Hold on, Mr billionaire.
In Meridian City, life moves fast and ambition drives the elite. At the top of the corporate food chain is Adrian Langston, a charismatic yet ruthless CEO of a multinational tech company. His success and wealth are unrivaled, and he is accustomed to getting what he wants—until he meets Isabella "Bella" Martinez, a fiercely independent freelance graphic designer.
Bella is focused on her career and family, with a vibrant personality that is both charming and down-to-earth. She navigates the hectic city life with a sense of humor and a strong moral compass. Despite her attraction to Adrian's charisma, she's determined not to be swept into his world of power plays and high-stakes business.
Adrian, on the other hand, is intrigued by Bella's resistance to his usual charm. He's used to closing deals and winning over people with ease, but Bella proves to be a challenge. What starts as a simple business proposition soon turns into a complex game of cat-and-mouse, with Adrian trying to earn Bella's trust and Bella questioning whether she can believe his intentions.
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Chapter: Chapter 77: Seeking clarity The drive to my mom’s house was both a relief and a struggle. I needed this—a weekend to escape the chaos of Meridian City and the storm Adrian had stirred inside me. But as much as I tried to push it out of my mind, his words lingered. *Stay for me.* My mom lived in the quiet outskirts of the city, where the air was fresher and the pace of life slower. The two-story house where I grew up was just as I remembered it, from the hydrangeas blooming in the front yard to the faint creak of the porch swing. I pulled into the driveway and stepped out, adjusting the strap of my duffel bag on my shoulder. Before I even made it to the front door, it swung open, revealing my mom with her signature warm smile. “There she is,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “You look tired. Busy week?” “You have no idea,” I muttered, leaning into her embrace for a moment longer than usual. Once inside, the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies wrapped around me like a blanket. My mom always knew
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: Chapter 76: Balancing on the edge (Adrian's POV) The glow of the city lights reflected off the sleek glass windows of my penthouse as I paced, replaying the evening with Bella in my mind. Dinner had been perfect, at least outwardly. Her smile, her laugh—it had been the balm to my restless soul. But beneath her warmth, I could sense the tension still brewing. She wasn’t telling me everything. I could see it in the way her eyes flickered away when I pressed her about the offer, the subtle way she rubbed her thumb against her palm, a habit I’d learned meant she was anxious. The door buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart skipped slightly—could it be her? But when I opened it, Oliver strolled in, a bottle of scotch in one hand and his phone in the other. “Thought I’d drop by. You looked like you needed this earlier,” he said, holding up the scotch. I grunted, stepping aside to let him in. “You’re not wrong.” Oliver made himself at home, shrugging out of his jacket and collapsing onto the couch. “So, how
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: Chapter 75: A glimmer of hope The morning air buzzed with the sound of city life as I stepped out of the car in front of Langston Industries. The weight of my looming decision still pressed heavily on my chest, but the memory of Adrian’s gentle reassurances from the night before gave me a strange sense of calm. We had shared something unspoken, a connection that felt raw and genuine despite the uncertainties we faced. I knew I had to make a decision soon, but for now, I let myself savor the warmth his words had left behind. Adrian was already in the office when I arrived. I spotted him through the glass walls of his corner office, his posture rigid as he spoke into his phone. He looked like the embodiment of control, his tailored navy suit hugging his broad shoulders as he gestured sharply with his free hand. His focus was magnetic, the kind of energy that demanded attention without trying. It was moments like these that reminded me why Adrian Langston was so revered—and feared—in the business world. But I a
Last Updated: 2025-01-10
Chapter: Chapter 74: Adrian’s Surprise I sat on the edge of my bed, the glow from my phone lighting up my face as I read over the job offer email once more. I could feel the weight of it, the opportunity, the allure of a future I had worked so hard for. It was everything I had dreamed of as a freelancer—an exciting project, an opportunity to work with a major tech company, and a salary that made my current paycheck seem like pocket change. But it came with one condition: I'd have to relocate. And that meant leaving everything behind—my life here, the people I had come to care about, and Adrian. I didn’t know what to do. My fingers hovered over the "accept" button, but before I could make the decision, the door to my apartment creaked open, and I turned around to find Adrian standing there, his figure silhouetted against the light outside. “I want to show you something,” Adrian said, his voice low, his hand still holding mine. “Come with me.”He led me out of my apartment, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but feel a mix
Last Updated: 2024-12-26
Chapter: Chapter 73: Lines Blurred The soft hum of the city filtered through the large windows of Adrian’s penthouse. Dinner had been perfect, but sitting here now, across from Adrian, I couldn’t shake the sense of unease that crept in when I allowed myself to think too much. It wasn’t just Ethan’s sudden reappearance or the chaos at work. It was Adrian himself—the way he looked at me, the way he seemed to see past every wall I’d carefully constructed. “You’re quiet,” he said, leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes studying me with quiet intensity. I shrugged, swirling the wine in my glass. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.” “Liar.” The word was soft, teasing, but it made my breath catch. He was too good at this—too good at seeing through me, and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. “What makes you think I’m lying?” I asked, meeting his gaze with more defiance than I felt. His lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. “Because you’ve been fidgeting since the moment you sat down. And because I know you, Be
Last Updated: 2024-12-26
Chapter: Chapter 72: Collateral Damage Adrian’s POV* The city’s noise surrounded us as we stepped out of the café, but my focus was entirely on Bella. She was walking slightly ahead of me, her shoulders tense, her steps brisk. Ethan’s appearance had rattled her, and I hated how quickly he could do that. “Bella,” I called out, quickening my pace to match hers. She stopped but didn’t turn to face me immediately. Her hands were clenched at her sides, and I could see the rise and fall of her chest as she tried to steady herself. “Are you okay?” I asked, keeping my voice calm, though my own frustration was bubbling just beneath the surface. She finally turned to me, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like Ethan showing up is anything new. He has a knack for appearing at the worst possible times.” Her sarcasm was a defense mechanism; I could see right through it. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Bella.” Her eyes softened for a brief moment before she looked away, her gaze fixed on th
Last Updated: 2024-12-26