Chapter 86Sophie’s POV"You need to leave this place, ma’am," Elena urged as I moved toward the car, leaving her behind. "The car will catch fire soon. The engine is overheating."But all I could think about was getting to Victoria and rescuing her. Even though I hated her for trying to kill me, I never despised her to the point of wishing her dead, even though she wanted me to die. I wished for her to be alive. I prayed silently as I hurried toward her tumbled car.I caught a glimpse of her eyes opening slightly before they fluttered shut again. It looked like she was still alive. Panic surged through me as I rushed back to Julian. "She's alive, Julian! Save her!" I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation.Before he could respond, I heard a loud hiss followed by the crackle of flames. I turned just in time to see Victoria's car engulfed in fire. No. No. No. This shouldn’t be happening. I collapsed onto the ground, overwhelmed as Julian wrapped his arms around me. I stared at th
Chapter 87 SEVEN MONTHS LATER Sophie’s POV "Julian, I am getting worried day by day. It's ten months already, and I still haven't given birth. I'm supposed give birth at nine months." I said, my voice trembling with anxiety. "But the doctor said it's normal. You don't have to be worried." Julian replied, his tone soothing as he reached for my hand. Everything had been going perfectly well, as Julian had reassured me seven months ago. Victoria still hadn’t woken up, and my pregnancy was becoming a source of relentless worry. It was almost eleven months now; just two weeks shy of that mark. No matter how many times the doctor or my mom insisted that some pregnancies last ten months—especially when it’s a boy—I couldn’t shake the anxiety that gnawed at me. The door opened, and Marcus entered, bowing slightly. "Boss, your meeting starts in five minutes," he announced, glancing at me as he bowed. I had followed Julian to his office every time he had work to do, eager to stay clo
Chapter 88 SEVEN MONTHS LATER Sophie’s POV "Julian, I am getting worried day by day. It's ten months already, and I still haven't given birth. I'm supposed give birth at nine months." I said, my voice trembling with anxiety. "But the doctor said it's normal. You don't have to be worried." Julian replied, his tone soothing as he reached for my hand. Everything had been going perfectly well, as Julian had reassured me seven months ago. Victoria still hadn’t woken up, and my pregnancy was becoming a source of relentless worry. It was almost eleven months now; just two weeks shy of that mark. No matter how many times the doctor or my mom insisted that some pregnancies last ten months—especially when it’s a boy—I couldn’t shake the anxiety that gnawed at me. The door opened, and Marcus entered, bowing slightly. "Boss, your meeting starts in five minutes," he announced, glancing at me as he bowed. I had followed Julian to his office every time he had work to do, eager to stay clo
Behind the billonaire's mask!Chapter 1Sophie's POV"What did you just say?" I asked, unable to believe what I had just heard."My apologies, Sophie," my manager replied, his expression sympathetic. "The company is facing a serious financial crisis, and we've been forced to make some tough decisions. Unfortunately, that includes letting go of our part-time staff."I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "You're firing me?" I clarified, trying to process the news.He nodded. "I'm afraid so. Your last paycheck will be mailed to you within the next two weeks."Stunned, I gathered my belongings and left the office, wondering how I would break the news to Mom with her health.As I walked out into the crisp afternoon air, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Just then, my phone buzzed with a text from Isabella, my best friend:"When are you getting off work? Let's meet and celebrate your birthday. Don't tell me you are planning on celebrating it with that jerk."I stared blanking at the
Behind the billonaire's mask!Chapter 2Sophie's POV As I arrived at the hospital, I saw Isabella waiting outside the emergency room. "Sophie!" She exclaimed, tears in her eyes. "How is she?" I asked, my voice shaking. "They are stabilizing her, the doctor will come out soon." I nodded, trying to stay calm.Just then, the doctor emerged, looking expressionless. "How is my mom?" I asked, tears threatening to fall."Are you her daughter?" He asked. I nodded in affirmation. "Why didn't you bring her in all these days?" the doctor's tone was gentle, but laced with concern."I...I didn't know it was this serious," I stammered."Your mother has Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. It's aggressive and requires immediate attention."My world crumbled."Doctor, what is to be done?" Isabella asked, her voice cracking "We need to perform a nephrectomy to remove the affected kidney. But it's complex and costly.""Surgery?" I whispered. The doctor nodded.I felt a lump f
Behind the billonaire's mask!Chapter 3Sophie's POV "What?" I couldn't believe what I had just heard and saw in the paper."Be my woman and warm my bed" He said with a smirk. I felt like slapping him. What did he take me for? Do I look like a slut? And here I was thinking he looked like a model.Taah!Fuck those my thoughts!"Don't worry, to people you will be my wife, and it's only for eighteen months as stated in the contract," he added. "Do I look that cheap?" I asked, and tore the paper. "How will you even suggest that type of thing to a stranger?" Julian's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Ah, come now, Sophie. Don't be dramatic. It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement.""Mutually beneficial?" I repeated, incredulous. "You think using me as your sex toy is beneficial to me?"Julian shrugged. "You'll get to live a life of luxury, and your mother will receive the best medical care. What more could you want?""I want respect," I said, my vo
Behind the billonaire's mask!Chapter 4Julian's POV "Hello, Marcus," I said, on the phone with my secretary. "I need you to draft another contract. Sophie seems hesitant, but I'm confident she'll come around."Marcus's voice was smooth on the other end. "Yes, sir. And what about the terms? Should I make any adjustments?""Yes," I replied. "Add that she is to move into my house immediately. And she needs my permission to leave the house."Marcus's pause was almost imperceptible. "Understood, sir.""But do you really have to do this?" My friend, Caleb, said immediately I ended the call. Caleb had been my best friend for many years. We had both met in the organisation as a fellow assassin, I had quit because of an incident a year ago, but Caleb is still in the business. "Yes." I replied curtly."But she's innocent. It's one woman who hurt you. Why are you taking your revenge on the other innocent woman?" he said in a low and urgent voice. I stood, pacing around the room. "You don't u
Behind the Billonaire's Mask!Chapter 5Julian's POV "Missing?" I repeated, my voice low and even. "What do you mean she's missing?"Marcus swallowed hard. "I...I was watching her, sir. I went to the bathroom, before her mother was moved to the operating room and when i came back, she was gone."My eyes narrowed. "What of her mother and her friend?""I haven't seen anyone with her today, and her mom is in the operating room." Marcus said. I nodded and quickly pulled out my phone to dial her number, but she didn't pick up.I turned and walked into the hospital, scanning the area. Where could she be? What's this girl trying to pull with me? "Find her," I ordered, turning to Marcus."Yes, sir," Marcus replied, walking towards the exit.I sat down outside the operating room.As I scrolled through my phone, I heard sobs. I looked up to see Sophie emerging from the operating room, wearing a pair of green scrubs and a surgical mask hanging around her neck. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and te
Chapter 88 SEVEN MONTHS LATER Sophie’s POV "Julian, I am getting worried day by day. It's ten months already, and I still haven't given birth. I'm supposed give birth at nine months." I said, my voice trembling with anxiety. "But the doctor said it's normal. You don't have to be worried." Julian replied, his tone soothing as he reached for my hand. Everything had been going perfectly well, as Julian had reassured me seven months ago. Victoria still hadn’t woken up, and my pregnancy was becoming a source of relentless worry. It was almost eleven months now; just two weeks shy of that mark. No matter how many times the doctor or my mom insisted that some pregnancies last ten months—especially when it’s a boy—I couldn’t shake the anxiety that gnawed at me. The door opened, and Marcus entered, bowing slightly. "Boss, your meeting starts in five minutes," he announced, glancing at me as he bowed. I had followed Julian to his office every time he had work to do, eager to stay clo
Chapter 87 SEVEN MONTHS LATER Sophie’s POV "Julian, I am getting worried day by day. It's ten months already, and I still haven't given birth. I'm supposed give birth at nine months." I said, my voice trembling with anxiety. "But the doctor said it's normal. You don't have to be worried." Julian replied, his tone soothing as he reached for my hand. Everything had been going perfectly well, as Julian had reassured me seven months ago. Victoria still hadn’t woken up, and my pregnancy was becoming a source of relentless worry. It was almost eleven months now; just two weeks shy of that mark. No matter how many times the doctor or my mom insisted that some pregnancies last ten months—especially when it’s a boy—I couldn’t shake the anxiety that gnawed at me. The door opened, and Marcus entered, bowing slightly. "Boss, your meeting starts in five minutes," he announced, glancing at me as he bowed. I had followed Julian to his office every time he had work to do, eager to stay clo
Chapter 86Sophie’s POV"You need to leave this place, ma’am," Elena urged as I moved toward the car, leaving her behind. "The car will catch fire soon. The engine is overheating."But all I could think about was getting to Victoria and rescuing her. Even though I hated her for trying to kill me, I never despised her to the point of wishing her dead, even though she wanted me to die. I wished for her to be alive. I prayed silently as I hurried toward her tumbled car.I caught a glimpse of her eyes opening slightly before they fluttered shut again. It looked like she was still alive. Panic surged through me as I rushed back to Julian. "She's alive, Julian! Save her!" I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation.Before he could respond, I heard a loud hiss followed by the crackle of flames. I turned just in time to see Victoria's car engulfed in fire. No. No. No. This shouldn’t be happening. I collapsed onto the ground, overwhelmed as Julian wrapped his arms around me. I stared at th
Chapter 85A FEW DAYS BEFORE VICTORIA'S ACCIDENT Julian's POV"I trailed her and entered an uncompleted building where thugs are," Jaxon informed me, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a flicker of concern."What was her discussion with the thugs?" I asked. The silence that followed was deafening as Jaxon bowed his head as if he is embarrassed. "Don't worry, you can tell me."He hesitated, swallowing hard before finally speaking. "Ehrm... she asked the thug to cause a car accident for your wife and prepare her a travel ticket." Anger ignited within me, a fierce blaze at the thought of Sophie being harmed. How dare she still entertain such wicked plans? This time, I would ensure she faced the consequences of her crimes."Explain everything in detail," I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended. Jaxon nodded, pulling out his phone to play the recordings of her conversation with the thug. I clenched my fists as i listened to her voice. "Keep an eye on her and tell Marcus to monit
Chapter 84 A Few Days Later Victoria's POV "Hi Jakley," I said as I entered the unfinished building, my voice echoing slightly in the empty space. There weren't many people around today—just five in total, including Jerry, the guy I had slapped the other day. Jakley had called me to come over today. He handed me an envelope he had received from Jerry, and I quickly opened it, revealing my passport and travel tickets. A satisfied smile spread across my face, relief washing over me. "It was hard because you’re on the wanted list, but I guess they haven't banned you from travelling. So, you should pay me for my effort," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yeah, sure. Once the second job is done, I’ll pay you the balance and add more," I replied, trying to sound confident, even though I was lying through my teeth. I scanned the documents and noticed I would be leaving tomorrow evening. I looked up at him questioningly. "Well... the work will be done tomorrow afternoon. We learned
Chapter 83Victoria's POVI have a new plan now formed after I killed Alex; I will kill Sophie, go back to California, have plastic surgery, change my name, and come back to claim Julian. Perfect.The next thing on my agenda is killing Sophie. I have everything planned out, but I know it won't be easy. I can't kill her the way I killed Alex because Julian will surely be protecting her, and it would be hard to get to Julian's house without someone seeing me and linking it to the media; now that I'm even on the 'wanted' list, with a good reward for anyone who sights me.Julian really took it far, putting a reward on me. How could he do that? I could have just bribed anyone, but I don't even have up to fifty million dollars right now. Damn it! I'm starting to get frustrated just thinking about it.But how did they know I killed Alex? I didn't leave any hint. I even threw the knife I used away into the bush. Heck. I threw the knife in the same street. Fuck me. Anyone could have seen it. I
Chapter 82 Julian's POV "I checked Victoria's house, and I noticed her car is missing," Jaxon informed me. "Do you know the plate number?" I asked. "No, I don’t. I've searched all of her usual hideouts; she's not there. Could it be that she left the country?" Jaxon speculated. "No, she can't. If she had tried to leave, someone would have seen her. She's likely hiding somewhere close by," I replied, trying to stay calm despite the urgency of the situation. Where are you, Victoria? Just then, my office door swung open, and Marcus rushed in, panting as if he had just run a marathon. "What's wrong?" I asked, instinctively rising to my feet. "Alex was found dead this morning," Marcus managed to say between breaths. "What?!" The word escaped my lips in a shocked whisper. "It's Victoria," Jaxon said, his expression grim. I stood there, speechless, my mind racing with dread. "Where is Sophie?" I asked, suddenly worried about her safety. "She's at home;the guards are at alert," Ma
Chapter 81Victoria's POVIt's been two days since I escaped, and I've been lying low, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. I've been watching the news, and they're still clueless about my whereabouts. Ha! They'll never catch me.I turned on the TV, and the first news that came on was: "It's been two days that Victoria Langley escaped, and no one knows her whereabouts for now, the police are..." I switched it off, laughing to myself. You can never catch me. Never!I got dressed in a sundress, applied a great amount of makeup to disguise myself, and put on a hat and sunglasses. I checked myself in the mirror, and I hardly looked like Victoria Langley. Perfect.I picked up a handbag and my car key, then went into the kitchen and brought a knife, which I put in the handbag. I added a syringe and injection, just in case. Then I got out of the house and went to the garage to pick up my car. I ignited the engine and drove out of the garage.I got to Alex's street and parked my car car
Chapter 80Sophie’s POV"So you mean Victoria escaped?" Isabella asked, her voice low and filled with concern. We were huddled together at a small table in the corner of the restaurant. "Yes," I replied, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. "I overheard that one of the warders came to serve them this morning and noticed she's missing and now...no one knows where she is." My heart raced as I recalled the moment I had tiptoed behind Julian earlier, straining to catch snippets of his conversation with Marcus.Isabella's brow furrowed. "That means someone definitely helped her out, is it her dad? He could have sent someone to help her escape.""Yeah, i am not sure about that. But someone definitely helped her." i said. "So, what is Julian doing about it?" Isabella asked. "He's tightening the security measures," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I heard him telling Marcus to arrange for a personal guard for me, too.""That's good," Isabella said, her tone shifting