The Billionaire's Scandal (The Blank Check Series Book 3) Read online

  The Billionaire’s Scandal

  Jeannette Winters

  An original work of Jeannette Winters, 2019.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Contents

  Jeannette Winters

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Epilogue

  Also by Jeannette Winters

  By Jeannette Winters & Lena Lane

  Jeannette Winters

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  Dedication

  This book is dedicated all my friends, new and old. I treasure each and every one of you.... HUGS.....

  Karen Lawson and Janet Hitchcock my editors you are amazing!

  To my readers who continue to inspire me with endless messages and kind words. Always make time for romance.

  The Billionaire’s Scandal

  Trust was something Gareth Lawson had little of lately. His family means everything to him, but lies and deceit threatens to crumble them from within. He’s not going to sit back and wait for the next ball to drop. It’s time to turn the tables and take back control.

  Brooke Cortes lives her life the way she wants too, one happy adventure after another. Who wouldn’t want to see the world, one country at a time? The only commitment she has, is to live life to its fullest.

  Although Brooke and Gareth find themselves on the same tropical island, it is evident they were there for entirely different reasons. Tempers flare but so do the sparks. Yet their night of passion, almost turns into tragedy.

  Has Gareth’s drive for justice put Brooke’s life in danger? Can he keep her out of the scandal that threatens his family? She trusted him with her heart. Now he has to prove to her that love heals all wounds.

  1

  Gareth Lawson looked at the file. “Are you serious? That’s . . .” He couldn’t even bring himself to verbalize what he was reading. It stirred something in him that, for the first time in his life, he actually could kill.

  “This is not even all of it. We could keep digging, but at this point, I wasn’t sure you wanted to know. Hell, if this was my family, I know I wouldn’t.”

  “That’s you,” Gareth responded, not lifting his eyes from the paper. “What will it cost me to have you dig deeper, to get everything?”

  Roy shook his head. “I hate to break it to you, Gareth. I like working for you and everything, but this is the Hendersons we’re talking about. I pushed my luck even getting this. The repercussions could be . . . well . . . really fucking bad. I’m sure this is something they would be willing to do anything to keep from getting out.”

  He could see why. Being connected to a human trafficking ring would definitely put a nail in the coffin. Gareth would normally let it go, but what Roy didn’t know, was why that was important. If the Hendersons weren’t related to the Lawsons, then fuck it, let them deal with the mess they made for themselves. But there was no way Gareth would allow this type of shit to attach itself to the Lawson name. They might not be perfect, hell, not even close, but this was beyond anything even his family would’ve done. At least I hope so. One sad fact he’d learned over the past year: the Lawson legacy wasn’t everything they thought it had been.

  Gareth pulled out his checkbook and paid Roy the agreed amount. He knew pushing Roy wasn’t going to do any good. He saw the . . . fear maybe . . . in his eyes. Roy might have come highly recommended for fact-finding, but he had no balls. Gareth wouldn’t have backed down from the Hendersons, not from anyone actually. And that’s why sometimes you’ve got to do it yourself.

  He handed Roy the check and stated firmly, “As per the terms, this information remains confidential, understood?” He didn’t believe Roy would run his mouth but wanted to give him a reminder anyway.

  “Trust me; I am beginning to wish I never took this job in the first place.” He got up and, before leaving Gareth’s office, turned back and said, “I hope you’re not foolish enough to continue with this. I have a feeling if you do, the cost will be something you can’t cover, even with a blank check.”

  Gareth was beginning to wonder if Roy actually had more than he’d shared. Something had him scared. The Hendersons weren’t cold-blooded killers, yet Roy was acting as though they could be. Digging was exactly what Gareth planned to do. There was something about Tabiq no one wanted to talk about. The Hendersons were investing a shitload of money into that country. They said it was to make amends for something their father James had done. The question remained: how involved was James in what had taken place? Was he just an investor? That was bad enough, but his gut said it went deeper.

  Even though Roy never mentioned Gareth’s great-granddad, he figured it was only an oversight.

  Brushing the file to one side, Gareth growled, “This would be a lot fucking easier if Brice would’ve told us.” He had two choices: be more persistent with Brice and demand that he tells him everything or continue on his own. Until Brice figures out I’m not going away so easily.

  Gareth knew his kid brother, Dylan, would’ve pushed too, but Dylan was like a sledge hammer. He knew Dylan could’ve gotten it done, but the clean-up was another story. This wasn’t like going after Maxwell Grayson. The skeletons in the Henderson closet were tied to the Lawsons. And this wasn’t about taking the Hendersons down either. Knowledge was power, and Gareth wasn’t about to leave his family powerless.

  There were a few positive things going on that provided the family some much needed distraction right now. Little Penelope seemed to have everyone’s attention, and if they weren’t talking about her, they were talking about Dylan’s child, the one on the way.

  Gareth still couldn’t believe Dylan was going to be a father. Hell, he thought for sure Dylan and he would be the last holdouts. The change happened so fast that Gareth never saw it coming. Their wedding was taking place in a few weeks and Gareth was avoiding anything to do with it. Even though Dylan said it was going to be a small low-key event, Gareth knew better. No way was Sofia’s mother going to sit back and let that fly. So he shut his mouth and waited for the bomb to drop. Holding back his laughter when it did would be difficult.

  They were all close, but he and Dylan especially so. Maybe it was because they were so similar, or at least they used to be. Dylan now went home after work for a home-cooked meal while Gareth went out for a drink alone. At least it started that way, but now there wa
s always some woman looking for him to buy her a drink. He looked up at the clock and it wasn’t even noon. He had quit working that early before, but he needed answers more than a drink right now.

  Since he wasn’t about to include any of his family in this matter, he needed to make it appear that everything was normal. They wouldn’t be shocked to learn he was taking a week or two off without notice. Gareth had built a reputation as a playboy, one he lived up to quit nicely. His brothers might not like it and grumble, but no one would care if he was gone, as long as he was back for the wedding. If his research was going to take more than a few weeks, they all had a bigger problem than he suspected.

  He picked up his phone and knew who to call: Seth. That was the one person who would give him the least amount of grief. Seth wasn’t much of a talker; he’d get to the point and keep moving. He was one of those guys who enjoyed his office job. Seth could spend hours reviewing a contract, and if anyone could find the minutest discrepancy, it was him.

  If it wasn’t for the fact Seth would freak the fuck out, Gareth would’ve loved to utilize his skills right now. But Seth would never agree to suck information from the rest of the family. So he was on his own. It probably was better that way. If anything went wrong, he was prepared to take the blame.

  Good thing, because I’m the one doing it.

  “Gareth, if you’re calling me for an early lunch, you know my answer,” Seth stated. “I’m in the middle of—”

  “Yeah I know. A contract.” What else is new? “That’s not why I’m calling. I’m heading out of town for a few days, maybe more. Yeah, probably more. You know how it is.”

  “For some of us, yes I do. And you’re calling me instead of Charles because . . .”

  “He’s probably tied up.” And will ask too many questions.

  “I’m glad you feel as though my time isn’t as valuable. But don’t worry, I’ll pass along the message like usual,” Seth said sarcastically.

  That was usually when Gareth would come back with some snappy remark, but he didn’t want to prolong the call any longer than necessary. “Thanks, Seth. And we’ll do that lunch when I get back.”

  Seth grumbled, “I won’t bother telling you to have a good time. One of these ladies will trip you up and you’ll find yourself settled down, just like Charles and Dylan.”

  Gareth laughed. “I’m not sure you’re reading a contract. It sounds more like a comic book. Mark my words, Seth, this guy isn’t falling for any batting eyelashes or sweet voices.”

  “I wish I was a betting man. I’d gladly take your money,” Seth said. “Now if you don’t mind, I do have work to do.”

  Seth ended the call, and Gareth had to admit Lawson Steel was lucky to have him. That kind of dedication was exactly what was needed to drive the company forward. Of course, what they didn’t seem to understand was it also took someone like Gareth to ensure nothing from their past jumped out and bit them in the ass.

  Slipping his phone in his pocket, he closed his laptop and left the office. Normally he’d call their pilot to fuel up. But he didn’t want anyone to know where he was going. Not now at least. If things got out of hand, maybe he’d come clean.

  For now, let them think I’m lying on a topless beach somewhere enjoying the view.

  Gareth couldn’t help but wonder if New Hope Resort had such accommodations. He didn’t believe it was the Hendersons’ style, but their business partner, Drake Fletcher, was a gambling man, and Gareth had no idea what he was like. But I’m about to find out.

  Brooke Cortes’s hands shook as she wiped the frozen piña colada from the man’s suit jacket. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see your suitcase there and I . . . oh . . . I’m so sorry.” If things weren’t bad enough, as she tried wiping with one hand, she continued spilling the drink with the other. “Really, sorry.”

  The man snarled. “Clumsy idiot. You should be fired. Where is your manager?”

  Fired? That wasn’t going to go over very well with her parents. They told her this was a dumb idea, but grabbing a job as a waitress in a fancy resort sounded like what she needed. Why had she thought it would be stress-free and allow for hours at the beach? Because like you so kindly pointed out, mister, I’m an idiot, that’s why.

  “If you’d like, I can have him paged,” Brooke stated. She really hoped it wasn’t going to come to that.

  “That’s a bit drastic, don’t you think?” a deep voice said from behind her.

  Brooke wanted to turn and see who it was, but the angry man in front of her held her attention.

  “Do you know how much this suit cost?” he asked.

  “I’ll buy you a new one if you promise me one thing.” She held her breath and waited as the mystery voice continued, “You apologize to this young lady for being such an ass.”

  The man’s chest puffed up and his face turned beet red. “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?”

  “A bully. And I don’t like anyone who throws their weight around. For the record, I don’t give a shit if you’re the pope or the president, she deserves a bit of respect.”

  This wasn’t doing her nerves any good. The two men now glared at each other. “I can’t believe you dare speak to me in such a manner. I assume you work here as well.”

  “Hardly. I’m a guest. So, do you want the suit or are you just willing to walk away and go about your day?”

  Brooke wasn’t sure what the man was about to do, but eventually he huffed, grabbed his bag, and walked away. Only then did she turn her full attention to her rescuer. She instantly understood why the other man backed down. The guy looked fierce. She wouldn’t have wanted to cross him. And from his tone, she knew he’d been prepared to back up whatever he said with action.

  “You didn’t have to do that, you know, but thank you.” She did appreciate his assistance. She knew he’d have asked for Mr. Fletcher. Brooke hadn’t been at New Hope long enough to anticipate how he’d have reacted to such a complaint. Mrs. Fletcher, on the other hand, didn’t seem to get flustered over anything.

  “The guy probably needed some cooling off anyway. My name is Gareth, and you are?”

  “Brooke. I haven’t seen you here before. Are you just checking in?”

  “I am,” he replied.

  She smiled and said, “Welcome to New Hope. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see, I’m a bit sticky right now.”

  “Don’t let that Neanderthal ruin the rest of your day.”

  She laughed. “He wasn’t that bad.” Close.

  “I like your attitude. What is your manager’s name?” he asked.

  “Drake Fletcher is the one here now.”

  “Now? You mean he’s leaving?” Gareth asked.

  She nodded. “He owns New Hope with others. Alex Henderson and his wife, Ziva, live here in Tabiq. When they visit the States, Mr. Fletcher fills in. So don’t worry, we are always well-supervised.” Brooke had to admit, Alex was more easygoing than Drake. It was no surprise as Alex was an author, and he looked at everything like it was going to be in his next book. I’m sure a clumsy waitress wasn’t what he was looking for.

  Gareth said, “I probably should let you get back to work and go to my room.”

  “There is a clam bake on the beach tonight. Maybe you and whoever you’re traveling with could attend.”

  He replied, “I’m here alone.”

  Nice. She needed to remind herself he was a guest and she was not to fraternize with them. No matter how tempting they were. But she wasn’t flirting. Brooke was only providing him with valuable information. If she learned that he was there by himself, it was because he chose to share it.

  “There are many people, not just couples, attending. It’s a great way to start your vacation.”

  “You know this from experience?” he asked.

  “No. I haven’t personally been, but I hear the other guests raving about it.”

  “Then I’d very much like it if you join me.”

  Her eyes widened and her heart raced. Wha
t was she supposed to say? She knew she wanted to jump at the offer, but what if Drake found out? There was no way he wouldn’t. The staff would surely see her, and it would be talked about and then she’d be . . . fired.

  “Although that’s a very sweet offer, I cannot accept it.”

  “Don’t like clams?” Gareth asked. “Or maybe it’s me.”

  She smirked. “Both appealing, but there is a company policy about not . . . getting personal with any guest.” She thought that had been very tactfully said. Mom would be impressed. Her mother had driven manners into her along with the art of saying no in a polite way.

  “Damn. We have the same policy where I work. But I’ve learned there is always a work-around. Are there any rules against you attending the clam bake and happening to bump into me and maybe just happening to share a table?”

  “No tables, but blankets. And I don’t believe there are any rules against that.”

  Gareth smiled. “Great. Then it’s not a date. And I hope to see you there tonight. I’ll be sure to bring a blanket big enough for two. Enjoy your afternoon, Brooke.”

  Her mouth gaped open as Gareth left before she could decline. It was a brief encounter, but she learned a lot about him. Whoever Gareth was, she knew he wasn’t a rule follower, and he was used to getting what he wanted. He might be very easy on the eyes, but that man was . . . dangerous. Maybe not in a violent way, but in the way her mother warned her about. A heartbreaker.

  Janet, her immediate supervisor approached. “Hi, Brooke. I really hate to ask, but we’re short-staffed tonight. Would you be willing to pull a double? I’ll make sure you are very well compensated.”