Ruthless Heir (Ruthless Billionaires #5)

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Harper

“ Holy hell .”

My heart stops at the sight of the beautiful gunmetal color Porsche parked on the driveway, gleaming under the morning sunlight.

The plan for today was to get to Le Blanche Global by ten and ask Asher for the job.

I was getting myself ready and about to call an Uber when Olga knocked on my door to let me know my car had arrived.

I rushed out, driven by excitement to finally have my own wheels, but I expected a small standard car. Not this.

I can't believe what I'm seeing. This car is no different from the luxury ones in Asher’s garage.

I walk toward it, my fingers almost trembling as they reach out to touch the smooth, polished surface.

“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Olga says in a warm voice.

I didn’t even remember she was standing on the steps. “It’s beautiful. Is this seriously for me?" I’m in complete shock.

“It certainly is.” She walks up to me and we both admire the car’s sleek, flawless body.

“I’ve never had such a good car before. The last car I owned was so old the wheels fell off.” I laugh although it’s not funny. That was the car I left in L.A. It gave out on me just before I decided to flee to Massachusetts.

“I think Asher wanted you to have something nice. It suits you.” Olga smiles and I gaze at her, fascinated. It’s the first time she’s smiled at me since I’ve been here. It’s like she’s decided that I’m not a gold digger and I’ve passed a test.

“Thank you.”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a set of keys. “These are yours. Want to take it for a spin? I assure you the wheels won’t fall off this one, no matter how old it gets.”

I laugh. “Absolutely. I was actually just…” I stop myself from giving away my plan. I don’t want Asher to know I’m on my way to see him. I want to go for the element of surprise. “I was going to see my friend,” I quickly add.

“Well, now you can travel in style.” She hands me the keys.

“I’m so excited.”

“Good. What time will you be back?”

“I think by one.” Or much sooner if Asher turns me down as soon as he finds out why I’m there.

“Alright, I’ll have lunch ready for you then.”

“Great, thanks. See you then.”

“Have fun.”

If only she knew.

I practically skip into the car. When I sit inside I take a moment to admire the leather interior and all the mechanics on the dash. Everything looks so good I hardly dare to touch it.

I start the car and marvel at how smooth it sounds and so unlike the rickety, cracking noise my old car used to make.

This is amazing. And such a nice, unexpected surprise.

My soul needed something like this today. I’m nervous as hell about how the day will play out.

I’ll be going to see Asher now, then later tonight I’ll be heading to the Dark Odyssey to do the paperwork. I’m also supposed to get a tour of the club. The manager specifically wants me there to see the club in action .

I’m not overly fond of watching people have sex in real life but I couldn’t exactly tell him that when that’s what the club is all about.

I breeze down the driveway with a smile on my face and once I get on the road I speed up, loving the thrill of freedom surging through my veins.

I have to take photos later and send them to Josh. He’ll be happy about this. He was always nagging me to get a new car.

It takes me an hour and a half to get into the city. Once I’m on Wall Street the view changes, immersing me in skyscrapers and other important buildings. This is the hub of ambition, success and unimaginable dreams that only the men who work here make possible.

And I’m like a little fish who just got lost in the ocean.

I find Le Blanche Global and my breath falters, caught in my chest.

The building looms into the sky like a gleaming pillar of glass and steel, its sleek surface reflecting the vibrant sun.

“Wow,” I breathe, awed by the powerful presence of the building. I am definitely not in Kansas anymore. If I get the job this is where I’ll be working.

I follow the cars going into the parking lot, then follow the people entering the triple height lobby and act like one of them.

I’m still going for the element of surprise so the mission is to find Asher’s office and…surprise him.

I know him better than he thinks. If he has time to prepare he’ll shoot me down faster than I can blink.

The entrance is framed by polished marble columns that give it a European feel. The lobby stretches before me, an expanse of marble flooring and soaring ceilings with glittering chandeliers sparkling like daytime stars.

Golden accents line the walls, guiding my eyes toward the reception desk, where well-dressed professionals sign visitors in.

This is the perfect illustration of luxury. And definitely the fanciest place I’ve ever been in.

I take a deep breath, feeling the supremacy of the place settle over me.

I can do this.

I can do this.

I can do this.

Mom used to tell me I could do anything if I made myself believe I could. So here I am, summoning her wisdom.

I also feel that if I get this job I won’t have to feel too bad about the other one.

I head to the reception desk and sign in without saying a word, like the woman before me. She obviously either works here or has come for a meeting.

Once I’m done I get a visitor’s pass and am on my way to the elevator.

So far, so good.

Thankfully the elevator is labeled by department. The management suite is at the top on the fortieth floor. That’s where I head.

I imagine Asher’s office will have his name on it, so I just have to find that.

However, when I get out of the elevator and start looking for his office I realize the place is no different to a labyrinth. And the floor is huge.

I feel silly for not factoring in the size.

It’s definitely not going to be as simple as finding an office with Asher’s name on it. That might actually take hours.

And damn it, I’m lost. So lost I don’t know where I came from. There are two corridors that look similar.

I take the left one and end up in a waiting area that I hadn’t seen before, then

suddenly I hear a familiar voice. One I haven’t heard in years.

I turn to see Hunter, Asher’s brother and CEO of this company. He’s walking down the corridor with Luc, their cousin. The two walk like they’re the gods of Olympus, strong and powerful with untamed male beauty and dominance.

My mind stalls for a moment and I wonder if I should ask for directions.

Yes, of course I should. This is perfect. They know me.

“Hi, guys.” I wave at them and act like we just saw each other the other day.

They both stop and look surprised when they see me.

“Harper St. John,” Hunter says, glancing at Luc with mischief in his eyes.

“Hey, there.”

“We haven’t seen you in years,” Luc says.

“I know, it’s been a while.” I chuckle.

“Come to see Asher?” Hunter asks.

“Yes. Is he around?” This couldn’t have been planned or timed better.

“He is. Do you know where his office is?”

“No. That’s where I’m lost.” I laugh as if I didn’t just practically sneak into their building.

“We’ll show you.”

“Thank you so much.” I flash him a grateful smile.

They lead me down one of the corridors I would never have seen and I hear Asher’s voice coming from the office at the end with the door half open.

“That’s him down there. Have fun.” Hunter grins at me and points to the office door.

“Thanks for showing me the way.”

“No problem. See you later.”

He and Luc give me one last smile then head off.

Now for the next part of the plan. The part I have no plan for. I’m literally going to wing it.

I take measured steps and listen out as I hear Asher’s voice again. He’s talking to someone. It’s a woman.

“I need someone who can use common sense, Layla. You can’t teach a person common sense. And I don’t have time for this shit,” Asher is saying in that gruff voice that shows his rage.

“Two more interviews, then I’ll get a temp,” Layla replies. “We just need someone who can handle basic PR stuff.”

They’re talking about a job.

“I need someone who can deal with the press when they ask them shit about whatever scandal they heard about me. I don’t want someone who needs to clear it with me first.”

What idiot did that? Saying something like that just makes him sound guilty. More importantly, I’d know exactly what to say.

I reach the door but they don’t see me. So I use the opportunity to get a better look at them.

Asher is standing by his desk looking stressed and Layla is gorgeous—of course, she is.

Sitting with her legs crossed, she looks like a glamorous 1920’s painting, with her fashionable bob, vibrant red business dress, heels, and lips to match.

Asher looks my way and shock registers on his face when he sees me. Layla notices me next.

“ Harper ?” Asher says my name as if he’s checking it’s really me.

“Hi.” I do my best to summon confidence by pasting a smile on my face. Then an idea comes to me that will be my make-or-break moment. “I would have said no comment.”

“What?” His gaze narrows.

“If the press asked me shit about whatever scandal they heard about you and you hadn’t provided me an agreed answer, I would say I can neither confirm nor deny any allegations.” I try to remember some of the on-the-go tips I learned when I had to work for Nick’s company. “You’re not legally obliged to answer any press-related questions if you don’t want to. If they pushed back I would politely repeat the same answer. If they became overly aggressive or insistent I would politely end the call. Of course there’s also the threat of reporting them to the authorities for harassment if they continued to call.”

The surprise on Asher’s face morphs into full-blown shock while Layla smiles at me.

“Asher, who is this gem of a girl and where have you been hiding her?” Layla beams.

I walk into the office and over to her. “I’m Harper St. John.”

I extend my hand to shake hers and she stands to give me a firm handshake. “Your Josh’s sister?”

“Yes. That’s me.”

“I’m Layla Bianchi, Asher’s assistant. And his sister in law’s sister.” Her eyes gleam with warm approval of me.

“Great to meet you.”

“What are you doing here, Harper?” Asher asks in that gruff voice again, returning my attention to him.

“I wanted to thank you for my car. It’s beautiful. I absolutely love it.” I give him a grateful smile. Talking about the car first should smooth things over.

“You’re welcome, but somehow I don’t think that’s all you came here for.” He raises his dark brows.

“No.” I bring my hands together and lace my fingers. “I also wanted to apply for the assistant PR position.”

The sullenness that settles in Asher’s expression is enough to make me turn around and walk back out the door. I would do just that if I weren’t desperate.

That desperation roots me to the spot, encouraging me to stick around and argue my case.

Asshole. Now he’s looking at me as if I couldn’t be worse for the job.

“You have PR experience? It sounds like you do.” Layla steps in, saving me from Asher’s death glare.

“Yes. I helped out a company who managed rock bands. I didn’t actually have a role but I picked up a lot of stuff. There was a summer where I had to fill in for one of the publicists. It was when Red Viper took off. I’m a quick study, so I can learn whatever I need to learn.” That’s all I got. It’s not a lot, but it’s something. And I think I just might have Layla on my side.

“Red Viper! I love them,” she gasps. “They’re one of my favorite rock bands.”

“Working here would not be like that.” Asher cuts in, his arctic tone stealing the momentary warmth I felt from Layla’s excitement.

“But they’re a huge rock band. Imagine the phone calls she had to take.”

Thanks, Layla . We just met and I like her already.

“Harper St. John, is that you?” comes a distinguished voice from behind me.

I look around and find Preston Le Blanche, Asher’s father, standing in the doorway.

When he sees me the biggest smile spreads across his face.

The last time I saw him was at my father’s funeral, and he was so kind to me, like always.

When I was a child he and his wife used to spoil me rotten because they never had a daughter. I owned dresses from every country they visited, and candies and cakes galore.

“Mr. Le Blanche.” I rush over to meet him and he gives me a quick hug.

“Oh, please, call me Preston.” He smirks. “We’re practically family.”

What a nice thing to say. “Thank you. It’s so great to see you.”

“And you. How are you, my dear?”

“Good. I just moved back to New York. I’m finishing up my studies at NYU. I came by to see Asher before he gets sucked into his busy schedule.”

For some reason his eyes brighten on hearing that. “Oh, I see.”

The vibrant look in his eyes increases when he looks across at Asher.

It doesn’t seem as if Preston knows I’m staying with Asher, so I don’t make him any wiser.

“Well, I’ll let you guys catch up. Come to family dinner when you’re free. Our doors are always open to you. My wife would love to see you. I believe she picked up a few things for you at Fashion Week.”

“Oh my God. Thanks, I’ll definitely be there.”

“We look forward to seeing you.” He dips his head for a curt nod then gives Asher an approving stare. “We’ll speak later.”

“Yes, Father.”

I don’t know why but I get the feeling there’s something going on here. Something I’m not privy to but I feel like I’ve just become a part of it.

Preston casts me another warm grin before he departs.

“Layla, I need to speak to Harper alone,” Asher says in a stiff tone.

“Of course.” She nods then looks at me. “I hope I see you again soon.”

“Me too. I guess that’s up to boss man.”

Her eyes brighten and she giggles. “ Boss man . Girl after my own heart. I call him that, too.”

She casts a look back at Asher then saunters away, leaving us. Leaving me.

When I look back at Asher I feel like I’m in trouble again. Although I’ve done very little.

“Harper, why on earth do you want to work here? Please tell me it’s not to irritate the hell out of me, because you do that enough at home.”

“ I irritate you at home?” I’m not supposed to argue with him if I want the job but I can’t help it. “Didn’t we just call a truce the other day?”

“We did, but now you’re here at my workplace.”

“Asking for a job I need.”

“A job you’re not qualified for. Doing the few shifts you did at Nick’s old company doesn’t qualify you to do PR here .”

“I learn fast. It wouldn’t be that hard.” I sound like I’m begging. I hate begging.

“Josh wanted you to focus on getting ready for college.”

“That’s nice of him but I need to earn a living.”

“I want someone who’s going to stay in the position, not looking for summer work.”

“I’ll be flexible and I don’t plan on leaving when college starts. That’s why I want the assistant position.”

He cocks his head and regards me with scrutinizing eyes.

“At least think about it. Right now, I’m in the house just practicing music. It would be nice to have my own money coming in.” That’s the best pitch I can give him without revealing too much more.

“Sure you don’t need the money for something else?” He raises his brows again.

“No.” Every time I lie to him I feel like a jerk.

“Okay, I’ll think about it.”

The tension leaves my shoulders and the tightness in my lungs loosens. “Thank you. I guess I’ll see you at home then.”

“Sure.”

That actually went well. Now I just have to hope he agrees.

It’s late when I get back from the Dark Odyssey.

I was hoping to be home sooner but the club tour took longer than I thought. And my God, did I see everything.

Literally everything in someone’s idea of a dark fantasy came alive before me.

They have a regular dance floor and a bar like other clubs, but on the sidelines were sofas where people were having real live sex.

That was just the main section. Beyond that were fantasy and themed rooms. Rooms where people ate food off each other and other rooms where they were having orgies.

I can’t even believe I’m thinking those words, much less that I saw it all with my own two eyes. I understood why the manager wanted me there during that time—so I wouldn’t be shocked on my first day of work—but I’m completely overwhelmed.

It was A LOT to process and my mind is still reeling from it.

I get out of my beautiful fairytale car and head into the house feeling like shit.

The day started out so full of hope and is ending with me questioning my sanity and feeling like a failure again.

Despite the gravity of the situation and the talk I had with Beth, knowing I have to lower myself by working in a sex club aches my soul.

I walk into the hallway and see that the light in the kitchen is on. It’s normally off at this time.

Asher walks past the cupboard with his phone pressed to his ear. He’s home.

This is the first night that I’ve been out after ten, so I messaged to say I’d be late.

I stop in my tracks and stare at him. Whatever he’s talking about has him so engrossed he’s completely oblivious to me.

I wonder if he’s come to a decision about the job yet. It would be so great to stop my job search. It would also be good to have a decent job. Something that will definitely cushion the blow of working at the Dark Odyssey.

Better yet… what if I took Beth’s advice and asked Asher for the money I need?

Could I?

This is the first time I’ve truly contemplated asking him. I guess going to the club did a number on me and opened my eyes to all the things I’d have to do to get the money I need if I worked there.

Maybe it would be okay to ask Asher for a loan, and I could just owe him the money instead of Vito. I could work it off and he wouldn’t have to pay me for the PR job. That’s if he picks me.

I walk closer but stop again when I think of what he’d say.

“Irresponsible troublemaker. I thought you’d have better sense than that.”

Those are all things he’s called me.

God, I can’t imagine what he’d say if I told him I didn’t properly check things out on the loan when I signed up for it. I didn’t even look at the interest rate.

Of course, at the time, I didn’t know that Nick was going to be laid off from the music company. Nick knew full well how screwed I would be and that’s why he got the damn loan in my name. And he didn’t care about me.

How do I explain to Asher that love made me blind?

I was so happy I found someone I could trust who wasn’t Asher Le Blanche. Then love made me foolish.

“I need to figure this out, Hunter.” Asher balances the phone on his shoulder while he grabs a beer from the fridge and pops it open. “I want this shit resolved before I get married.”

His tone is so soft I almost miss what he said, but the word that caught my attention pushes to the forefront of my mind.

Married.

Is that what he really said?

Yes. He said before I get married .

That’s what I heard. I think …

Surely if Asher were getting married I’d know. Right?

Josh would have said something. Or Asher. I’ve been living with him long enough.

“Father wants the wedding done and dusted by the end of the year so we can start next year fresh.”

Oh God. It’s true .

Asher is getting married.

Married.

The world suddenly feels like it's spinning around and around in my head.

My heart squeezes then it breaks silently in my chest.

I force myself to breathe, to steady the trembling in my hands.

And to wake up and come back to reality.

Asher is getting married , so now the dream is over. All those years of fantasizing about him have come to an end.

What a way to find out.

And no… I can’t ask him for any more help.

I turn and walk away with a heaviness in my heart.

It’s so stupid. These feelings I have of disappointment and regret.

Because he was never mine.