Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 by Laura Burton (learn to read books .TXT) 📕

give your statements. Please remember to mention the charity, Sponsor a Child, and tell the press why this charity is important to you.”

The man went on to give some statistics of all the children who had received support and aid thanks to the charity.

The Sponsor a Child foundation focused solely on supporting children who were born with disabilities. Caretakers, on call nurses, and support workers supported families who needed respite from the full-time care they provided. They also donated equipment and funds for a family holiday for low-income families. Anyone who was anyone booked a seat at this dinner—most likely because it was good for public image. However, David and Harry’s motives were different.

“I can’t help but think about Johnny,” David said, holding a glass, his eyes glistening as he looked at the band.

“Who’s Johnny?” Julie asked. Harry sighed as he turned to her.

“Johnny Princeton. He was a friend of ours at school,” he explained.

“Was?” Valentina asked.

“Johnny was born with a rare genetic disease. His parents gave him the best education they could. He didn’t board like the rest of us; there were too many hospital appointments.”

“What happened?” Julie asked, her voice hushed.

Edward and David shared a look before Harry continued.

“He graduated from secondary school. We all went together to the prom.” He smiled at the memory of Johnny in a wheelchair. “By that point, he was unable to speak, but his smile lit up the whole room.”

Edward took over and explained that Johnny had died just before they started university. He was lucky to have parents with money, but the costs of care and giving him a quality of life had crippled the family’s finances. They set up the foundation Sponsor a Child, and have dedicated their lives to sharing Johnny’s story and helping families in need.

“That is so inspiring,” Julie said when Edward finished. She looked at Harry, tears in her eyes and squeezed his hand. “I had no idea.”

“Why did I not know that?” Valentina asked, troubled. David scratched his chin as Edward rubbed the back of his neck.

“We don’t talk about it, usually,” he said frankly.

“But on the media, you come across as a player,” Julie said. Edward chuckled.

“Harold? A player? David did you hear that?” He raised a napkin to his mouth as he laughed. David shook his head, laughing as well.

“Don’t believe anything you read in the tabloids. They sell stories, not truth,” David said wisely. “Harold is no more a player than I am,” he added. Julie blushed and Harry knew she had her eyes on him the remainder of the evening.

The group of them enjoyed catching up, Julie and Valentina mostly talked to each other. Julie had her phone out and was scrolling through pictures for Valentina to look at.

“You are so talented. I adore this one. You designed all of these?” she asked as she flicked her sleek hair back from her shoulder. “I would love you to make me a dress for the Oscars.”

Julie’s hand flew to her chest as she gasped.

“I would love to,” she said, breathlessly. The two women sealed the decision with a matching smile, when Harry took the opportunity to step in. He got to his feet and offered his hand.

“May I have this dance?” he asked. Julie’s eyes flew around the room. Other people were taking to the dance floor, now that the food had been consumed and drinks were flowing. Julie hesitantly took Harry’s hand and he pulled her up to a stand.

“Harry rested his hand on the small of her back. Rubbing his thumb across the organza material and holding back the grin from taking over his face. All was right in the world. Among all of the supermodels and actresses, he was with the most beautiful woman in the room. Julie was a natural when it came to mingling with people. She had a comfortable presence about her, making people feel at ease. Yet, there was also an endearing shyness that made her even more irresistible to him.

Harry took Julie’s hand and secured his grip on her lower back as they swayed in a circle to the music. Julie’s soft hair draped across her head like veil. A diamante clasp sparkled in the spotlights. The people around them faded away, and for a blissful time it was just the two of them in each other’s arms. Comfortable. Close. Whole. He dipped his head to meet hers and when the song changed, they barely moved, their foreheads pressed together.

“I’m glad you came,” he said softly. He wanted to take her head into his hands and kiss her with every fiber of his being. Being with Julie was so right. So natural.

“Me too,” Julie said quietly. She lifted her head and eyed him with a half-squint. “You’re full of surprises, you know.”

“Hmm. That makes me mysterious. I like that.”

Julie gave an appreciative laugh.

Harry thought this was a good time to say something clever. To show off his outstanding intellect. His mind rooted through all his trivia knowledge, but before he could wow Julie with useless information, a tall man with the broadest shoulders he had ever seen tapped him on the arm. His eyes were as dark as ink.

“Mind if I steal your lady?” he asked in a tone that did not sound like he was expecting a response.

Yes, I do mind.

Harry swallowed as the huge man looked at him with an almost fierce expression.

“Of course,” he heard himself say, though he was sure he didn’t utter the words. It was as if he was working on auto-pilot and he couldn’t help but be agreeable. The man grinned so widely his veneers shone like a flashlight in Harry’s eyes. Blinded, he blinked and looked apologetically at Julie who had a polite smile on her face as he let go of her hand and moved away. The huge man held Julie a little too close for Harry’s liking; he scrutinized Julie’s expression for any sign of distress, primed and ready to step in. Then, a