certainly do. But that’s alright. I can’t say I blame them. I just wish they had a little more dignity. But anyway… Something about myself? I’m really not that interesting… I grew up in California, went to business school in Los Angeles, and then moved here when I was twenty-one, hoping to live out my dreams in New York City, thinking it would be life changing. But mostly I’ve just been doing boring secretarial work.”

“Surely you’re capable of more than that.. You seem intelligent, Sarah, and you’re charming and beautiful on top of it. What were those dreams you came here to pursue?”