This Billionaire's Criminal: This Billionaire, #19

By Rachel Foster

Carter and Stella were best friends for 3 years but when he got charged for insider trading she disappeared from his life. Then he was convicted and was sent to prison. When he gets out he's still a billionaire since the feds only fined him half of the 2 billion dollars he had. Then he bumps into Stella… And everything changes. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215881712

Book preview

1

S

TELLA

It was my boss’s birthday. And I wanted it to be one to remember.

A little before lunch, I stalked through the halls of the Manhattan high rise where Blanc Investments, the company I worked for, was headquartered.

I had a mission. And no one could find out about it. Especially not my boss.

A sneaky smile was on my face as I made my way to his office. Looking like that had to be suspicious, but I couldn’t help myself – I was having too much fun.

Down the hall, I spotted Kimmy, my boss’s secretary and exactly the person I’d hoped to see. I stood up straight and did my best to look as cool and casual as possible.

Hey, Stel! she said as she approached. Kimmy was tall, blonde, and pretty, always dressed in the latest, most stylish business wear.

Hey! I replied. What’s up?

The friendly expression faded from her face, replaced by one of exhaustion. She shook her head, tucking a stray strand of sun-blonde hair behind her ear.

It’s the big man, she said, using one of her nicknames to refer to our boss. Running me ragged all day.

That right? More than usual?

More than usual. Phone call after phone call – been really secretive about it, too.

Oh, and he’s, um, at that meeting in Midtown, right?

As far as I know. Supposed to be there until this afternoon. Perfect – it meant he wouldn’t be in his office. Anyway, what’s up with you? Going to lunch?

Nah, just going to eat at the desk today. Got a few leads on some stocks I don’t want to let slip away.

Smart girl, she said with a smile. Always thinking. If Carter doesn’t watch out, he might be giving up his office to you before too long.

I laughed. I’m sure. Maybe if I end up becoming a billionaire like him, I can just buy the company out from under him.

Another grin. Never say never. And if you end up needing a secretary, let me know.

I’ll be sure to keep you posted, I said with a wink.

Anyway, she said. I’m going to go grab a salad. You want anything?

I’m good, but thanks.

We said our goodbyes and she was off. In true over-the-top suspicious form, I watched her as she left to make sure she was gone. The moment she went around the next corner toward the elevators, I was off, making my way to Carter, my boss’s, office.

His office was the biggest one on the floor, all the way down at the end of the hall. Good for me – it meant no one would be seeing me do what I had planned. I reached the door, my eyes drifting over the golden plaque to the right of the door, the words Carter J. Blanc, Senior Investment Executive written in bold typeface letters.

One more glance over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching and I was in. Just as I’d hoped, no one was there.

Damn, Carter, I said as I entered, taking in the sight of his office. You sure know how to work.

His office was huge, with high ceilings and tall windows that looked out over the rest of the Financial District, the East River just beyond that and Brooklyn even further, the city stretching out into the distance.

Hell of a view. And the rest of the office wasn’t so bad either, with sleek, modern furniture and tasteful art on the walls. There was even a damn espresso machine.

But I wasn’t there to take in the sights. I was there on a mission.

And it was simple: find something, anything, that could give me some clue as to what to do for his birthday.

Carter was almost twenty-eight – a fact he kept a closely guarded secret, both his age and the date of his birthday. See, Carter and I had been something like friends for years, ever since I started at Blanc Investments after graduating from business school. But even though we were close – as close as he allowed people, which wasn’t very close at all – he still didn’t like the idea of me doing anything for his birthday.

It’s just another day, he’d told me last year when I’d invited him out for drinks to celebrate. More important things to worry about.

So like him – all business, all seriousness. Though he did have a funny, sardonic side that he allowed to come out every now and again, but only for a select few.

I had to find something – an indication of his hobbies, a band he liked, music he was into. Something, anything. I went to his desk, opening one drawer after another. Sure, I was technically snooping, but it was with good intentions, right?

But the moment I opened the middle drawer of his desk, I heard a familiar voice outside of the office door.

Right. Hold on...let me go inside, and we can talk this over.

The voice was low and deep and kinda-sorta really sexy.

It was Carter.

What the fuck was he doing there? He’d told me, and Kimmy had just confirmed, that he was supposed to be halfway across the city until the afternoon. Why was he suddenly back at his office?

There was no point in thinking it over. Carter and I might’ve been friends, sure, but that didn’t mean he’d be fine with me in his office, rooting through his personal belongings.

I had to do something, and fast. Carter kept on talking, the doorknob twisting slowly. I laid eyes on the door to his private bathroom – a nice executive perk – and threw it open, running inside and gently shutting the door behind me.

Yeah. OK, I’m alone. Tell me what you’ve got.

I couldn’t resist. I opened the door a little, just enough to get a peek of Carter in his office. Sure enough, it was him.

And he was as gorgeous as ever. Sure, Carter was my friend, not to mention my boss, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t still find him painfully, impossibly hot.

He was tall, with jet black hair always slicked into a clean part, highlighting his sharp, perfect bone structure, strong chin, and piercing blue eyes. His lips were full, his nose was strong and thin. And there was always this air of...confidence, authority, about him. Sure, he was the boss of the department, and the son of the owner, but something told me he’d be that assertive even if he weren’t. He was dressed in his usual dark suit, perfectly tailored for his body, his tie striped with red and blue.

God, he was hot. But, as I always told myself, he was my boss and friend – nothing could ever happen between us. Didn’t matter if I’d found myself more than a few times fantasizing about what it’d be like to have that perfect body on top of mine, those icy blue eyes staring down at me as he moved in and out of me. Couldn’t happen, shouldn’t happen.

But at that moment, I was more concerned with not being found. I was hidden for the moment, but if he were to decide to use the bathroom, I’d be totally screwed – and not in the way I liked.

He set his phone down and pressed a button on it, the man’s voice on the other end coming out on speaker.

You alone right now? the caller asked.

In my office. It’s soundproof, so don’t worry about anyone hearing us.

He didn’t want anyone to hear him? What kind of conversation was he having?

Carter stepped over to his espresso machine and set it to start.

OK, he said. Tell me what you’ve got.

This data tech firm, said the caller. Specializes in security, keeping the information of its client’s customers safe. They’re called Praetorian – heard of them?

Sure – biggest name in the game, said Carter. What’s the important part?

The important part is this – I’ve got word the CEO just got busted having an affair with some intern.

And I assume this is about more than just gossip?

Of course it is, Carter – I wouldn’t be talking to you about it if it weren’t. Anyway, he’d been banging this college girl for months, thought he was being all slick about it. And he was – had to give him credit.

How did you find out?

Got a buddy in charge of security for the firm. He was going over the CCTV one night and saw footage of the CEO and his fuck buddy getting up to very not-safe-for-work stuff in the break room after everyone had gone home.

All right. Get to the part where I should be interested.

"Just about to. So, it turns out that this intern was under the impression our CEO pal was in love with her, was going to leave his wife and family or some shit. He had to break it to her that this most definitely was not the case."

And you heard this through your friend there?

Yep. Once he got hip to what was going on, he started listening in on their conversations. Got it all on tape.

Perfect. Go on.

He broke it to her that no, that wasn’t going to happen. She took it well on the surface, but when my bud started spying on her computers, he found out that she’d installed a backdoor in the latest build of their top-selling software – one that would make it easy as pie to break in. Build got put out, no one any the wiser.

Shit. And then what?

She met with the CEO and gave him an ultimatum – leave his family for her, or she lets slip about the software backdoor.

Extortion and blackmail, said Carter. The most romantic ways to a lover’s heart.

Well, you know what they say about a woman scorned. Anyway, this was two days ago, and she gave him three days to figure out what he wanted to do. So...

Carter picked up on what he was saying. That means tomorrow there’s either going be news in a day that Preatorian’s got a backdoor in its biggest product or that the CEO’s going to be stepping down for vague reasons.

Bingo. Which means that the stock’s about to tank in a big, big way.

Shit. Carter sipped his espresso. That means it’s time to sell.

Exactly. Dump Praetorian and make a killing while they’re still viable. Because after tomorrow...

Worthless.

I was still so shocked from Carter nearly walking in on me that it took me a minute to realize what I was listening to.

They were talking about insider trading – the kind of shit that was very, very illegal. Using information like that to make trades was a total violation of SEC rules. My boss was breaking the law right before my eyes.

Alright, said Carter. I’m not going to waste any time making some moves.

And I’m gonna do the same. Thought you’d appreciate the tip.

I most definitely do. Thanks – maybe I’ll lend you the private jet for a few weeks to say thanks.

A laugh came from the other end. I’m gonna hold you to that, bud.

The call ended, and as soon as it was over, Carter sat down behind his computer and went to work. I watched from my vantage point as he pulled up his stock portfolio and dumped hundreds of thousands of dollars of Praetorian stock. Buyers not hip to Carter’s inside information snapped up the stock, still thinking it was going to be as valuable tomorrow as it was today.

And Carter made money – over a million from what I could see. He’d broken the law and made off like a bandit.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I’d known Carter could be ruthless, but this was something else entirely – he wasn’t just a hard-as-nails boss; he was a criminal.

I didn’t know what to think. I’d totally forgotten about why I’d come to the office. It was like my world had been turned upside down.

When he was done, Carter stood up and cracked his back. He turned, and for a moment, I worried he might come to the bathroom and find me hiding.

But he didn’t. Instead, he pressed a button on his intercom.

Kimmy?

Yes, Mr. Blanc?

I’m taking the rest of the day off. Forward any calls to my voicemail if they come in.

I shook my head – a little illegal activity before taking the afternoon off.

Will do.

He finished off his espresso and left the office. I was safe. When I was sure the coast was clear, I hurried out of the place. Kimmy was at the far end of the hall.

Hey! she said. What’s up?

I knew I should’ve at least tried to come up with some excuse as to why I was in the executive hall.

Nothing! Feeling kind of sick – going home! I said it over my shoulder as I hurried back toward my desk. Once there, I collected my things and left, not bothering to say a word to anyone else.

I spent the ride back to my apartment in Park Slope going over what I’d just learned. My boss was a criminal, a stock manipulator. It was too much to take. How much money had he made over the years on tips like that? I could tell from the conversation that it was likely not the first time he’d done something like that – he’d seem far too casual for it to be otherwise.

When I was back in my tiny one-bedroom in the walk-up townhome where I lived, I began pacing back and forth. Not knowing what else to do, I called my mom. She and my dad had moved to Berlin after they’d retired, and though they were on the other side of the planet, I still went to them whenever I had a situation I was unsure about.

And this was most definitely one of those times.

Hey, baby! came my mom’s voice on the other end.

Hey, Mom... I trailed off.

OK, what’s wrong?

Nothing to do but get right into it. I started, telling her about what I’d learned that afternoon.

That’s majorly illegal. My dad’s voice came in.

Sorry, baby, said my mom. I should’ve told you I put you on speakerphone.

Wasn’t the only time that day I’d been surprised by a speakerphone.

It’s OK, I said. But...I don’t know what to do.

What do you mean? asked my dad. You call the SEC right now, tell them what you found out.

But she’d lose her job, Ed, said my mom. Maybe she ought to talk to Carter first?

And have him come up with some excuse? he replied. No way – go over his head.

"But what if I do lose my job? I asked. What if I get blacklisted as a snitch?"

That doesn’t matter, said Dad. Because you already know what’s going on. As of right now, you’re an accomplice.

Panic rose up in me. Mom? Is he right?

I don’t know, she said. But...it’s the right thing to do.

Think about it like this, said Dad. All those people who bought that stock – they’re going to lose out big time when the news hits tomorrow. Millions of dollars stolen away from them by your boss. But if you tell the SEC today, let them know what’s going on, you can stop that from happening.

I paced back and forth, my heart racing. Dad was always the moral type, one of those guys who always did the right thing.

I have to do it today?

You have to do it today, he said. If the news is coming out tomorrow, you don’t have another choice.

And you’re a brilliant, hard-working girl, said Mom. You’ll find something else if you lose your job. And you know we’re here for you.

That’s right, kiddo, said Dad. Call them now. And let us know when you do it.

I paused, thinking there was some excuse I could come up with. But I knew there wasn’t.

I will, I said. And...I love you both.

They said the same to me and then the call was over. I was alone, just me in my apartment about to make a decision I knew would change the course of my life forever.

But Dad was right: I had to do something to stop it. Carter was my boss and friend, but I couldn’t let him get away with stealing millions of dollars.

I opened my laptop and pulled up the website for the SEC. With hesitant fingers, I dialed up the tip hotline.

Agent Shepard, said the stern voice on the other line. How can I help you?

I took a deep breath and spoke. I...I’d like to report insider trading.

And that was it.

No going back.

2

C

ARTER

Carter Blanc?

I raised my head, my hands weaved together between my legs as I sat in the processing cell.

Yes?

At the entrance stood a tall, chubby guard, his hair cut into a neat buzz, a bushy moustache above his upper lip.

Time to go.

Fucking finally. I rose, glancing down at the bag in the guard’s hand.

What’s that?

Something your parents sent you. He tossed it over to me, and I neatly caught it. Change and come out.

With that, he left. I opened the bag and glanced inside, seeing that it was a pair of black loafers, matching socks, along with a white button-up shirt and some dark jeans. All were high-quality.

I didn’t waste any time slipping out of the prisoner’s outfit, tossing the clothes into a pile in the corner of the cell. It felt like heaven to put on the clothes in the bag. After seven years of jumpsuits, wearing a decent outfit felt like heaven.

When I was dressed, I left the cell, the guard taking the now-empty bag and tossing it into the trash.

Come on.

The hallway was like any other in the prison, beige, featureless walls and harsh lighting. We continued down side-by-side, our footsteps echoing.

Look at that, the guard said, giving me a once-over out of the corner of his eye. Not even out of prison, and you’ve already got on some fancy-ass duds.

Problem with it?

He snorted. I don’t give a shit what you wear. My issue’s that you’re supposed to be in jail for another thirteen years. But Mom and Dad pull some strings and you’re a free man. Shit hardly seems fair.

Life’s not fair, I replied. And it’s fairer for some than others.

No shit. Got guys in here serving decade sentences for stealing groceries. You nearly make off with a couple mil, and you’re out free with less than half time served.

Unless you’re planning on opening the case back up, I really don’t care about your opinion on the matter.

Of course you don’t. You rich types don’t care about justice – just what your money can buy you.

Blah, blah – I’d heard it all before. Ever since news had gotten out that my parents had managed to get my sentence reduced, every fellow inmate was all over me, not wasting a second letting me know how they felt about my lack of punishment. They were all white-collar criminals, fellow residents of the minimum-security cell where I’d spent the last seven years. And I didn’t care to ever see them again.

Didn’t matter. I was about to be a free man. My heart rate quickened as the guard opened another door for me, this one leading to the final barrier between me and the outside world.

Alright, he said, leading me to another pair of guards who prepared to give me a final pat down. This is it.

This is it, I repeated.

For your sake and mine, I hope I don’t ever see you again, Blanc.

The feeling is more than mutual.

The guards finished and led me to a thick, steel door, the window looking out to the fence-surrounded perimeter of the prison. One of them pressed a nearby button, a harsh buzz sounding out as the lock clicked open. Another guard opened the door, cool, fresh air rushing in to greet me.

And that’s it, Blanc, said one of the guards. You’re free.

I flashed him a small smile before stepping through the door.

Free. After seven long years, I was finally free. The sun was bright, the sky a clear blue. When the door shut with a hard bang behind me, I simply stood there for a time, my eyes closed as the sun warmed my face, as I took in the first few breaths as a free man once again.

But I wasn’t in the mood to stand around. I was ready to put as much distance between me and that damn prison as I could. So, I strode down the fence-lined path that led to the exit, the dirt crunching below my loafers.

Soon I was out, at the side of the road. And to my left was a long, black car – my ride home. It pulled up as I approached, the door opening up.

In the car was my father. He had the same dark hair and fair skin as me, though his own hairline had receded over the years. Wrinkles fanned his blue eyes, and he was dressed in a navy suit.

Carter, he said in his stern voice. Get in.

He didn’t need to tell me twice. I climbed into the car and sat down. The seating was plush and soft – possibly the first comfortable surface I’d sat on in years.

Dad regarded me with skeptical eyes from across the back of the limo, as if he wanted to be certain it was me. At his side was a white bag, a Burger King label on the side, the smell of fast food filling the air.

Your Mom’s at home making some over-the-top meal, he said. But I knew what you’d really want once you got out.

He handed the bag over, and I opened it up. Hunger overtook me as I opened the paper and sank my teeth into the burger, the tastes of grease, meat, and cheese flooding into my mouth.

Holy shit, it was so good I almost wanted to weep.

Keep this between me and you, he said with a small smile.

I shook my head. No more secrets – even for something like this. Lying’s what got me into this mess.

The car took off, and we were on our way.

Look at you, said Dad. Not wasting any time getting on the straight and narrow.

I took another burger, followed by a handful of fries. After wiping my mouth and hands off on a napkin. I sipped the Coke that he’d brought along with the food. After years of prison food and ramen noodles, it was like a king’s feast.

But I didn’t want to ruin my appetite for whatever Mom had made. I tucked the food back into the bag and rolled down the top.

Right, I said, pointing with my thumb to the prison, the building fading into the distance. You spend seven years in there and let me know how eager you are to go back.

I can only imagine. The idea of you being locked up for twenty years... Unthinkable.

Thanks again for doing what you did, Dad, I said. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

He nodded. Had to pull some serious strings, call in a few favors. But at least you won’t be spending your thirties behind bars.

I stretched out my arms over the back of the seat, the food sitting heavy in my stomach.

So, said Dad, opening up the bar and preparing a couple of drinks. You know the terms, right?

Believe me, I know them. No leaving the state, and the cops are going to be watching me for the next year.

"Probation. That means if