The Billionaire’s Creed

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“Don’t be so quick to judge.”

I groaned in annoyance as I shut my laptop close. “Personal space, please?”

“Since when?” Blaze asked. “I saw the look in your eyes, Adley. He’s not bad. Actually, I admire that guy.”

“What kind of look exactly?” I breathed out. Blaze knew me well, and he definitely knew when I lied.

“You’re being a judgmental queen.”

I raised a brow. “Really? I’m not being judgmental. He’s-”

He pressed a finger on my lips. “Stop right there. You can’t judge someone for putting his passion and priority on top.”

I grabbed his hands off. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Okay, denial queen. That guy started his empire from scratch. His father may be big-time, but nothing compares to what Mykel’s have now. He’s proven himself that not all the sons and heirs are brats. You of all the people should know that.”

“I was just trying to figure out his personality and maybe his businesses.” And personal life, which was not surprising for many women linked to him. Yay! I’m officially a stalker.

“Don’t lie to me. In his social status, you can’t blame him for being too careful and cynical. Besides, his parents are not together anymore. Being raised by a single mom made you think if a long-lasting relationship exists. Get to know that man on your own. Don’t trust what you saw and heard.”

“If you say so.”

“And he has a half-brother. They are not closed, but they’re in good terms that they’re different.”

I remembered Mykel mentioned his father knocking up someone. “You seem to know a lot about him, huh?”

“Personally, no. Remember when we finished college and told you I wanted to work in designs.”

I closed my eyes before I faced him. “You wanted to work at his company? Why didn’t you?”

“Specifically on Creed Technology. I don’t know. I was about to apply for the job, but maybe that was not my calling.”

“You can always tell me when you decide to change the carrier path, Blaze. I would be happy for you.” I squeezed his hand.

“I know. I heard they’re working on advancing the batteries for transportation. You should be surprised that Mykel is among many billionaires funding the biggest Green Hydrogen Project. That guy cares more about our planet than most of the loyal rich guys in the world. You just have to give yourself a chance to know him.”

“Thank you for the enlightenment.” My words came out sarcastic and bitter because Blaze might be right, and here I was judging his bluntness to the fault over my bruised ego. “Our work will end tomorrow afternoon. Once we get paid, Mykel and Adley’s cockfight is over. I won’t see that cocky face ever again.”

“Your world and his are not so different after all, Adley. You’d be surprised the next fundraising you’ll be attending; he’s standing next to you.” He snorted.

“Good thing grandpa-” My words were cut short when my phone vibrated on the coffee table.

“Speaking of the-”

“Why is he calling me?”

“Answer him to find out.”

I blew a breath before I hit the answer button. “How have you been, Grandpa?”

“I have an appointment with my doctor on Saturday.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No. You’ll be attending annual benefits for Canary on my behalf.”

Oh, boy. I glared at Blaze because I knew he could hear Grandpa talking from the other line. “Can’t your CMO, COO, or assistant attend on your behalf?”

“No. You are my granddaughter. Whether you like it or not, you are a Kross, Adley.”

“Grandpa-”

“No. If you want to continue with whatever you are doing, then do me a favor and attend the fundraising. Its profit is for the medical supplies of the local children’s hospital. The car will pick you up at six. Don’t be late.” He was not giving me a choice, was he?

I defied him for not working in his company-our company. I wanted to do something that I loved. He respected my decision even if he disagreed with my plans. He believed I would realize sooner, come to him, and work for him one day.

“Of course, Grandpa. I can’t wait.” For the sake of the children.

“Sorry.” Blaze watched a frown fall against my face.

***

We were almost done with the project. The sofa set he ordered wouldn’t arrive until early next month, so my job felt incomplete, but I loved the outcome of the concept style we did. It was exactly what I wanted. The color scheme complemented perfectly, and the room was equipped with comfortable and elegant furnishing that created a great working space and would allow him to relax at the same time.

The floor-to-ceiling window was covered with remote control dark metallic blue curtain. I also did pay attention to a technical-function design with the arrangement not to overpower the room. With the lighting from the ceiling, I added three lamps. I chose wrought iron and stainless brass steel for filing cabinets and bookcases instead of the typical wood. To add a personal touch, I affixed his certificate, awards, and his antiques on the shelves, and as a person who loved our planet earth, I finished it with a green and eco-sustainable element-the plant.

The office looked rich, but nothing overdone. It screamed luxury, functionality, and the man himself, Mykel Creed.

“Adley, I’ll bring these things down. Do you need anything else?” Stella, one of my team, asked.

“We’re done here. Thanks, Stella.”

“I’m going with Adley. You can go home and bring those things to the office tomorrow.” Like always, Blaze never missed appreciating the hard work of everyone. “Thanks, everyone. Good job.”

“Thanks, guys.”

A few minutes later, the main door opened while I checked the Canary fundraising website. The first to appear was Elise. She bore the same smile. It looked like Mykel was lucky to have an assistant like her.

“Hey, guys. Can’t wait to see the office,” she said enthusiastically.

Then the door closed without Mykel.

“I hope you’ll like it,” Blaze said. He smiled at her, the kind of smile they looked forward to more after this. Interesting.

“Oh, we would.”

“Where’s your boss?” I asked. I couldn’t help it. First, I was tired and wanted to go home and treat myself to a bubble bath. Second, I wanted this to be over, and lastly, I wanted to find out if he wanted some changes.

“I came with my car. We had just wrapped up a meeting, and he said to come here immediately.” She went towards the kitchen. “I’m sure you guys are tired, but it would be worth it. I have no idea what’s in there, but I strongly feel he’s gonna be amazed.”

“You’re very optimistic, while I suddenly feel nervous.”

Blaze chuckled heartily. “You? Since when?”

“Do you accept constructive criticism?” She poured wine.

“Yeah. Of course, I do when I know I can do better.” I grabbed a glass. I badly needed this to calm my nerves. I didn’t know why all of a sudden, I felt nervous. I’d been doing this for almost two years, and the revelation part always excited me. Not this time, though.

“He’s more into comfort than elegance. You see that leather couch over there?” Elise pointed at the living room. “It doesn’t cost a thousand dollars, but he prefers that one to the one we have in our office.”

“For the love of God, Dru, don’t push it because it’s not happening. And I’m swamped with work.” The door slammed close. “I said no one. Nothing can change my mind. I have to go. I’m meeting my friends. Bye.”

Before I realized something, I was already walking toward him and asking, “Is everything okay?”

He stopped, glanced, and smiled at me. “Yeah. That was my father on the phone.”

“Oh, you don’t have to tell me. It’s none of my business.” I bit my bottom lip nervously. What was wrong with me?

“I still wanna tell you. He asked me to attend a family dinner. And as always, I declined for the hundredth time.”

“Correction, a million times,” Elise agreed.

“Probably,” he seconded.

I felt conscious when he did not break his glance at me.

“Do you wanna see your office now?”

“Sure,” he answered almost instantly. “Please, lead the way.”

We headed to the door of his office. Blaze had my wine in his hand while Elise offered her boss a whiskey.

“Thanks.”

When I opened the door wide, he didn’t say anything. He just walked in. His expression was neutral, not sad nor surprised. He didn’t have displeasure on his face either. But I still felt like I had let him down.

Well, I did my best. I made sure I did something distinctive to avoid derivatives. If he didn’t like it, we had to redo it until he was satisfied.

I squeezed Blaze’s arm and mumbled, “He doesn’t like it.”

“Calm down,” he mumbled back.

Elise was giggling as she ran her fingers on the desk. “Oh, my God.”

Mykel went to the chair and picked up the multipurpose remote. The moment he pressed a button on the screen, the curtain slid on both sides, revealing the skyscrapers and skyline around us. The city lights were magnificent.

All I could see was his sigh, and he admired what was outside our work. A small smile spread across his lips before he faced us, making me release the air that had been stuck in my lungs for so long.

“I choose wrought iron and stainless steel brass panels over wooden shelves. I know you love the view. The curtain would also add excitement and privacy and maximize the natural light. Once the sofa set arrives, it will fill the missing area. Anything you’d like us to change, replace, or remove?”

“I love the plant.” His smile widened.

“It’s Dracaena, an air-purifying plant, and also low-maintenance.”

“To my new office.” He proposed a toast as he raised his glass.

“To your new office.” I raised my wine before I sipped it.

Elise and Blaze retreated as if on cue, leaving Mykel and me alone. My heart started racing.

“You’re good at this. You did a great job.” His voice was softer.

“I did not do this alone. I have a team.”

“Common, you did the design. I’m sure Blaze shared his idea, but I saw the plan you sent me. Just accept my compliments, Adley.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And I don’t wanna change a thing. This is perfect. I love the modern minimalism, technical function, and creativity you put into this. If there’s one thing to say, you look good sitting at this desk. And you are the missing part.”