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Chapter 48
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2026-02-21 00:31:35
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FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE Chapter 50
The gala raised 1.8 million dollars. Donors who'd withdrawn funding returned. New contributors emerged. Corporate sponsors signed multi-year commitments."We're stable," Elena announced at the Monday meeting. "All programs are fully funded through next year."Alex felt something he hadn't experienced in months—genuine relief."What changed their minds?" he asked."Your speech. People respected that you acknowledged the problems without making excuses."Julian added, "Also Nathan's article. Having a former critic vouch for you carried weight.""So we're actually okay?""For now. We'll need to maintain momentum, but yes. We're okay."Alex went home early and took Izzy to dinner."Celebrating?" she asked."Surviving. There's a difference.""I'll take either at this point."They ordered wine and expensive food, something they hadn't done in months."Do you think it's finally over?" Izzy asked. "The crisis mode?""Probably not. But maybe we get a break before the next one.""How long a bre
FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE Chapter 49
October brought an unexpected problem. The foundation's largest donor withdrew their annual contribution of $2 million, which funded three major programs."They're concerned about reputational risk," Elena explained during the emergency meeting. "Even with Vivienne sentenced, they don't want association with the Blackwood name.""Who else is pulling out?" Alex asked."We've lost four smaller donors this month. Another three are 'reconsidering their commitment.'"Julian ran the numbers. "If this continues, we'll have to cut programs by spring.""Which programs?""Youth mentorship, job training, and possibly the scholarship fund."Alex felt the familiar weight settling back on his shoulders. "Those programs serve hundreds of people.""I know. But we can't run them without funding."The board meeting that afternoon was tense."We need a rebrand," one member suggested. "Distance ourselves from the Blackwood name entirely.""Change the foundation's name?" Alex said. "That erases fifty year
FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE Chapter 48
Vivienne rejected the plea deal..Her trial began in early September, exactly as predicted.Alex attended the first day, sitting in the back of the courtroom. Julian came with him. Grace stayed home with Lila.The prosecution's opening statement was devastating."Vivienne Blackwood is a woman who built her life on reputation and connections. When she lost those things, she turned to crime. She lied to friends, fabricated investment opportunities, and stole over three million dollars from people who trusted her."Vivienne's lawyer tried to spin it differently."This is a case about a woman who made mistakes, not a criminal mastermind. Mrs. Blackwood genuinely believed these investments would succeed. She's guilty of poor judgment, not fraud."The jury looked skeptical.The prosecution called its first witness—a retired executive who'd invested $400,000."Vivienne told me she had exclusive access to a private equity fund. Said returns were guaranteed, backed by major Wall Street players.
FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE Chapter 47
Summer arrived with oppressive heat and Vivienne's trial date looming.Alex tried to focus on work, on Lila, on anything except the approaching September court date.Then Grace had a health scare.She collapsed at the foundation office during a volunteer shift. Julian called an ambulance while Elena stayed with her.Alex met them at the hospital."What happened?" he asked the doctor."Dehydration, low blood pressure, exhaustion. She's been pushing herself too hard.""She's seventy-three," Alex said. "She shouldn't be pushing herself at all."Grace was awake when he entered her room. "Don't you dare lecture me.""I'm absolutely going to lecture you.""I'm fine. Just overdid it in the heat.""You collapsed, Mom. That's not fine."Grace softened. "I know. I'm sorry. I've been trying to stay busy.""Why?""Because sitting at home means thinking about everything. Your mother's trial, your stress, whether I failed as a parent somewhere along the way.""You didn't fail. Vivienne made her own
FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE Chapter 46
Alex actually left work at reasonable hours most days.He'd been home for dinner twelve nights in a row when Izzy said, "This feels wrong.""What does?""Things are okay. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.""Maybe there is no other shoe.""There's always another shoe with your family."She wasn't wrong.The call came on a Thursday afternoon."Mr. Blackwood, this is Detective Sarah Chen with the NYPD. We need to discuss your mother."Alex's stomach tightened. "What about her?""She's been arrested for fraud.""What kind of fraud?""Investment fraud. Multiple victims, potentially millions of dollars. Can you come to the precinct?"Alex sat frozen after hanging up.Julian appeared in the doorway. "You look like you've seen a ghost.""Mom's been arrested.""For what?""Fraud. The detective wouldn't give details over the phone.""Do you want me to come with you?""No. I need to handle this alone."The precinct was gray and institutional. Detective Chen met him in a conference room.
FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE Chapter 45
The evidence Julian uncovered changed the trajectory of the lawsuit.Their lawyers filed a motion to dismiss, attaching documentation showing the shell company connections and the venture capital firm's political motivations."Morrison might have legitimate grievances," their lead attorney explained, "but people are weaponizing his lawsuit with no connection to the foundation. That's grounds for dismissal.""How long until we hear back?" Alex asked."A month, maybe two.""And if the judge denies the motion?""Then we go to discovery. But I think we have a strong case."Alex forced himself to stay optimistic.The next complication came from Nathan.Sophie called Alex at midnight, voice shaking. "Nathan tried to bribe one of your employees.""What?""I was with him at some industry mixer. Saw him talking to a woman I recognized from Blackwood's HR department. She looked uncomfortable, so I got closer. Heard him offering her five thousand dollars for confidential files from your office."
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