She Agreed to Plan a Reunion Party, Not Knowing the Billionaire Attending Still Loved Her
The Unexpected Invitation
Riley Owens stared at the email that had just landed in her inbox, nearly spitting out her morning coffee. Hillcrest Preparatory Academy’s 10-year reunion. The same school where she’d experienced her greatest heartbreak. Now they were requesting her professional event planning services.
Her finger hovered over the delete button before curiosity won out. She opened the message. She was surprised to find it was from her old friend Melissa, now the school’s alumni coordinator.
“We’ve heard amazing things about your company,” Melissa wrote. “The reunion committee specifically requested you. 3 months to pull together something spectacular at the Grand Meridian Hotel. Please say yes.”
Riley sighed, glancing around her small but tastefully decorated office. Owen’s Events had grown impressively over the past 5 years. This high-profile reunion could push her business to the next level.
But returning to that world meant possibly seeing him again. Connor Blackwell. The boy who’d promised her forever at 18, then disappeared without explanation after graduation.
“It’s just business,” she told herself firmly. She typed out her acceptance before she could reconsider.
The following week, Riley sat in the posh conference room of the Grand Meridian. She was surrounded by the reunion committee. Melissa rushed in late, flustered but beaming.
“Sorry everyone, great news though, we just confirmed our biggest donor for the event.”
“Connor Blackwell has agreed to sponsor half the budget.”
Riley’s pen clattered to the table.
“Connor is attending?”
Melissa gave her a curious look.
“Yes, can you believe it? He never responds to alumni stuff, but this time he’s not only coming, he’s funding most of it.”
“Some tech company of his just went public or something. Apparently, he’s worth billions now.”
Riley forced a smile while her heart pounded painfully. Connor Blackwell, the boy who’d broken her heart, was now a billionaire. She just agreed to plan an event he was not only attending but sponsoring.
“Perfect, that’s wonderful,” Riley managed.
“More budget is always good news.”
