The Ex Plan: A Billionaire Office Romance

By Piper Knox

The only person who can save me is my ex. And he hates me.

Axel Reid broke my heart years ago. But to hear him tell it, I broke his heart. I don't want anything to do with him anymore but I need him to save my failing jewerly business and save the people who count on me. He agrees but under certain conditions. My body for my company. It's a fair deal. After all, I now know how to guard my heart. It's not like I'm going to fall for him again. Right?

The Ex Plan was previously released as The Fake Dating Plan. It is an enemies-to-lovers steamy billionaire romance that is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Letter B Press
• Release date: Aug 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9791222436289

Book preview

The ex plan by Piper Knox

Copyright © 2024 Piper Knox

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Cover design by: Piper Knox

Printed in the United States of America

Author's Note

The Ex Plan was previously released as The Fake Dating Plan.  Little besides the title, has been changed.

1

emilia

Desperation. It made you do stupid things like go to the person who hates you and beg on your knees for crumbs because you have no other option. That’s what I was about to do now. It could be the biggest mistake of my life, or it could be something that would change it for the better. Whichever it was, those were the two options I faced while I was in the lobby of my ex-boyfriend’s office.

Mr. Reid will see you now, the woman said. I jolted up in surprise. An act that almost made me drop my laptop and my well-outlined business plan. I had waited in the lobby for hours and expected to be told he was out or no longer not taking visitors. I had watched as people went in and came out, waiting for my turn. When it came, I felt even less prepared. My mind went blank as I followed the sleek blond woman, whom I assumed was his assistant, as she went to open the giant frosted glass doors. She led me into a sleek contemporary office with black-and-white marble furnishings. Behind a huge abstract-shaped desk, directly in my line of sight, sat the man I came to see. Axel Reid. He looked deep in concentration over whatever he was doing on his laptop, which allowed me to take in his appearance without him noticing I was staring.

He looked just as I remembered, if not older. His dark brown hair was perfectly combed, except for a few wisps that fell over his forehead. He wore a crisp white shirt that accentuated, rather than hide, a powerful set of biceps.

Mr. Reid, the woman said, your four o’clock is here.

He nodded without looking up. I remained standing as the woman went outside and closed the door. Leaving me with him. My pulse increased as I recognized how big this moment was. I had to get the investment, no matter what. Or watch my pride-and-joy sold off to some mega-corp. Or worse, become Heron’s mistress. I cringed at the thought.

Are you waiting for me to tell you to take a seat? he said again, eyes glued to the monitor. I shuffled my feet forward and sank into one of the two chairs opposite the desk. I placed my laptop and purse on the other chair. The business plan I laid on the desk. Deep breath in, deep breath out. That did nothing to calm my nerves. If anything, they shot up.

So, he said, flicking his laptop shut, clasping his hands together, and staring right back at me, to what do I owe this pleasure?

I hadn’t forgotten how handsome he was in person, but I didn’t expect him to still be this magnetic. His chiseled bone structure was so symmetrical, the urge to capture it with a pencil and paper bubbling up to the surface. And those eyes. His blue eyes were so piercing I felt compelled to hold his gaze. My thoughts couldn’t help but wonder to a simpler time when—

I cleared my throat. I didn’t know where to start. Sorry? I know you hate me, but hey I was in the neighborhood? They all sounded too trivial, too familiar. How are you?

He leaned back in his chair. Great, as you can see. He gave me a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. That’s when I realized he was curious. He wanted to know first why I’m here before he could plunge the dagger. Throw me out of his office building and onto the curb. Only he had no idea how desperate I was. I was ready to beg. I was beyond embarrassed.

That’s great. And your family, how are they?

They are all fine. Why are you here Emilia?

Straight to the point then. His apparent exasperation didn’t bode well for me. I have, I extended the business plan to him, a proposition for you.

He took the plan but didn’t open it. His gaze never strayed from my face. Go on.

You can do this. You’ve got this. My company… I cleared my throat. My mouth felt drier and my shoes felt tighter. Steel Cute is a jewelry business that is trendy with millennials and gen-z. We’ve been operating for five years and growing, but we are now looking for a ten-million-dollar investment from you. If you look at the business plan, he didn’t look at the business plan. He kept staring at me. You’ll see that Steel Cute is a profitable business. We mostly operate online and currently have one store in New York, but we plan on extending to other cities. We also have contracts with…

He started laughing. I could feel my cheeks heat when he did so. Wow. You want money from me?

An investment.

This is so rich. Look at the balls on you!

It would be a… my voice faltered. This was a mistake. Of course, he was going to react like this. Years later, and it was clear he had not forgiven me. That long wait in the lobby was probably to toy with me, as I suspected. I’m sorry, I said, trying to gather my composure, I shouldn’t have come. I was never good at begging, anyway. I gathered my things and got ready to get out of here while my dignity was still intact. This was my second to last resort. The final one being taking Heron’s proposition. It wouldn’t be so bad. I mean, it was just sex, after all. I cringed at the thought.

Why are you here? he said. I paused from my packing.

What do you mean?

Why come to me after all this time? Surely you have other friends who could help.

I suppressed my laughter. None with your kind of money.

What about Chad? Isn't he a VC like his father? I thought he would—

We never dated. We never—

Nine years later and you expect me to still believe that lie.

I wanted to say it’s not a lie, but the rage that cracked through his impassive mask when I opened my mouth to speak made me reconsider. You’re the only one who can help.

He took the plan and flipped it open once, glanced at it, and closed it. I’m sure many venture capitalists are willing to take your business on if it’s as profitable as you say it is.

Should I tell him the truth? It was all or nothing. What did I have to lose at this point? I need a buyout and the current investor is making it difficult.

He raised his eyebrows. Oh?

He seemed interested. It was time to change tactics. I knew this man. He might be years older than when we last knew each other, but few about him had changed. One thing Ax responded to was confidence. Falter and he will gut you like prey. Why beg when I can offer something in return. That at least I was good at. I shifted in my seat, gathered every shred of confidence I had in me, and stared right back at him. I came to you because you understand the business. This is nothing personal, of course, unless you’re still hung up on bygones.

I was over you the day you cheated on me.

There it is. Then you should be able to see this as the good business opportunity that it is. My company is in its growth stage. Our expenses are minimal, our profit is good, you would be foolish to pass this.

He stared at me for a moment. His gaze heated every part of my body as it caressed. I thanked myself for wearing my sexy but professional pantsuit.

He opened the plan again. This time, he flipped through the pages. It was tough not to say something each time he paused on a page.

One more thing, I said when he reached the investors' section. You have the opportunity to take something from someone you’ve always hated.

This time, he didn’t give me his cold stare. His mask fell off, and that’s when I knew I got him.

Axel

When they told me she was in the lobby, I made her wait, thinking she would rage, quit and leave me. But the longer the time passed, the more interested I became. I knew it meant one thing; whatever her reasons were, she was desperate. But when she walked into my office, even though I tried to do everything I could to make her feel like she was an afterthought, a less than important guest, I was fooling myself if I didn’t admit to how her mere presence affected me. Feelings I thought were long dead had risen. And when I finally focused on her, I was once again struck, like it was the first time, by her beauty. Nine years later, and it felt like the very first time. Her skin glowed and made me want to reach out and touch her. Her hair, tied in a big bun of red curls, made me want to untie and watch fall to her shoulders.

Then she pitched. I had an inkling she wanted something from me. Otherwise, why lower herself by coming to me after all these years?

But the longer she sat there, the more enraged I felt. She cheated on me for fuck's sake. Yet here she was, acting like we were good friends. As if we had parted on amicable terms. Her stunning red, grab-the-right-curves suit was enough to make any ordinary man forget, but not me. She still haunted my dreams from time to time. Not that I would admit it to anyone.

I watched as her red lips moved, not paying attention to what she was saying. Who cared about that? My mind hovered between calling security and dragging her out of my office myself when she mentioned his name.

What do you mean?

Silvester Heron is our principal investor. He wants to pull his investment unless we can buy him out. I’m sure you’re aware of him.

She got me. How could I resist an opportunity to screw over Heron? The weasel liked to meddle in our industry with enormous investments that ended up being destructive rather than constructive. He was a pain to everyone in the luxury goods industry, including us. Which meant I loved screwing over Heron every chance I got. Including now. There was no way I was passing this over, even when the offer came from the hands of the person I hated the most.

How much do you want?

Ten million dollars. Five is what we need to survive, but put up ten and you can buy him out.

Why did you go to him in the first place?

He had the money when I needed it. And would you have invested if I had come to you initially?

You’re right, I wouldn’t. But if I’m going to invest in your business, I’m going to need a more concrete reason than this, I lifted the business plan, which I had to admit was pretty solid, and Heron.

You can tour our offices, warehouse and...

I’m not talking about the business. I’m talking about you.

She pursed her plump lips. What do you want me to do? I swear I can do anything.

There was the desperation I had gleaned earlier. She had tried to hide, but I knew she was on the ropes. No one betrayed me, then came back to me unless they were left with no other option.

If you say yes. her voice dropped low, and she turned on a husky register that made my cock hard. If you say yes, I can let you do whatever you want.

I shifted in my seat, feeling my groin tightening. I had to be sure she was implying what I thought she was implying.

When you say whatever I want.

I mean you can exact your revenge in whatever way you feel I deserve.

My hands were shaking. The excitement building inside me was undeniable.

Are you sure?

I’ve never not been upfront with you, no matter what you think.

If that was the case. Then Miss Harris, you and I have a deal. I stood up and put my hands in my pocket to resist touching her. My people will be in touch with you.

She gave me a smile for the first time. It was full of relief. Thank you, she said.

As I watched her leave, I wondered if she knew what she had signed up for. Or that she had just signed a deal with the devil.

2

emilia

As soon as I marched into the office, everyone’s eyes went to me. All fifteen pairs followed me as I went to my office. I guess the reason I was absent was no longer a secret. With an office as gossipy as Steel Cute’s was, it wasn’t a surprise. It took longer for people to be aware of the troubles we were having.

I knew what was on their minds, but I wasn’t ready to assuage their worries yet. I wasn’t sure what I agreed to. Or the repercussions that would come. He didn’t mention the thing he wanted in return. I’ll let you know. Talk about vagueness. Typical of Ax. He loved to spring surprises on me. Good and bad.

I scanned the anxious faces. Maybe I should call a meeting. That’s the professional thing, right? Or just say it? Before I could decide, Laura shouted, Did you get it? as I was about to open the door to my office. Everyone’s hands froze at whatever they were doing, all work forgotten, their gazes on me. Kira, my assistant, looked close to tears. I had to let them out of their misery.

Yes, I said, and before I finished the word, everyone erupted in cheers. I couldn’t help but smile. I had done it. I had saved our little company. Laura rushed to congratulate me. Kira threw herself onto me and gave me a bear hug.

I can’t believe it! Laura said. What did you say to him?

I skirted around her question. He was difficult but I persuaded him in the end.

What about… Laura looked around, realizing that there were ears around, and opened my office door, pushed me in, and closed the door behind her saying, Tell me all about how you wooed him.

You know they can still hear you. And see you. The walls are made of glass.

Do you want to go to the boardroom? The boardroom, while also having glass walls, was the only room where you couldn’t hear anyone talking. The idea of industrial open space offices with few walled offices was cool when we started, but it was becoming more of a disadvantage as we grew. Getting bigger offices with walls was on my wish list.

It’s fine, I said to Laura. What do you want to know? I crossed over to my desk, threw my purse on the chair next to it. I missed the target, and it plopped on the floor. I slumped down into my chair and kicked off my shoes. Stilettos were a huge mistake I’m never repeating. I took a deep breath as I felt blood rushing to my feet. It was the first time I felt the weight lift off my shoulders.

Well, she crossed her arms, What happened? What did he say? Is Axel giving us money? I couldn’t see that happening in a million years, especially after you know… Laura was the only person in this office who knew of my relationship with him. Most probably thought I approached him because of KMVH’s reputation for helping other smaller companies.

I gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

That’s it? What a load of bullshit. I’m surprised that man didn’t shoot you the minute he saw you.

I didn’t think it would work, but it did. She still looked like she didn’t believe me. I didn’t believe how he agreed so readily. I added, It’s probably because he hates Heron.

You think so?

Heron’s company has a tendency of getting a controlling stake in big old companies, and shaking them up. Mostly to the detriment of the industry. The entire luxury goods industry hates him.

This isn’t the first time we’ve looked into Heron. But what’s that got to do with Axel Reid.

Ax hates him more. He’s always commenting on every Silvester Heron related news. He hates that old man’s guts. So why not take something from his nemesis, Heron. 

Laura's face slowly relaxed as she accepted my explanation. And he said yes when you told him Heron was the one you wanted to buy out?

I nodded.

And that was it? He asked nothing else?

I wasn’t about to tell her about the promise I made to Ax. I wasn’t sure what I promised him. Our business stands on its own merits, regardless of what the banks or venture capitalists say. A person who understands our industry would be a fool to pass over the opportunity.

But what about Ax? Are you sure he wouldn’t do the same thing Heron did to us a few years down the line?

Who knew what Ax would do? But at least I had saved the business for the time being. Better the devil you know, right?

Laura took a deep breath. Right. You’re right! she screamed, as if she was finally realizing what had happened. We just got another investor! You’re amazing. We should celebrate.

A knock came on the door. Kira’s head popped in. Mr. Heron is here to see— she didn’t finish the sentence. Heron pushed her aside and burst into the office.

I don’t need an introduction, not when I own the place. Hello Laura, he said, marching past her to stand, arms akimbo in front of her, blocking her from me. Give us the room, please. He didn’t even bother to turn to look at her.

We were in the middle of an important discussion? I said to him. Laura raised her hands behind him and gave him two ‘fuck yous’ before walking away. I suppressed a laugh. At least I won’t be dealing with him for long.

I was looking for you the whole day. Where were you? This. This was one of the many reasons I wanted him out of my business and out of my life.

I was out. Was there anything you wanted from me?

He looked down at my desk and carelessly flipped around a few papers. I could feel myself burning with rage. I liked to have my desk neatly organized and this, this man comes along and just ruins it all. I don’t ask for much, all I ask for is some respect, and an organized desk. But I did not dare say all of that to him, much as I wanted to spit it out.

No. His gaze casually landed on me, undressing me as he did so. A chill ran down my spine.

Don’t you have other businesses that are more pressing than our little necklace shop?

He chuckled. He had once called Steel Cute a little necklace shop and I’ve never let him live it down. All in good time. So where were you.

The manufacturers, I lied. I wanted them to cut down on the cost of raw materials. They agreed, so all is good. That was what I had sent Laura to do and thankfully, she had negotiated a good price.

Heron nodded and looked down at my desk again. He picked up the puncher. He seemed to be in deep thought. Oh god. Oh, no. Did he suspect something? He had that ‘I smell fish’ look of his.

And you never went anywhere else after that?

Shit. I tried to sound as nonchalant as I could. God, Heron, you sound like a jealous boyfriend. Now you’re going to tell me you have me followed.

He dropped the puncher and moved across the desk. He walked so fast for his burly frame that I stood up in reaction. I told you, you should call me Silvester. Or Sly, if you want. That’s what my girlfriends call me.

He stood so close I could smell the raw meat on his breath. I could also see the lines in his face that were more distinct the closer he got. My gaze wandered upwards, only to be assaulted by his bad hair transplant. One would think a billionaire would afford better hair plugs. I guess it was just as bad for the rich as it was for the rest of us. I tried to look for a way to get out of the close space he had put me in, but his towering figure was obstructive.

I’m not your girlfriend, I said, gently nudging him away with no success.

You could be. Think how less stressful your life would be if you and I were a thing. A thing? What was he, a teenager?

Don’t you have a wife? And kids, and the whole shebang?

He stepped closer, and I stepped back and hit my heel against the chair. I tried not to wince. I’m in the process of leaving her. He had lowered his voice and seemed to think he was putting on some seductive act that was not working on me. I pushed him again. And again, he did not budge. Thankfully, Laura came in holding some papers. He stepped away when the door opened and I thought I saw disappointment on his face. I tried to hide the relief on mine.

You need to sign these ASAP, she said. I felt like kissing her in gratitude. And there’s that meeting you need to attend, we’re all waiting for you.

Sure, I said