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18. Who's That Woman?
Last Updated:
2025-01-22 22:37:26
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Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 19. Vivian Acts Detached
VIVIAN SCOTTStretching my arms, I leaned back in my chair, the quiet hum of the office filling the space as I glanced at the clock—4:50 PM. Suddenly, I remembered that I needed to get an update on the legal side of the merger urgently. Picking up the phone, I dialed Kate’s extension.“Kate,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Could you ask either Ms. Donovan or Ms. Riley to stop by my cabin for an update on the legal implications of the merger plan? Preferably now.”“Yes, Mr. Scott,” she replied efficiently. “I’ll check and get back to you.”“Thank you.” I set the phone back down and let out a slow breath, leaning back again. My eyes drifted toward the window, but my thoughts were elsewhere.Alice Riley. Her face from yesterday was burned into my memory—the way her polite smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, the subtle tension in her posture when she saw me with Serena. It was unmistakable—the flicker of discomfort in her eyes when Serena hugged me.I smirked to myself. The way she look
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 20. Alice, Trapped Again?
ALICE RILEYThe soft hum of the city enveloped me as I stepped out of the office building, my bag slung over my shoulder. The streetlights flickered to life, casting long shadows across the pavement as I made my way toward the subway. The evening air was cool, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me.Vivian Scott. The man was an enigma wrapped in authority and arrogance, and today, he’d thrown me off completely. Detached, professional, and so utterly indifferent—it was like I didn’t exist to him. And yet, that shouldn’t have bothered me as much as it did.With a sigh, I tightened my coat around me and quickened my pace. Susan had left earlier, taking the car, which meant I’d have to navigate the subway tonight. Just as I crossed the building’s driveway, the sleek purr of an engine caught my attention. A black Audi came to a smooth stop next to me, the passenger window lowering with a quiet whirr.Vivian.His face was shadowed in the dim light, but his sharp features and
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 21. Date Me, Alice!
ALICE RILEY"Do you want to spend the night with me, Alice?"The words had fallen from Vivian’s lips, unguarded and deliberate. There was no pretense in his tone, no trace of hesitation—just raw honesty laced with an unmistakable intensity that had sent a shiver through me.Vivian’s words echoed in my mind, tempting me to throw caution to the wind. But I couldn’t let myself fall so easily, no matter how much I wanted to."We’re working tomorrow," I said finally, my voice steady but carefully noncommittal. It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no either.Vivian smirked, his lips curving in a way that told me he saw right through my attempt to remain neutral. Without a word, he pulled the car back onto the road, continuing the drive to my place.When we arrived, he parked in front of my building and cut the engine. Turning toward me, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made it impossible to look away."Are you sure you don’t want me tonight?" he asked, his voice low, challenging,
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 22. A Struggle that was Inevitable
VIVIAN SCOTTAs I drove away from Alice’s apartment, my grip on the steering wheel tightened, frustration rolling through me like a storm. There was such a stark disconnect between the way her body reacted to me—soft, pliant, and inviting—and the words she used to push me away.She said she didn’t repeat one-night stands, yet every touch, every glance, every tremble in her voice told me otherwise. She wanted me, but she was scared and guarded. I could feel it in the way she hesitated, in the way her eyes betrayed her when she looked at me. It wasn’t rejection; it was her own battle.I sighed, running a hand through my hair as the city lights blurred past. I didn’t want to overwhelm her, not when she was fighting her own emotions. Letting things settle for a few days might be the best way forward, give her time to sort out whatever was holding her back.The thought of leaving her alone frustrated me, but I knew it was necessary. If I pushed too hard, I’d lose her—and the truth was, I w
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 23. Alice Needs to Know
ALICE RILEYI paced back and forth at my desk, clutching the file in my hands. I knew it wasn’t urgent. In fact, it could have waited another day or two. But the image of that sexy woman, walking confidently into Vivian’s cabin kept flashing in my mind.Finally, unable to suppress the gnawing curiosity, I grabbed the file and marched toward his cabin. My heart pounded as I reached his door. Taking a deep breath to compose myself, I knocked lightly.“Come in,” Vivian’s deep voice called from the other side.I pushed the door open and stepped in, freezing momentarily as my eyes landed on the woman sitting beside him. She was perched gracefully on a chair, her posture casual yet elegant, as she explained something on the monitor in front of them.Vivian looked up at me, surprise flickering across his face, quickly replaced by amusement. “Alice,” he said, his voice neutral but laced with curiosity.I schooled my features into a professional expression, holding the file out in front of me.
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 24. The Resort Plan
VIVIAN SCOTTLeaning back in my chair, I watched the door Alice had just exited. The faint blush on her cheeks and the fire in her eyes replayed in my mind. She was a mix of boldness and vulnerability that fascinated me more than I cared to admit.Her curiosity about Serena hadn’t gone unnoticed. That flicker of jealousy—however fleeting—was intriguing. It wasn’t just the competitive edge I saw in her; it was something personal as if the walls she so carefully kept around herself had slipped for a brief moment.I reached for my coffee mug, letting my thoughts wander to her earlier defiance. It was different from the calculated interactions I usually had. With Alice, there was unpredictability, and that made her stand out. But beneath her bold façade, I sensed hesitation—the fear of letting anyone in.That hesitation was my challenge.I swirled the coffee in my mug, a slow smile spreading across my face. If Alice needed a reason to let her guard down, I’d give her one.Reaching for my
Last Updated : 2025-01-26Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 25. Let's Go, Alice
ALICE RILEYPushing the door open, I stepped inside, greeted by the sight of Vivian behind his desk. When he looked up, a small smile tugged at his lips, and for a brief moment, I forgot why I was there.“Take a seat,” he said, gesturing toward the chair across from him. His tone was casual, calm—yet his eyes gleamed with that unmistakable intensity that always caught me off guard.I slid into the chair, crossing my legs and leaning forward slightly. “You asked me to come,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the curious knot forming in my stomach.He didn’t respond right away, his attention still on the screen. His fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard, and I waited, watching him finish whatever work he was immersed in. I couldn’t help but notice the way his sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms, or how the faint crease in his brow softened as he took his hands off the keyboard. Finally, he leaned back, a slow smile curving his lips as his gaze locked onto mine, sen
Last Updated : 2025-01-27Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 26. Lost in Their World
ALICE RILEYThe car rolled to a stop in the well-lit parking lot of a shopping mall, its sleek glass facade gleaming under the overhead lights. I glanced at Vivian, my brows furrowing slightly.“Why are we stopping here?” I asked, though I already had a guess.He turned off the engine and looked at me, a small, mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “You said you didn’t pack anything. This is where we fix that.”I blinked at him, caught somewhere between annoyance and amusement. “You can’t be serious. It’s nearly midnight.”“I’m always serious,” he replied smoothly, already stepping out of the car. Before I could argue, he was on my side, opening my door like it was second nature.Reluctantly, I climbed out, the cool night air brushing against my skin. “You could’ve warned me,” I muttered.“And miss your reaction?” He chuckled, shutting the car door. “Come on. I’ll even carry the bags.”I shot him a skeptical look but followed him inside.The mall was quieter at this hour, with the us
Last Updated : 2025-01-27
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Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 34. Vivian Made Alice Look Ugly?
ALICE RILEYMonday morning arrived too soon. Standing in front of the mirror, I adjusted the collar of my blouse, making sure everything looked perfect—even if I didn’t feel that way inside. The extra day off had given me time to clean my apartment, but it had done nothing to declutter my mind. No matter how hard I tried, the emotional turmoil of my past continued to churn within me, relentless and consuming, keeping my mood a little off.I shook my head, determined to focus on work. No distractions. No complications. Grabbing my bag, I stepped out of my apartment, expecting to see the usual sedan waiting to pick me up. But the sight that greeted me made me freeze.A sleek black luxury car sat in its place, polished and intimidating, the kind of vehicle that turned heads.My brows furrowed. Was this some kind of mistake?As I stood there confused, a man in his late thirties, dressed in a crisp black suit, stepped forward and nodded politely.“Good morning, Ms. Riley. I am at your serv
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 33. Comfort and Beyond
ALICE RILEYBy the time Vivian pulled the car onto the curb outside my apartment building, it was well past midnight. The quiet hum of the engine stopped, and for a moment, neither of us moved. The night hung heavy with exhaustion, yet the events of the day still lingered in my mind.Vivian turned to me; his expression softer than usual. “I’m sorry, Alice,” he said quietly. “For ruining your weekend and making you wait so long at the hospital. You didn’t sign up for any of this.”I shook my head, offering him a reassuring smile. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad I got to meet Tristan,” I replied. “He’s an adorable kid, and it’s easy to see how much he looks up to you.”His brows lifted slightly at my words, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Adorable isn’t usually a word people use to describe him,” he said, chuckling softly.When we finally stepped out of the car, the cool night air wrapped around us. I led the way upstairs to my apartment, unlocking the door and pushing it o
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 32. Vivian from Tristan's Eyes
ALICE RILEYTristan shifted on the hospital bed, wincing slightly as he adjusted his position. The bruises along his jaw and the cut near his eyebrow were stark against his pale complexion, but his demeanor was anything but weak. He carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who had already decided he wouldn’t be beaten—not by the pain, and not by the situation that landed him here.“Do you know what happened?” I asked softly, not wanting to push but feeling curious.Tristan shrugged; his nonchalance almost convincing. “Just a stupid fight. A couple of guys thought they could mess with me. Guess I proved them wrong—mostly.”The “mostly” hung in the air, a bitter reminder of the hospital bed he was currently confined to.“They shouldn’t have messed with you in the first place,” I said firmly. “No one deserves that.”His lips quirked into a half-smile. “You sound like Vivian.”At the mention of his brother, my gaze flickered to the door. Tristan noticed, his smirk deepening. “
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 31. Alice Meets Tristan Scott
ALICE RILEYThe drive to the hospital was quieter, just as I expected it to be. What truly surprised me, though, was Vivian's decision to bring me along. I had assumed he would drop me off—perhaps at my apartment or somewhere nearby—before heading to handle his family matters. Instead, he drove straight to the hospital, his expression unreadable and his focus unwavering on the road ahead.When we arrived, he didn’t hesitate. He parked, got out, and gestured for me to follow. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I walked beside him into the brightly lit hospital lobby, but I could feel the tension radiating off him in waves. Whatever lay ahead, it mattered deeply to him.We made our way to the room where Tristan was admitted. I braced myself, not knowing what state we’d find him in. When we stepped inside, the sight of the boy on the bed caught me off guard. Tristan looked strikingly like a younger version of Vivian—same sharp jawline, same piercing eyes, though his face was slightly bruise
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 30. Vivian Opens His Door
ALICE RILEYSilence took over the space between us as we sped away from the resort. The evening sky was darkening, and the soft glow of headlights illuminated the empty road ahead. I sat quietly in the passenger seat, sneaking glances at Vivian. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by something I hadn’t seen in him before—worry, perhaps even frustration. His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, and his gaze was fixed on the road, his jaw clenched.It was strange to see him like this. Vivian was always in control, always so composed. Now, he looked like a man carrying the weight of something heavier than he wanted to admit.“Vivian,” I said softly, breaking the silence. “Are you okay?”He didn’t respond immediately, as if debating whether to answer or brush it off.Finally, he sighed, his voice quieter than usual. “I’m fine.”Fine. The word was unconvincing, and I could tell there was more beneath the surface. His eyes didn’t leave the road, but there was a flicker of something—
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 29. Disrupted Plan Over Unexpected Emergency
ALICE RILEYAfter spending hours wandering the resort and soaking in the quiet beauty of the surroundings, we returned to our private villa, both of us slightly tired but content. As I stepped inside, my mind still lingered on the moments we'd shared by the lake, on the boat, and in the gardens. There had been laughter, easy conversation, and an unspoken connection between us that felt almost too perfect.Vivian walked in behind me, but as soon as we crossed the threshold, his phone rang.I saw the shift in his posture—the familiar way his eyes narrowed, signaling a call he couldn’t avoid.“Sorry, I’ll take this,” he said, his voice apologetic but already distant. He made his way to the other side of the room, his focus shifting entirely to the call.I nodded and took the opportunity to slip outside for a walk. The air was cooler now, the sky painted with hues of pink and purple as the sunset. I wandered aimlessly at first, enjoying the peaceful isolation. Something was calming about
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 28. Drifting Into Something... More
ALICE RILEYThe morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft beams across the room. I stretched, my body still feeling sore from last night’s intimacy. My muscles felt tender, my skin still tingling from where his hands had roamed, his touch seared into my memory.The air carried the faint scent of him—an intoxicating mix of his cologne and the warmth of his skin. It was a scent I hadn’t realized I’d begun to associate with comfort. As I shifted, the sheets, soft against my bare skin, reminded me of how completely I’d given myself to him.Vivian was already up, standing by the window, wearing only a pair of shorts that hung low on his hips. His bare chest was bathed in the morning sun, each defined line of his torso catching the golden light. In one hand, he held a steaming cup of coffee, bringing it to his lips for slow, measured sips as his gaze lingered on the view outside.I simply watched him for a moment. There was something about the way he moved, the confidence wi
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 27. That Night Passion Explodes
ALICE RILEYThe car rolled to a stop in front of the resort, its grandeur glowing against the night. The manager, a well-dressed man in his forties, stood at the entrance, his posture poised and welcoming.“Mr. Scott,” he greeted with a courteous nod as Vivian stepped out of the car.“Everything has been arranged as per your instructions. The private villa is ready for you.”Vivian returned the nod, his voice smooth and composed. “Thank you. We’d appreciate some privacy for the night.”“Of course,” the manager said, glancing briefly at me before stepping aside. “If there’s anything you need, just let us know.”Vivian walked around to my side of the car and opened the door, his hand outstretched. I took it, letting him guide me out into the crisp night air.As we followed the manager toward the villa, I couldn’t help but take in the beauty around me—the soft glow of lanterns lighting the path, the perfectly manicured gardens, and the quiet elegance of the resort.The manager stopped at
Billionaire's Reluctant Girl 26. Lost in Their World
ALICE RILEYThe car rolled to a stop in the well-lit parking lot of a shopping mall, its sleek glass facade gleaming under the overhead lights. I glanced at Vivian, my brows furrowing slightly.“Why are we stopping here?” I asked, though I already had a guess.He turned off the engine and looked at me, a small, mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “You said you didn’t pack anything. This is where we fix that.”I blinked at him, caught somewhere between annoyance and amusement. “You can’t be serious. It’s nearly midnight.”“I’m always serious,” he replied smoothly, already stepping out of the car. Before I could argue, he was on my side, opening my door like it was second nature.Reluctantly, I climbed out, the cool night air brushing against my skin. “You could’ve warned me,” I muttered.“And miss your reaction?” He chuckled, shutting the car door. “Come on. I’ll even carry the bags.”I shot him a skeptical look but followed him inside.The mall was quieter at this hour, with the us
