Billionaire Tried to Stay Hidden at a Friend’s Party, He Never Expected to Meet His Forever Love
A Hidden Meeting
Kai Vance hated crowds, especially ones where everyone was trying to impress each other with borrowed wealth and fake smiles. He adjusted the dark baseball cap pulled low over his face and stepped deeper into the party, hoping no one would recognize him.
It was his college buddy’s engagement celebration held at a sprawling estate in the Hollywood Hills, and the guest list screamed influencer chaos. He had promised to show his face, but only for an hour, maybe less.
He moved through the backyard past a fountain lit up in blue, nodding politely when someone looked his way. No one seemed to notice him.
“Good, that’s how he liked it.”
“Excuse me,” a voice said behind him.
“You’re standing on my charger.”
He turned and looked down. His boot was planted right on top of a phone charger cable. He stepped back quickly.
“My bad,” he muttered.
Then he saw her. She wasn’t dressed like the others. No designer logos, no heavy makeup, no trying-too-hard energy. She was wearing a simple navy sundress with white sneakers.
Her dark blonde hair was up in a messy twist, like she didn’t care if anyone noticed her. She looked up from her phone, her eyes locking with his.
“Thanks, I’ve been looking for a spot to plug in for 10 minutes. Every outlet is being hoarded by someone live-streaming their drink.”
He huffed a laugh before he could stop himself.
“That sounds about right.”
She tilted her head.
“You’re not like the rest of them.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“That depends. Are you here trying to sell a protein powder or start a podcast?”
He grinned, actually grinned.
“Nope, just here for the free drinks and bad decisions.”
She smiled and it hit him harder than it should have.
“I’m Blair,” she said, holding out her hand.
He took it, her skin warm and soft against his.
“Kai.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“You’re not a Kai I’ve met before. Maybe I’m new, or maybe you’re hiding.”
He blinked.
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re wearing a hat at night and you keep looking around like you’re waiting to be attacked by paparazzi.”
He chuckled a little too loudly.
“That obvious?”
She leaned against the wall and crossed her arms.
“I’m not trying to expose you or anything. Whatever your reason is, it’s fine. I’m hiding too.”
“Yeah?” he asked, intrigued. “From what?”
“Life,” she said with a shrug.
“I work at a bakery in Silver Lake. My friend dragged me here because she thinks I need to experience luxury, whatever that means.”
He didn’t know why her honesty hit him like a punch to the ribs. Maybe because it had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him without an agenda.
“You want to experience luxury?” he asked, watching her closely.
She laughed.
“Not if it comes with a side of ego.”
Kai’s jaw twitched.
“Fair enough.”
They stood there for another moment, the buzz of the party fading behind them.
“So what do you do, Kai?” she asked.
He hesitated.
“I manage investments.”
That wasn’t a lie. It just didn’t cover the whole truth that he owned one of the largest real estate development companies on the West Coast, that his net worth had passed the billion mark last year, and that his face had graced more than one business magazine.
Which was exactly why he kept it hidden tonight.
“Sounds grown up,” she said.
“Unfortunately, it is.”
She looked at him again, really looked at him.
“You’re not what I expected to find here.”
“Me either,” he said, and he meant it.
Her eyes sparkled.
“Want to get out of here?”
His brows lifted.
“You don’t even know me.”
“Exactly. And everyone else here thinks they know everyone else. You feel like a break from that.”
He didn’t even hesitate.
“Let’s go.”
They snuck out through the side gate, past valet, and walked two blocks until they hit a quiet taco stand still open on the corner.
They sat on the curb eating carnada and laughing about how ridiculous the party had been.
“I can’t believe I left an estate party for tacos,” Blair said, licking salsa off her thumb.
“I can,” Kai said, watching her. “This is the best part of my night.”
Her cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away.
“Do you do this often?” she asked. “Disappear from your world?”
“No,” he said honestly, “I don’t.”
She looked down at her lap.
“Me neither. I usually play it safe.”
“You don’t seem safe.”
She laughed.
“I’m not, just careful.”
He wanted to ask more about her, about the shadows behind her smile, but she stood up and stretched.
“I should probably head back. My friend’s going to think I got kidnapped.”
“Can I see you again?” he asked before she could leave.
She looked surprised.
“You want to?”
“Yeah, I do.”
She studied him for a second.
“Okay, but next time you’re not allowed to wear a hat.”
He grinned.
“Deal.”
She scribbled her number on the napkin from her taco wrapper and handed it to him.
“I’m trusting you to actually call,” she said.
He met her eyes.
“I will.”
And this time he meant it. As she walked away, Kai stayed on the curb holding the napkin like it was made of gold.
He had come to the party to hide, but somehow he just met the only person who made him want to be seen.
