The Billionaire's Setup Read online

  The Billionaire’s Setup

  The Tycoon Series Book 10

  Clean Billionaire’s Romance

  By Marie Higgins & Stacey Haynes

  Copyright © 2019 Marie Higgins & Stacey Haynes

  Editing by Teresa Pearson & Veronica Mesia

  Cover Design by Got You Covered Designs

  Edition License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you have obtained this copy illegally. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  The Billionaire's Setup (The Tycoons, #10)

  PROLOGUE

  ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  ELEVEN

  TWELVE

  THIRTEEN

  FOURTEEN

  FIFTEEN

  SIXTEEN

  SEVENTEEN

  EIGHTEEN

  NINETEEN

  TWENTY

  TWENTY-ONE

  TWENTY-TWO

  TWENTY-THREE

  TWENTY-FOUR

  TWENTY-FIVE

  TWENTY-SIX

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  TWENTY-NINE

  THIRTY

  THIRTY-ONE

  THIRTY-TWO

  THIRTY-THREE

  THIRTY-FOUR

  THIRTY-FIVE

  EPILOGUE

  The Tycoons Series

  Find more books from Marie Higgins

  Author’s Bio

  He’s looking for an honest woman and true love. The beautiful woman he meets has secrets. Can he trust her with his heart?

  She dreams of her ancestor’s past life who had been murdered. She can’t let anyone think she’s crazy or she’ll lose her reputation as a billionaire businesswoman.

  It’s up to the ghost to set them up and make things right.

  PROLOGUE

  Woodland Park, Colorado, 1925

  This was supposed to be the best day of her life, and yet, everything was going horribly wrong.

  Victoria threw open the manor’s front door and marched into the foyer, grumbling in irritation. She yanked off her mud-coated Cloche hat and threw it at the maid who had just rushed out of the sitting room. Anna’s eyes widened as her gaze swept up and down Victoria’s muddy dress with the lacy frills that were ripped on the drop-waist lavender dress. Her stockings were torn, and one shoe was missing.

  “Miss Victoria,” Anna gasped. “What happened to you?”

  Victoria glared at the maid, fisting her hands beside her. “I have the most inept driver. That’s what happened. Mark my words, my first line of business as a married woman will be to fire the imbecile and find a more skilled driver.”

  Heavy footsteps rushed into the manor, echoing in the hallway. “Miss Victoria,” Harold Clem rasped in his hurry to catch up, holding her muddy shoe. “You must believe me. It was an accident.”

  Throwing a scowl at him from over her shoulder, Victoria huffed. “An accident? You purposely drove like a turtle moving in hot molasses, and then when you opened the door to let me out, you parked in...” Anger flared inside of her from the humiliation. “The mud!”

  “But Miss Victoria, it wasn’t like that.”

  She gasped, blinking her eyes at the rotund, middle-aged man who’s moist and pasty-face proved his fear of being fired. “Then how exactly was it, Mr. Clem? Are you now going to tell me that I have a bad memory?”

  He removed his hat and held it against his chest. His throat jumped, making his double-chins jiggle. “Well, Miss Victoria... you see, I didn’t park in the mud. When I’d opened the car door to help you out, you had taken three steps before stumbling and falling into the muddy flowerbed.”

  “Augh!” She threw her hands up. “And now you’re calling me clumsy and a liar?” She grumbled and started up the stairs. “I won’t have this any longer. I’m sick to death of incompetent servants.”

  Two steps later, her muddy foot slipped on the step and she lost her balance. As she fell to her knees, she grasped the railing. She grumbled louder, knowing this was Mr. Clem’s fault and not hers.

  “Miss Victoria!” Anna hurried up the stairs and grasped Victoria’s arm. “Let me help you to your room to change. Your wedding is in two hours and the guests will be arriving soon.”

  As Victoria stood, her legs wobbled. She’d been feeling out of sorts all morning long, but it was only wedding jitters, nothing more. As soon as she repeated vows with William, the love of her life, everything would return to normal. Even the throbbing headache due to this morning’s errands would disappear. She couldn’t wait for that to happen.

  “I trust you have my bath ready?” Victoria snapped at Anna.

  “Yes, of course.” She walked up the stairs beside Victoria, holding onto her arm. “And your wedding gown is pressed and ready for you. Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Lish will assist with fixing your hair.”

  “Splendid.” Victoria sighed. “At least I know something will go right today.” She glanced at the stairs, and the mud that was smeared from where she’d slipped. “And have the butler clean up that mess.”

  “Yes, Miss Victoria. I’ll get word to Mr. Bronson and he’ll get right on it.”

  Victoria moved into her bedroom suite and was relieved to see that her maids had been on top of things. Although, Victoria usually relaxed in her bath, today she’d have to hurry. Time would pass by too quickly, she was certain of it.

  As soon as the door was closed, Victoria hurried and undressed. Another maid, Missy, collected the dirty clothes as Victoria stepped into her tub full of warm water.

  “Missy, bring me a glass of sherry, please. I need something to calm my shaky nerves.”

  “Yes, of course, Miss Victoria.”

  Once her drink was brought to her, she took a few sips, waiting for the relaxing magic to work. Once she felt calmer, things started going smoother as she washed and dressed in her underclothes and slip. She sat on the cushioned stool in front of the mirror of her vanity while the other two older maids fixed Victoria’s long, blonde curls into a lovely coil as wisps of hair shown at her ears and down around her slender neck. The women were quick, which relieved her greatly, but she really wished they’d stop chattering like squirrels. Victoria didn’t care what guests had started to arrive, all she cared about was if William was here yet.

  Since Victoria had been born an heiress, her family had tried to discourage her love for William. He came from a working-class home and her family didn’t think he was good enough for her. Victoria wouldn’t deny her love for William, and she didn’t care about anything else.

  “Oh, and did you see what Franny Bywater was wearing?” Mrs. Lish giggled. “I’m appalled that such a woman would dare wear that color of dress with her unfashionable red hair. Why, if you ask me, she looks like a—”

  “That’s enough!” Victoria snapped, glaring at the maid in the mirror. “The squawking noises you two are making are not helping my headache.”

  “Sorry, Miss Victoria,” the two women mumbled.

  “Do either of you know if William is here?” Victoria enquired.

  “I will go down and check,” Missy said before hurrying out of the room.

  Closing her eyes, Victoria took several de
ep breaths, trying to calm her fast heartbeats. She absolutely hated not being in control, and right now, she felt her mind was bouncing everywhere at once. She pictured William standing by the minister, outside in her lovely yard with manicured bushes and flower gardens, and the greenest grass in all of Woodland Park. Victoria made certain she had the best servants. Of course, she would be replacing her driver – and perhaps a couple of clueless maids – and then she would have the best servants in town.

  “We’re ready to dress you in the wedding gown,” Mrs. Burns said in a rough voice.

  Victoria peered through the reflection of the mirror toward the older maid. She’d never liked Mrs. Burn’s deep rough voice, which is why she made sure the servant worked in the laundry room. Victoria didn’t want the woman to scare her guests. However, the woman had the talent of fixing Victoria’s hair perfectly.

  She stood and moved to the beautiful white gown. She’d ordered it from France, and nobody else in Colorado had ever seen such an amazing gown. The fashion trend was to wear the big, puffy skirts, but Victoria would break the trend today. Her gown was long and straight with the drop-waist of the era, decorated with beads and lace. She would have a simple veil with a long train – which would be another first compared to what was trending.

  As she stood in her gown, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she breathed slower and more calmly. Finally, her mind wasn’t spinning like it had been doing all morning. She felt as if things were going to be perfect from here on out.

  The bedroom door opened, and Missy rushed in. A wide smile stretched across her face. “He’s here,” she sighed happily. “He is outside talking to the minister.”

  Excitement bubbled inside Victoria’s chest. “What does he look like?”

  Missy touched Victoria’s arm. “He is as handsome as you are beautiful. You two will be the perfect couple.” Missy picked up the bouquet of lilies and handed them to Victoria. “Are you ready to go marry your true love now?”

  Victoria nodded. “More than you know.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it, but her body still quaked with anxiety. “Let me have one more drink of my sherry first. I’m far too jumpy right now.”

  “Yes, of course.” Missy hurried to the side table.

  Victoria glanced back in the mirror. She really did make a lovely bride. She would have to get her photographer to take a picture of her wearing this gown. She was certain magazines would fight over her picture since she was starting a new trend.

  “Here is your drink.” Missy handed the glass to her.

  Victoria wished her hands would stop shaking, so she drank it quickly and handed the glass back to the maid. “I’m ready to get married now.”

  Leaving the room, her heartbeat pounded harder than normal and her nervousness increased. Moisture coated her forehead, and as she dried it, her skin felt clammy. She was making the right decision, but for some reason, her body quaked as if in doubt.

  Other servants gathered in the hallway, watching her. Most of them had solemn expressions, but a few were smiling and gave nods of encouragement.

  Victoria reached the steps and stopped. Her throat tightened, and she pushed aside the odd feelings creeping through her. She gripped the railing on the stairs and took her first step toward her new life, but before she knew what was happening, she lost her balance and she tripped. As she tumbled down the stairs, the last thought to run through her mind was wondering if she’d really felt someone pushing her to her death.

  ONE

  Current day

  Nolan Ricks sat at the table covered with white satin and decorations of pearl-shaped candles that outlined a round mirrored box along the middle of the table. The chairs were also covered in white cloth. The wedding decorations inside the grand tent were of lavender and baby-blue with touches of forest green. But it wasn’t the elaborate decorations that had held his attention most of the evening, it was the extremely happy couple wrapped in each other’s arms, dancing in the center of the tent that had been prepared especially for dancing.

  Nolan sighed for the millionth time this evening and took a sip of his glass of wine. Naturally, a billionaire owner of a winery would have white wine served at his wedding reception. Unfortunately, the few glasses that Nolan had consumed did nothing to ease his heartache.

  Elizabeth made a beautiful bride in her sleeveless white gown with a heart-shaped bodice. Her wavy brown hair was loosely swept up on top of her head. A white veil was pinned to her hair, flowing down her back and along the train of her gown. She wore a large diamond necklace that matched perfectly with the sparkling diamond rock on her finger. Of course, Nolan’s best friend would stop at nothing to make his bride look like a billion dollars.

  There were times when Nolan’s competitive nature wanted to scream, I saw Elizabeth first, and yet, Aaron Powers won the woman. Again. But this time, Aaron married her.

  “Cheers to Aaron and Elizabeth,” Nolan said to the only person at his table as he raised his wine glass. “Finally, Aaron is happy and married... and no longer will he steal our women from underneath our noses.”

  Thomas Powers snorted a laugh and raised his half-empty glass of wine. “Amen to that.” He clinked his glass against Nolan’s glass before tossing back the remaining liquid in his mouth. When he was finished, he grabbed the bottle of wine off the table and filled his glass to the rim, once more.

  Nolan frowned. Thomas had also started liking Elizabeth. It was hard not to have feelings for that woman. Not only was she pretty, but she had a kind heart and a cute personality. He’d become her friend, although he’d wished it would have been more.

  It didn’t take long before Thomas’ glass was empty, so he poured himself more wine.

  “Hey, don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Nolan asked his friend.

  “Nah.” Thomas took another gulp before setting the glass on the table. “It’s a celebration, and... I’m celebratin’. In fact, I say we all celebrate. My cousin can afford it. ‘Sides,” he took another drink, longer this time, “I haven’t passed out yet, so that tells me to keep drinking.”

  “True, but your glassy eyes tell me you’re almost ready to pass out.” He moved closer to Thomas’ face. “Do you see me clearly?”

  Thomas arched an eyebrow. “Depends.”

  “On what?”

  “Which one of your heads I’m supposed to be looking at.”

  Releasing a sympathetic groan, Nolan stood and grasped Thomas’ arm. “Come on. I’ll help you find your limo.”

  “Why? Don’t you think I can find it myself?” Thomas swayed, but Nolan held him steady.

  Nolan chuckled. “No, I don’t. You’re drunk, and you will probably climb into someone else’s limo, again.”

  Since one of the billionaire’s grandsons had gotten married, Nolan knew there would be several limos parked out front of the mansion. Unless someone showed Thomas which one was his, the poor man might end up going home with some rich man’s wife, instead.

  Sighing, Thomas wrapped an arm around Nolan’s neck and leaned closer. “You know I luv ya, man.”

  Nolan smiled. “I do, but you don’t need to tell it to my nose.” He pushed Thomas’ face away.

  “I’m sure we’ll find true love one day jus’ like Aaron did.” Thomas turned and looked at Elizabeth. “I’m glad I didn’t fall madly in love with her. She would have really broken my heart.”

  “Yes. Lucky you,” Nolan muttered, wondering why he had fallen so fast for Elizabeth. If only he had taken his time to get to know her as a friend first, maybe he wouldn’t be nursing a shattered heart, too.

  The song came to an end, and the happy couple stopped dancing and shared a romantic kiss. Nolan should look away, but he couldn’t. Mixed feelings clogged his mind. He was happy for his best friend, and yet at the same time, Nolan’s heart wouldn’t stop crumbling. Would he ever find true love?

  Nolan waited to tell the two goodbye, and at the same time, hoped that Thomas wouldn’t pass out with Nolan�
��s arm around his waist.

  Finally, the love-birds ended their kiss, grasped hands, and turned to those still at the reception.

  Aaron smiled brightly. “I want to thank everyone for coming and celebrating this wonderful day with me and my beautiful Beth.”

  “Yes, thank you all.” Elizabeth blew a kiss to the crowd.

  As she and Aaron walked away, they waved to Nolan and Thomas. Nolan returned the gesture, feeling as though he’d lost his best friend.

  “Hey,” Thomas muttered as he patted the thick envelope in Nolan’s suit-coat pocket. “What’s this?”

  Nolan pulled out the envelope with the words thanks for everything written across the front. “Aaron gave it to me for being the best man.”

  “What’s inside?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t opened it.”

  Thomas arched his eyebrow at Nolan. “Don’t you think you should?”

  Nolan shrugged and released Thomas, making sure he could stand on his own. Nolan opened the envelope and pulled out a wad of large bills, one airplane ticket, and one brochure. As he studied the brochure, he noticed it was for a bed and breakfast in Woodland Park, Colorado. The B&B was haunted and was part of a group of guided tours. The destination on the plane ticket was for Colorado Springs.

  He chuckled and shook his head. Leave it Aaron to think of something like this to give his best friend.

  Squinting, Thomas leaned in and looked at the contents in Nolan’s hand. “Are you kidding me? My cousin has lost his mind. Why would he give you a ticket to attend a ghost tour?”

  Nolan raised his gaze. “Because Aaron knows I like that kind of stuff.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged. “Call me crazy, but I like a good ghost mystery.”

  “Are there two plane tickets or am I seeing double again?” Thomas blinked several times.

  “There’s only one.” Nolan frowned. Maybe he shouldn’t go. He didn’t want to look pathetic going alone. Then again, it wasn’t like he’d never been alone before when he’d gone on trips.

  He slipped his arm around his wobbly friend as they continued their journey to the parking lot. “How are you doing?”