Page 3 of Marrying a Billionaire

Orson nodded. He’d returned to his chair and placed his pen on top of the papers in front of him. “Now, this is your basic contract. It says you agree to stay with Mr. Williamson for at least a year or until he is promoted to CEO. Also, there is a confidentiality clause in here. Basically, if you go to the press with any information, we’ll”—he glanced up at her—“just don’t talk about anything you see or hear.”

Lillian stared at Orson. That sort of made sense. She was probably going to be privy to a lot of information about Reed and Williamson Investments. A high-profile company like this had to have a lot of secrets. But there was one statement that she couldn’t quite figure out. Why did she have to stay as a personal assistant until Reed became CEO? She parted her lips to ask, but Bonnie spoke before she could say anything.

“The income is $100,000 a year with a parting bonus of $250,000. Plus, all expenses paid. Insurance, a place to live, and a clothing stipend. If you’re going to be seen next to Reed, you need to look the part,” Bonnie said, tapping her fingers as she spoke.

Lillian almost swallowed her tongue. Never in her life had she ever imagined she would be offered that much money. “I—well—” She couldn’t form coherent sentences so decided to pinch her lips shut and nod.

Bonnie studied her. “Did you want more?”

Lillian’s eyes widened. Not wanting to jinx this, she just shook her head. “No. What you said will be fine.”

Bonnie tapped the table as if to get Orson’s attention. “Add another hundred thousand to the bonus.”

Lillian raised her hand. “No, no. That’s okay. I’m sure I’ll be just fine with a”—her voice dropped to a whisper—“quarter million.”

Bonnie studied her. “Well, if you do a good job, I will include more when this is over.”

Lillian nodded. “That seems fair.”

Orson pushed the paper in her direction and indicated where she should sign. After what felt like the fiftieth signature, he declared that she was finished, gathered up the papers, and left. Lillian sat back in her chair with her head spinning. What had just happened? How had she gotten this lucky?

Was fate finally smiling down on her?

Bonnie stood and motioned for her to follow. “I guess it’s time to meet Reed.”

Lillian nodded as she pushed back her chair and stood. Out in the hall, Bonnie fell in step with her.

“Now, he’s not going to be happy to see you or about this arrangement, but it needs to happen,” Bonnie said.

Lillian snapped her gaze over to Bonnie. Why wouldn’t Reed be happy about her being his assistant? Tamara was pretty adamant that Reed wanted to meet her, and that this arrangement would be advantageous for both of them. “Really? If it’s going to be a problem, I can wait. He should probably interview me first.” Panic rose up in her chest. She needed this job, and the last thing she wanted was to get her hopes up just to have them dashed when billionaire Reed Williamson waved her away.

Bonnie patted her arm. “Nonsense. That boy doesn’t know what he wants. Sometimes, it takes a mother’s guidance to help him see. He may feel that it’s impossible to fulfill this stipulation, but I’m not ready to give up. Not yet.”

Relief flooded Lillian. If she had the support of Bonnie, perhaps she would fight Reed to keep her.

They stopped at the door at the end of the hall, and Bonnie shot her what seemed like an encouraging smile. Then she raised her hand and knocked a few times.

“Come in,” a deep, smooth voice said.

Bonnie reached out and grasped the door handle. Lillian held her breath as Bonnie pushed open the door.

“What do you want, Mom?” Reed asked.

“I’m here to introduce you to your wife.”

Lillian’s heart began to race. Had she heard Bonnie right? What did she just call her?

Chapter Two

Reed leaned against the metal frame that made up the large picture windows in his office. The afternoon sun shone down on him, warming his already hot skin. Frustration coursed through his veins as he took a few deep breaths. He couldn’t believe his grandfather. A marriage stipulation? Was he serious?

Reed deserved full ownership of Williamson Investments. Not Mason. He’d been the one carrying this company on his back since he graduated top of his class from Harvard Business. And what had his philandering half-brother done? Nothing. But that didn’t seem to matter to their grandfather. He needed to marry, or Mason would get full control if the company.

Reed scrubbed his face with his hand. The fact that George Williamson felt as if he could force him into matrimony was ridiculous. It was the most old-fashioned and backwards stipulation ever.

Reed pushed away from window and made his way over to his desk. For the last week, he’d been counseling with Orson, the family lawyer, trying to find a way around this clause. But he couldn’t come up with anything. If he didn’t get married, he’d lose his title of CEO to Mason. Period.

Reed picked up a dart on his desk and readied it. He narrowed his eyes and stared at the center circle on the board thirty-feet away. Taking a deep breath, he let the dart soar.

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