Ella and the billionaire playboy

s hand resting lightly on her arm. "I see you'v

t your philanthropic work," E

everal initiatives that make a real difference.

d-looking older man. "Ella, this is Richard Ha

hard said, his eyes twinkling. "I

ise to her cheeks.

a wink. "Jason has a knack fo

but smile. "Thank y

," he said warmly. "Enjo

nd accepted a flute of bubbly from a passing

e around her. "...the financial statement for this quarter seems positive." "Have you been informed

tion with a group of wealthy colleagues. She whispered

business transactions." Sorry, no

n's colleague took him for a "private chat," Ella seized the cha

ul gardens and heard a quiet argument coming from below. She st

to worry, I've got everything under c

oved in closer, attempting to c

the man responded, "for

intention in saying "no threat"? She resisted the temptation to directly confront Jason, choo

laborate stone gazebo by the laughter and chatter she heard. Looking ar

th a charming grin. "An entire coastal village designed with luxury amenities and e

uckled one of the men. "Just be sure to

ojects and his other...investments, I daresay Jason will soon outstrip even old money like

out where exactly his family fortune truly comes from. Shady deals, if you

the woman had mentioned? And what could she possibly mean by "shady deals"? J

laugh drew Ella's atte

Alexander," Jason teased one of the men. "Please do tell, is the renowned playboy

afraid, my dear friend. You know me b

caught her eye across the crowd - Jack, her coworker from

. I thought you didn't socialize with the bosses." He

last-minute invitation I d

make yourselves at home. The night is young!" And with that dazzling smile, he slipped back into the cr

ped his drink. Ella responded “ I d

w rich guys like him all the

ecaster? As the evening wore on, Ella resolved to unravel the mysteries ben

dow that overlooked the estate's gardens.

wearing anything other than her ragged hand-me-downs. "This feels so

on her shoulder. "You look absolutely radian

latial estate. Elaborate railings glittered overhead, and the sounds of a string quartet drifted thr

d. "These people may seem intimidating,

, I find that hard to believe." She sai