This Billionaire's Hometown: This Billionaire, #45

By Rachel Foster

Blake had it all. He was a successful investor who many people looked to for advice. Now his business partner Ed is in trouble for insider trading. To make it worse, Ed has Blake set up to go down with him. So what does Blake do when the company he built quickly crumbles? He moves back to his small hometown in Iowa. He's trying to rebuild his life while his business investigation looms. Now he's crossed paths with his college flame, Grace. Every feeling he once had for her is instantly back. Grace is a freelance graphic designer. Her job provides her the flexibility to help her dad on their family farm. Now Blake is back and her life is turned upside down. She is annoyed that he wants her to feel bad for him losing his business when he didn't even take the time to come back when her mom passed away. Now Blake is helping on their family farm. Grace must decide if he's worth falling for again and Blake must decide what kind of life he wants to live. Now her dad has been injured in a farm accident and she's forced to choose between her career and staying home in Iowa with the ones she loves. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215499139

Book preview

This Billionaire's Hometown

Rachel Foster

Copyright © 2018 by Rachel Foster

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

1. Blake POV Thursday

2. Grace POV Friday

3. Blake POV Monday

4. Grace POV Wednesday

5. Blake POV Thursday

6. Grace POV Sunday

7. Blake POV Tuesday

8. Grace POV Wednesday

9. Blake POV Thursday

10. Grace POV Friday

11. Blake POV

12. Grace POV Sunday

13. Blake POV Morning

14. Grace POV Wednesday

15. Blake POV Friday

16. Grace POV Saturday

17. Blake POV Tuesday

18. Grace POV Thursday

19. Blake POV Friday

20. Grace POV Saturday

21. Blake POV Sunday

22. Grace POV Monday

23. Blake POV Tuesday

24. Grace POV Wednesday

25. Blake POV Thursday

26. Grace POV Saturday

27. Blake POV Sunday

28. Grace POV Tuesday

29. Blake POV Wednesday

30. Grace POV Friday

31. Blake POV Sunday

32. Grace POV Monday

33. Blake POV Tuesday

34. Grace POV Tuesday

35. Blake POV Wednesday

36. Grace POV Thursday

37. Blake POV Saturday

38. Grace POV Monday

39. Blake POV Wednesday

Epilogue

1

Blake POV Thursday

I

woke up on Thursday morning and rolled over on my side. My cotton bedsheets were wrapped around my legs as if I’d had a fitful sleep and I kicked them off, then yawned and glanced at my phone. It was six am, and the sun was already peeking up above the horizon. What would I do with my morning? I planned on going into the office around ten because I had a stack of proposals to read through and a generous pile of client application forms waiting for me.

What’s going on, Trixie? I asked my Labrador retriever as she wandered into my room and licked my hand at the edge of the bed. I know you want to go for a walk. Give me a second, I said, rubbing my eyes and sitting upright. I had always been an early riser and actually enjoyed waking up at the crack of dawn, but today I was feeling groggy. It was probably the extra margarita I’d had last night at Senoroita’s on Third. My buddies and I had met up over there to celebrate my buddy Tosh’s promotion, and it had turned into a late evening.

When I finally climbed out of bed, the sun had settled along the valley, and I could see cars zipping along the highway that stretched just a few miles north of the Hudson River. I had been in New York long enough to realize that this was one of the most diverse and exciting places I’d ever visited. I rented a home right outside of Manhattan because I wasn’t sure where I wanted to buy property yet, but I’d been checking out the brownstones in the heart of downtown to see if they were the right fit.

I made my bed then checked my phone. I had a few texts from Ed about an upcoming investor meeting, so I responded that I’d be into the office shortly to address his concerns. Ed and I had been working at High Rise Investing together for almost two years now, and while I enjoyed having him as my colleague, I sometimes wished I could branch out and manage the firm on my own. We were both steadfast in our diligence when it came to investor relations and client retention, but sometimes we butted heads over expansion tools.

After tossing my phone on the bed, I walked to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, then ran the shower water. I stepped in the tub and closed my eyes, letting the droplets fall over my face. I was glad that it was Thursday because it meant that we were all one day closer to the weekend. Trixie barked at me from outside the shower, which meant that I was running late on getting her breakfast. I chuckled as I washed my hair, then rinsed off and climbed out of the shower, then wrapped myself in a towel.

I walked to my cedar wardrobe and pulled out a gray pinstriped button-down shirt, a pair of black pants, and a charcoal colored tie. I flung my towel on the bed and slipped on a pair of boxers, then put on the pants and the shirt. By now, traffic was buzzing outside, and I took a peek in time to see a swath of pedestrians cross Fairview Avenue onto Sixth Street. I loved being part of the energy that came with living in a large city, and I hoped I’d have the chance to explore it over time in more depth.

Okay, Trixie, I called. I’m on my way, I said with a smile as I bounded down the steps to the kitchen. My flat had two levels and overlooked the heart of the valley. I loved where it was situated because it was close enough to High Rise but also provided me with a bit of privacy that didn’t come with most other apartment dwelling spaces. Trixie greeted me with a wagging tail in front of the fridge. I gave her a pet on the head and then walked to the mud room to get her food.

Here you go, girl, I said, pouring a scooper full of kibble into her bowl. See you in a couple hours, I added, grabbing my keys off the hook and then walking to the front door.

I walked out front to my Mercedes and unlocked the door, then got behind the wheel and tuned on the ignition. It felt like it was already in the seventies, so I rolled down the windows and the sunroof. A group of people crossed the street just as I was about to pull out of my parking space, so I waited a couple seconds before leaving. I was just about to shift into drive when I got a notification on my phone from Ed, asking me if I had a list of the client prospectus sheets from last week. I rolled my eyes because I’d already sent him the list, then texted him back that I’d send it over later this morning.

When I finally got on the road, I was one of many people trying to make his way into the heart of the investing district. I turned on the radio and leaned back in my seat, preparing for a long ride in. Well, we’ve got sunny skies and warm temps today for most of New York City and the surrounding valley. I hope you’re enjoying it while it lasts, said the DJ as I drove five miles per hour to the first stop light. It ended up taking me almost a half hour to get into the firm which was twice as long as usual, but I chalked it up to everyone being out and about earlier today because we were one day shy of the weekend.

Good morning, Blake, said Courtney, my secretary, as soon as I walked in.

Hi there, Courtney, I said with a smile as I made my way toward the elevator. Two of my employees were already waiting for the doors to open, so I joined them in the hall as I stood and sipped my coffee. When the doors opened, we all piled in and took the elevator to the twenty-fifth floor. When the button dinged, I got off and walked straight across the hall to my conveniently located office.

Oh, good, said Ed, popping up as soon as I unlocked my office door. I was just going to send you another text about those client prospectus sheets, he said, running his hands nervously through his hair.

Yeah, man, I said. I sent them to you on Wednesday. Remember? I asked. Ed shook his head.

No. It’s been a hectic week. Do me a favor and email them to me again as soon as you have a chance, he said. I nodded and took a sip of my coffee.

Sure, I said, powering on my laptop and easing back in my chair. Ed walked out, and I waited for my screen to load just as the ping on my phone alerted me to three new texts. I could already tell what kind of day it was going to be by the energy in the office, so I decided to close my door and hunker down with my work for the brunt of the morning. I leaned over and looked at the messages that were from my mother and my friend, Salome, just as I heard a rapping at my office door.

Blake? asked Courtney. Sorry to bother you. I know you just got in, she said, pulling her hair away from her face. I just have a few investor inquiries that came in, and I wanted to go through them really quick if you have a few minutes.

I nodded. Sure, I said, Let me see what you’ve got. I took a sip of my coffee and looked over at Courtney’s laptop. She had a spreadsheet pulled up with several columns already filled in. This looks great so far, I said, scanning the sheet and reading a few of her notes. I would suggest adding an extra row right her, I said, pointing to the right. And if you could elaborate on what the investor portfolios should entail, that would be helpful, too. I nodded my head and then looked at Courtney who had been taking notes on her phone.

Thank you so much, Blake. I know you’re super busy, so I appreciate the help, said Courtney. She picked up her laptop and was just about to walk away from my desk when two police officers walked into my office. I looked at Courtney, who shrugged, then looked back at the officers.

Can I help you? I asked standing up from my seat.

Yes, said the officer closest to my desk. He was tall with a dark mustache and a somewhat ominous demeanor. We’re here as part of an investigation on an Ed Crystal, he said I looked at Courtney, then looked back at the officer and cleared my throat. Why would they be investigating Ed?

I’m not sure where Ed is right now, I said nervously, folding my arms across my chest. The second officer took out a tablet and started typing, while the other one looked briefly around the room then walked back out into the hall. Courtney and I stood quietly, then walked to the doorway with the other officer.

We’re questing Ed Crystal about insider trading: he said. So, if you see him in the next few minutes, tell him we’ll be waiting downstairs, said the officer with the mustache. I gulped. Insider trading? I didn’t know what to think. Ed had always been savvy when it came to client retention, but I never would have suspected illegal dealings. Courtney and I watched as the officers stood outside the elevator, then we both walked down the hall.

Insider trading? asked Courtney. I shook my head, then stopped at the water cooler.

I’ll be down in a few minutes, I said. Courtney got on the elevator, and I walked back into my office. Insider trading? I yelled, kicking a trashcan across the floor. How could he do this to us? Ed and I had made a deal a long time ago that all business ideas and applications would be shared openly and that no decisions would ever be made without consent from both of us, unanimously.

I stormed across my office and stared out the window, running my hands through my hair. What was I supposed to do now? How would we keep High Rise going if Ed went down? Where the hell was Ed, anyway? I spun around and walked briskly out of my office and into the hall, feeling frazzled and scared. Where should I go? I wondered, walking down the hall until I reached the door that led to the stairwell.

Asshole, I muttered under my breath as I opened the door and walked into the stairwell, kicking the door behind me. Why did he do something so fucked up? I asked out loud. It took me about fifteen minutes to cool off enough to the point I felt capable of reentering the work space. I drew in a deep breath, placed my fingers on the handle, then reopened the door and walked back out. The hall was empty, which was good because I was certain that I looked as frazzled and distressed as I felt.

I walked down the hall until I reached the elevator, then I pressed the button and stood patiently while the door opened. I got inside, joining three of my employees. Hello, Carmen. How are you today? Bruce? Jack? I asked, forcing out a fake smile.

I’m great. How about you? asked Jack.

I’m doing all right, I lied and then smiled.

We are so excited for the employee lunch today, smiled Carmen.

Oh. Right, I said, scratching my chin. I might not be there for that, but I hope you guys enjoy it, I said as the elevator stopped and the door opened.

Bye, Mr. Morgan, said Bruce as we stepped off.

Bye. I walked away from the others and headed toward Courtney’s office. The hallway was bustling with people chattering away, and I could sense an obvious shift in the productivity since the police had entered the building. I peeked in Courtney’s office, but she wasn’t there. Great, I moaned out loud, then walked down the hall, feeling completely disrupted from the course of my day. I stopped in front of the men’s room, took out my hone and texted Ed. Where the fuck are you? I asked. I stood and waited for a reply but didn’t hear back, so I jammed my phone in my pocket and stormed down the hall in the opposite direction, then stopped when I reached the IT department.

What am I doing? I asked out loud. I couldn’t just stomp around inside High Rise all day with Ed MIA. I shook my head and turned around. It was almost noon, and I’d normally be leaving soon for lunch, anyway, so I walked to the HR department, told the ladies behind the desk I was leaving, then walked out the front door to my Mercedes, which was parked in the President spot. I unlocked the driver’s side door, got behind the wheel, the drove all the way back to my apartment.

Just as I was about to walk inside, I took out my phone to see if Ed had gotten back to me yet. There were no messages from him. This so fucked up, I said as I unlocked the door and walked inside. Trixie bounded to my side, and I texted Ed once more, but this time I typed in all capitals and only wrote Call me.

Dude. I’m sorry, Ed texted me back about five-minutes later. Call me when you can. I immediately picked up the phone and dialed his number. He picked up on the third ring, and I could tell from the sound of his voice that he was stressed.

Go ahead, I said. I’m real curious to hear what the fuck is going on, I added.

Man, it all got crazy, said Ed. I swear. I never meant for it to get so out of hand, he continued. But it looks like it’s a bust. He got quiet, and I stood in the foyer, shaking my head. So, I’m taking the hit. Ed spoke up as I walked into the kitchen and tossed my keys on the table.

And? I stood still and looked out the window. You’ve compromised our business, I said. And you did it all behind my back, I added.

Look, said Ed. I told you that I took the hit. You’ll be fine, he added. I shook my head and walked to the living room. For some reason, I wasn’t convinced. I sat down in my recliner with the phone still up to my ear but said nothing. To me, it all just felt like a bad dream.

2

Grace POV Friday

I

got up early on Friday morning because my father had some chores that he needed help completing on the farm. I worked as a freelance graphic designer in Cedar Rapids, but I also tried to show my face at the farm at least twice a week to help out with various duties. Homespun Farm had been in our family for three generations, and my father had a lot of pride in everything that it produced. He sold dairy products from the cows and goats, wool from the sheep, and eggs from the chickens, plus a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

Hey, Dad, I said as I rolled up the gravel road that led to the large stone farmhouse. What’s on today’s agenda? I asked. My Honda Pilot kicked up a ton of dust behind me, and I watched it in the rearview mirror as it slowly settled down the length of the road.

Thanks for coming, Gracie, my father said as he adjusted his blue ball cap. I’ve got a row of chard that needs weeding, and I could also use a hand with that dang sprinkler system, he said with a smile.

Say no more, I said and backed into a parking space right beside the herb garden. My father leaned on a rake and then turned around as the goats in the closest pasture jumped in the air, clicking their heels as only little goats can do. That’s Mitzi and Sprite for you, laughed my father as he turned and headed toward the cow pasture. I made a left and walked toward the sheep so that I could say my usual good morning to Claude and Ephraim, the resident sheep. The walked eagerly to the fence line as soon as they saw me.

Hey, boys, I said, giving them each a good pet on the head. How is your morning going so far? I asked. Not too many meetings scheduled with busy clients, I hope. I chuckled and gave Claude an extra scratch between the ears, then turned and walked east toward the vegetable gardens. The chard was planted closest to the farmhouse and was flanked on each side with spinach and lettuce. I opened the latched gate that led to the greenery and then closed it softly behind me.

Hey, Gracie! called Jake. I looked over my shoulder and put on a pair of green gardening gloves.

Hi, Jake, I said. What are you up to? I asked. Jake, my younger brother, stood at the fence and grinned.

I’m up to about six two, he said with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes and walked toward the first row of chard. I knelt down and started pulling out the few weeds that crowded the lush, brown soil, making my way slowly down the row.

Does Dad have a lot to get together before market? I asked.

Jake nodded and leaned against the fence. Yep. He’s about two rows behind with all of the greens, and we still have to get the cheese labeled, counted, and refrigerated. That’s where I’m headed now, said Jake. Up to the ice house. Jake looked west, then sighed. I’m just glad that you had time to show up today. You know Pops really appreciates it when you come out to help, he added.

Yeah, I said, I wish I could come by more often, I said, moving along with the chard. My client load is really full this month, which is a good thing, but I’d like to be here more to help, I said. Jake nodded and then wiped his brow with a bandana. I leaned over to place the chard into a basket and steadied myself on my feet. Hey, Jake. Can you pass me that crate? I asked pointing to the one sitting by the fence post.

You know, Grace. If you hadn’t dumped Brandon, maybe he could’ve helped you out with all this chard, said Jake with a wink. I shook my head and sighed.

Are you for real? I asked, standing up and placing my hands akimbo. Jake shrugged and laughed.

Yeah. For the most part, he said. I rolled my eyes and knelt back down to pull more chard. Why on Earth did everyone seem to think that they had a better idea about how to run my life than I did? The news of my breakup with Brandon had come as a surprise to most of my family and friends, but I had taken as much unhappiness as I could withstand in the relationship and finally made the decision to break free.

How are we doing up here? My father came up to the vegetable garden and leaned over the fence. I looked up, smiled, then lifted the basket of chard.

So far, so good, I said with a smile. Now if you could just get Jake to stop talking about Brandon, that would be even better, I said. Jake rolled his eyes and walked toward the hose, then turned it on and watered a peach tree to the right that had just started to bloom.

Oh, Gracie, said my father. You know that we all liked Brandon, he said. That’s all. He shrugged and then took a sip of water from his canteen. But maybe you should find a new boyfriend that can help you weed some chard beds, he added with a grin. I threw back my head and laughed, then got up and walked to the gate.

I’m heading off to see a client in about a half hour, Dad, I said as I carried the basket of chard to the gate. Do you want me to help you with the sprinkler system now? I asked. My father nodded.

Hey. Just be careful with that nozzle, said Jake. Last I messed with it, Claude got sprayed right in the face, then the whole thing came apart, he said.

Thanks for the head’s up, I said, still annoyed with him because of his comment about Brandon. I dropped the basket of chard off at the weighing station, then walked with my father to the row where the sprinklers were set up. We both wrangled with the hose for about ten minutes until we finally got it in a position where we could look at the water holes. Then we adjusted the lines so that they met each plant as equally as possible before turning on the main water source.

Voila! exclaimed my father once we’d gotten it situated properly. Thank you, honey. My father smiled, and we both gave the hose one more solid tug before standing back and watching the fruits of our labors.

Well, I’m off to see a few clients now, Dad. I leaned against the fence and watched as he picked up a handful of hand shovels from along the side of the fencing. I can stop by on Sunday if you still need some help with that row of chard, I added.

Thanks, Gracie, said my father. He rubbed his face and adjusted his ball cap, then walked toward the goat pen and waved.

I hope market goes smoothly tomorrow, I said, waving as I walked back to my car. Tell Auntie Rhonda hello if you see her. Rhonda was a local farmer, as well, who sold primarily chili peppers and herbs. She babysat my brother and I when we were children, and my parents had always considered her family.

Will do! called my father as I opened up the door to my car, climbed in, and started the ignition. I pulled out of my space, then drove steadily along the dusty road until I reached the turnoff for Briarwood Drive. I made a right, then headed down until