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Chapter 4
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Cheating Season Chapter 5
I never finished my sentence.He kissed me again, swallowing the rest of my words in heat and recklessness.***Morning crept in, the sky just beginning to lighten.Beside me, Joel slept soundly.Our clothes—mine tangled with his—lay crumpled on the floor.In the dim light slipping through the curtains, I spared him one last glance before slipping out of bed.Downstairs, I slid into my car.Tammy handed me an iced Americano the second I shut the door."Ms. Lloyd, the second phase of the stock acquisition was completed last night. No traces back to us so far."I took a sip, listening as she ran through the details."Also, your father called this morning. He's demanding you return to the estate today."I nodded. "Ignore him. If he calls again, block the number. Everything else moves forward as planned."Tammy acknowledged with a nod but hesitated before starting the car, eyes flicking to my neck."Ms. Lloyd... your neck."I checked the rearview mirror. Yeah. Obvious.Calm
Cheating Season Chapter 6
The gossip account that broke the news had posted a photo.A dimly lit parking lot, rain streaking down.Joel stood by the open car door, one hand braced against the frame, his expression cold, gaze sharp.Inside the car, the person was completely hidden—except for a glimpse of soft blue fabric from a skirt and the logo on a pair of high heels.The comment section exploded.[If I remember right, Joel Arnoult is only 19? He's already dating?][19 is legal. What's the big deal? It's not affecting his matches.][Am I the only one curious about who his girlfriend is? That brand—those heels cost tens of thousands, and that pair is a limited edition.][He didn't get scooped up by some rich woman, did he?]The club called almost immediately."Boss, reporters are already asking. Should we handle PR?"I pressed a finger to the cut on my cheek, my voice steady. "Deny everything about Joel's relationship."But before a press conference could even be arranged—Someone caught him on ca
Cheating Season Chapter 7
The whip sliced through the air and landed on my back.This time, I didn't shed a single tear.Only ambition thrived in the pain, growing deep within my flesh.Under the bright light of the study, I tilted my head back and smiled."Dad, I'll find a way to keep Fletcher Corp working with Lloyd Corp."***That night, I drank a little.I dreamt of the first time I met Joel.Back then, he had just transferred from an international team to the domestic league—already one of the most sought-after players in esports. At some mid-tier business gala, he was one of the night's main attractions.I'd stepped into the garden with my wine when I ran into him."Hello, Mr. Arnoult. I'm Leila Lloyd," I greeted with a polite smile."Oh, I know you." His tone was lazy. "Inside, they're saying you're a doormat. I saw your husband speeding off with his girlfriend when I stepped out."My smile didn't budge. "I know.""Doesn't that piss you off?""No.""Don't you want to get back at him?""An
Cheating Season Chapter 8
Scott's tone changed instantly. "What are you doing?"But I couldn't answer or breathe.Only when Joel finally eased up did I manage to fumble for the phone with shaking fingers and hang up.He let out a low chuckle, breath warm against my ear."Leila... from now on, this time belongs to me."***Joel left the next morning.Right before he did, I hesitated—then said it anyway."You shouldn't have told the reporters you have a girlfriend. You're still young—"He glanced at me. "Aren't you my girlfriend?""It's just for fun.""Oh." He nodded, completely unfazed. "Then you're only allowed to have fun with me."I had no response to that.***A few days later, a grand business gala unfolded.The moment I stepped in, my gaze locked onto the man at the center of it all—Scott, basking in admiration.And Gigi, draped over his arm.Someone in the crowd called out, "Leila Lloyd is here!"The air tightened. Conversations died. Every eye turned to me.Scott let the silence stretc
Cheating Season Chapter 9
I snapped my head around.Joel was cutting through the crowd, unfazed by the flashing cameras.He had always been striking—razor-sharp features, brows slightly furrowed, carrying that effortless edge.But when he smiled at me, his eyes lit up like scattered stars.He walked straight up, leaned down, and casually smoothed a few stray strands of my hair.Then, in a low, intimate voice, he said my name."Leila."Scott shot to his feet, disbelief flashing across his face.His voice came sharp, almost frantic. "That night—the person in the car... was you?!"Gigi, still clinging to his arm, stiffened. Her forced smile wavered. "Leila, you actually cheated on Scott? Don't you think that's a little much?"Joel settled beside me, hand resting on my shoulder, body pressed close.My phone buzzed in my purse.Tammy's message.[Ms. Lloyd, everything went smoothly. The contract was just signed.]The tension in my chest unraveled, melting away like spring snow.I exhaled, straightened
Cheating Season Chapter 10
Walking the tightrope between Fletcher Corp and Lloyd Corp, using stolen intel to build my empire piece by piece—that's how I got here.By the time I snapped back, we were already at the exit.I still hadn't figured out how to respond to Joel when the reporters swarmed."Ms. Lloyd, are you the woman from the parking lot photo?""Has your marriage to Mr. Fletcher officially ended?""You openly cheated while still married—any shame at all, walking in with your affair partner?"That last one dripped with malice.I met the guy's gaze—his eyes lit up with both excitement and contempt—and laughed."Shouldn't you be asking Scott that?"I tilted my head. "Starting day two of our marriage, Scott had a new girlfriend every other month. What did you all say back then?"I tapped my chin, like I was just remembering. "Oh, right. You said high-society marriages are just business deals. That keeping a young mistress is normal."So let's say, for argument's sake, I did cheat. Scott broke ou
Cheating Season Chapter 11
I only ever wanted fleeting pleasure.And since he was so good at this push and pull, I assumed he felt the same.***A sudden yank on my wrist snapped me back to the present.Joel's grip was tight as he strode forward, dragging me with him.Reporters scrambled to block our path, but he just arched a brow, amusement laced through his expression."I'm heading back with my boss to review the match and plan for next season. You wanna sit in on that too?"His voice was sharp, barely holding back his irritation.One reporter refused to back down, reaching out. "Then what about your statement about having a girlfriend—"Joel lost patience. Face blank, voice flat."Move."***The night stretched on, silver light weaving through the city.Inside the car, silence pooled between us.Then, after a few beats, Joel let out a quiet chuckle. "Not gonna say anything?"I exhaled. "I was wrong. In the beginning, I thought we had an unspoken understanding. I told you from the start, this w
Cheating Season Chapter 12
Thin wisps of smoke blurred my vision.The harsh, cheap tobacco stung my throat, dragging me back to years ago.My father was a despicable man.He married into the Lloyd family with nothing but a pretty face—still couldn't keep it in his pants. And because he was too much of a coward to risk getting caught, he chose my mother. A massage worker. The shady kind.I was barely born when his wife—Lloyd family's eldest daughter—found out.He dropped to his knees, sobbing, begging. Somehow, he clawed his way back in.But I was left behind.I grew up in a dim, cramped massage parlor at the end of a narrow hallway.I did my homework on a rickety table while my mother worked behind a thin curtain, moaning for clients.Sometimes, she called me in to bring her water when her throat went raw from it.Other times, she disappeared into the haze of a card table, forgetting I existed.At school, no one came near me.They whispered just loud enough for me to hear—that I'd end up like my moth
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Cheating Season Chapter 17
He spoke as he leaned down, closing the distance inch by inch. His cheek brushed mine, his breath warm against my skin."Whether it's a mistake or a game turned real, I don't care. I like you. And the more I like you, the more I hate Scott Fletcher." His voice darkened. "Even if it was just in name, why did he get to have you for four years? So I found a way to get rid of him."My fingers wove into his hair, tugging slightly.Joel tilted his head back, exposing the sharp line of his throat, his Adam's apple shifting.Beautiful. Fragile."I thought you would hate me," I murmured."And if I did?" He exhaled against my lips. "I'd still wake up wanting you."I know your past, Leila. I know what it took for you to get here."He cradled my face, his lips brushing against mine as he whispered, "There aren't many people in this world as strong as you. I'm just glad that when you acted on impulse, you chose me."No title? Fine. You only want my body? That's fine too."His lips traced
Cheating Season Chapter 16
After every match, within two days, that writer would post another story.In just a few months, they'd racked up hundreds of thousands of followers.***Final match of the spring season.Joel and his team clinched victory—3:1.As Vespera's owner, I stood behind him, watching as they lifted the championship trophy.Chad glanced back. "Boss, join us for a photo?"I nodded, stepping forward.The only open spot was beside Joel.We stood shoulder to shoulder, hands on the trophy.Late spring blurred into summer, the air thick with heat.His bare arm brushed mine—warm, solid.The scent of eucalyptus, sharper in the warmth, drifted between us.It reminded me of a passage I'd read last night—[Leila's perfume clung to her skin, sweet and addictive, mixing with the darker, musky scent of Joel.][The waves crashed in the distance, but all he could focus on was the heat between them—the way her breath hitched as he leaned in.][His voice dropped, rough with hunger. 'You smell too
Cheating Season Chapter 15
"This kind of dynamic is blowing up right now. That fic? Crazy well-written, perfect vibes. Everyone got obsessed and started making more content... Even brought in a few new sponsorship deals for Vespera."Tammy held up her phone.I scrolled through the saved images, stopping on one."Put your phone away." I handed it back. "Tell Vespera's ops team to keep an eye on it. As long as the sentiment stays positive, let it ride. The second negative press hits, shut it down."She nodded fast.As she walked off, I caught her mumbling, "Boss really has a heart of stone. Still working under these conditions... but that just makes this ship even better. Hehe..."***Maybe it was Tammy's words.That night, I dreamt of Joel for the first time in a while.The night he won the championship.After Scott and Gigi left, Joel had me pinned in the backseat.His jacket bound my wrists, my half-slipped clothing tangled around my arms.I panted, voice unsteady. "Wait till we get home... Someone
Cheating Season Chapter 14
Scott left.I walked out.Tammy was waiting by the door, phone in hand, staring at me eagerly."What?""Boss, that was insane." She shoved an ice pack into my hand, eyes shining. "When you hired me and said you'd take down Lloyd Corp to build a new empire, I thought you were joking."And that 'get out' just now? I swear I saw Joel in you for a second."Boss, you keep telling the press you're just his employer, but the way he looks at you? Not buying it."She flipped her phone around.Joel was trending again.This time, so was I.#JoelLeila#LeilaLloydVesperaMysteryOwner#JoelThirdPartyForLove#TheWayHeLooksAtHerIsNotInnocentI skimmed the list and pressed the ice pack to my cheek. "Why didn't Vespera's operations team notify me?"Tammy scratched her head. "I think... they didn't need to. The public loves it."I checked the comments. She wasn't wrong.[Leila Lloyd is stunning. If I had a boss like that, I'd be obsessed too.][They're not even confirmed. And even if the
Cheating Season Chapter 13
After my father's wife passed away, he took over the company.But he'd spent too long leeching off others—he had no clue how to run it.When I married Scott, my father shoved me into Lloyd Corp under the pretense of "strengthening business ties."Low rank. Brutal workload. Zero authority.Not that it mattered.Lloyd Corp was already circling the drain. It was never my real target.***"Leila." Scott's voice was low. "When did you start planning all this?"I pretended to think. "Probably... the night I first visited you four years ago."His expression darkened. "Acquiring Lloyd Corp shares, stealing projects, pulling in outside investors—where the hell did you get that kind of funding?""You studied finance, didn't you? Ever heard of leveraged trading?"Scott shot to his feet, his glare sharp. "You took that kind of risk?"I smiled. "Why not? My whole life's been a gamble. And since you're standing here now, that means I won."***My father lunged again, but the officers p
Cheating Season Chapter 12
Thin wisps of smoke blurred my vision.The harsh, cheap tobacco stung my throat, dragging me back to years ago.My father was a despicable man.He married into the Lloyd family with nothing but a pretty face—still couldn't keep it in his pants. And because he was too much of a coward to risk getting caught, he chose my mother. A massage worker. The shady kind.I was barely born when his wife—Lloyd family's eldest daughter—found out.He dropped to his knees, sobbing, begging. Somehow, he clawed his way back in.But I was left behind.I grew up in a dim, cramped massage parlor at the end of a narrow hallway.I did my homework on a rickety table while my mother worked behind a thin curtain, moaning for clients.Sometimes, she called me in to bring her water when her throat went raw from it.Other times, she disappeared into the haze of a card table, forgetting I existed.At school, no one came near me.They whispered just loud enough for me to hear—that I'd end up like my moth
Cheating Season Chapter 11
I only ever wanted fleeting pleasure.And since he was so good at this push and pull, I assumed he felt the same.***A sudden yank on my wrist snapped me back to the present.Joel's grip was tight as he strode forward, dragging me with him.Reporters scrambled to block our path, but he just arched a brow, amusement laced through his expression."I'm heading back with my boss to review the match and plan for next season. You wanna sit in on that too?"His voice was sharp, barely holding back his irritation.One reporter refused to back down, reaching out. "Then what about your statement about having a girlfriend—"Joel lost patience. Face blank, voice flat."Move."***The night stretched on, silver light weaving through the city.Inside the car, silence pooled between us.Then, after a few beats, Joel let out a quiet chuckle. "Not gonna say anything?"I exhaled. "I was wrong. In the beginning, I thought we had an unspoken understanding. I told you from the start, this w
Cheating Season Chapter 10
Walking the tightrope between Fletcher Corp and Lloyd Corp, using stolen intel to build my empire piece by piece—that's how I got here.By the time I snapped back, we were already at the exit.I still hadn't figured out how to respond to Joel when the reporters swarmed."Ms. Lloyd, are you the woman from the parking lot photo?""Has your marriage to Mr. Fletcher officially ended?""You openly cheated while still married—any shame at all, walking in with your affair partner?"That last one dripped with malice.I met the guy's gaze—his eyes lit up with both excitement and contempt—and laughed."Shouldn't you be asking Scott that?"I tilted my head. "Starting day two of our marriage, Scott had a new girlfriend every other month. What did you all say back then?"I tapped my chin, like I was just remembering. "Oh, right. You said high-society marriages are just business deals. That keeping a young mistress is normal."So let's say, for argument's sake, I did cheat. Scott broke ou
Cheating Season Chapter 9
I snapped my head around.Joel was cutting through the crowd, unfazed by the flashing cameras.He had always been striking—razor-sharp features, brows slightly furrowed, carrying that effortless edge.But when he smiled at me, his eyes lit up like scattered stars.He walked straight up, leaned down, and casually smoothed a few stray strands of my hair.Then, in a low, intimate voice, he said my name."Leila."Scott shot to his feet, disbelief flashing across his face.His voice came sharp, almost frantic. "That night—the person in the car... was you?!"Gigi, still clinging to his arm, stiffened. Her forced smile wavered. "Leila, you actually cheated on Scott? Don't you think that's a little much?"Joel settled beside me, hand resting on my shoulder, body pressed close.My phone buzzed in my purse.Tammy's message.[Ms. Lloyd, everything went smoothly. The contract was just signed.]The tension in my chest unraveled, melting away like spring snow.I exhaled, straightened
