Millionaire Took Walk by the Ocean, Never Expecting a Stranger He Met There Would Capture His Heart
The Encounter at the Shore
The waves crashed against the shore with a rhythmic cadence that Zachary Millerton had once found soothing. Today, they only seemed to mock his isolation. At 34, he had everything money could buy: a tech empire worth billions, three homes across the globe, and a garage full of cars he rarely drove.
Yet he walked the deserted beach alone, his Italian leather shoes dangling from his fingertips as the cool sand squished between his toes. Zachary had escaped to his oceanfront Malibu estate after another exhausting board meeting.
His company, Miller Tech, had just closed its fourth acquisition of the year, adding another few hundred million to his already substantial net worth. The financial newspapers would celebrate this victory tomorrow, but Zachary felt strangely empty as he stared out at the endless Pacific.
“You’re going to get soaked if you stand there much longer,” a voice called from behind him.
Zachary turned, surprised to find another soul on this private stretch of beach. A woman stood a few yards away, camera in hand, the wind whipping her chestnut hair around her face.
She wore simple jeans rolled up to her calves and a faded blue sweatshirt that had seen better days.
“This is private property,” he replied automatically, then immediately regretted the coldness in his voice.
She raised an eyebrow.
“The tide doesn’t know that. It’s coming in fast.”
Zachary glanced down to see water suddenly swirling around his ankles, soaking the hem of his tailored pants. He jumped back with an undignified yelp that made the woman laugh, a warm genuine sound that seemed to cut through his melancholy like a knife through butter.
“I’m Emma Rhodes,” she said, stepping closer and offering her hand.
“I’m photographing coastal erosion for National Geographic. Your security guard gave me permission to access this section of beach.”
Zachary took her hand, noticing the calluses on her palm and the strength in her grip.
“Zachary Millerton.”
If she recognized his name, and most people did, she didn’t show it. Instead, she pointed toward the eroding cliffside.
“This area is losing about a foot per year. In 20 years, that magnificent house up there might be joining the ocean.”
Zachary followed her gaze up to his $28 million home perched on the bluff.
“That’s sobering.”
“Nature always wins in the end,” Emma said with a shrug.
