Share

CHAPTER FIFTY

Author: Mercie_King
last update Last Updated: 2022-05-21 10:48:05

The infamous designs for the SK project were finally coming to an end. Even though they remained wary of what Ryan Stevens would say after the next presentation, everyone seemed to be optimistic. With that, Nathan suggested going out for a round of drinks at Rocket.

"You coming, Levy?" asked Nathan as they slipped into the elevator on their way out.

"Why not?" Claire replied, completely aware of his ploy.

"Great. But only if you promise that we won't get busted again," he joked. They both laughed while waiting for the elevator to take them down.

Their team had nine members, including Nathan Panther, the leader. Elevator flung open and Everyone slipped in. Common noises filled the air as it slowly shut and began descending down.

Claire was exceptionally quiet with her thoughts. Her phone had been silent the whole day, no single text or call from Ryan. It was strangely disturbing. She was definitely missing him.

"What about you, Claire? How much can you bet that Lydia will get wasted to
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

    "Mr. Stevens?" Claire spoke, and a smile appeared on her face right away "Okay, Grandfather. I'm just used to calling you Mr. Stevens, that's all."Ryan smiled fondly. "You're beautiful," he whispered into Claire's ear, making her frown while wincing back so he wouldn't touch her."But of course I'll have to be there, since you're personally inviting me now," Claire said, smiling again. "Don't worry about that, Mr. St—I mean, Grandfather." Now she hissed at Ryan who kept teasing her face. "Okay, have a goodnight. And it was really nice hearing from you, too." In a few seconds she hung up."Why did he say to make you laugh like that?" Ryan asked with a chuckle."None of your business," Claire retorted."Seems like I'm being left out now. So we're set now, aren't we?" Ryan asked, taking his phone from her."You're such a conman," Claire snapped. Ryan's eyes widened. "What? You did this on purpose, didn't you? You just wanted—" Her lips were shut by his instantly, holding her deftly by t

    Last Updated : 2022-05-21
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

    Bastard! She could no longer repress her tears.It was mid-summer but Claire was surprisingly feeling a terrible chill. She fastened the sides of her jacket and enveloped herself tightly while walking speedily on a foot-walk lane, oblivious of anything and anyone around her.She wanted to be at home as soon as possible, but there was no sign of any taxi, nor of any bus. What a Deja vu! She suddenly remembered the rainy day in Montesby and how it led to that fateful encounter with him.How was she going to be home quickly now? She sniffed, watching the cars moving fast, the sky dark. And her stepbrother crossed her mind, quite unusual. She gave him a call. She couldn't care less of looking vulnerable. She just did it."I'll be right there, and calm down please," Jorge said."Okay, please hurry."She was now sitting in a convenient store, her shoes off her legs. The heels had her legs tired, hurt even, and it occurred to her that she might need to use flats for a few days until the blis

    Last Updated : 2022-05-22
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

    They left the restaurant and the day was spent roaming around aimlessly, taking pictures, in which Bruno gladly taught her about perfect angles, lights, and all the basics of taking good pictures at different times of the day."I guess I'll see you at seven?" He beamed."Of course." She responded similarly. "And thank you, I had a blast."."Well then, I'll pick you up in an hour.""Bruno, I told you I'll come on my own. You don't have to, really. I'm not some kind of a princess who needs an escort everywhere, okay?" Claire insisted but Bruno's grin was adamant."I'm such a gentleman who treats every lady as they deserve.""Oh you! Stop being stubborn and get out of here." Claire shoved him off with a wave, and he laughed heartily while unlocking the car. "Later." She clambered off."I'll pick you up and that's final," Bruno stated, and it was clear that the Stevens were not the type to take a no for an answer.At least her afternoon had turned out to be rewarding, Claire thought as she

    Last Updated : 2022-05-22
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

    Mr. Stevens regarded Claire with a very bright smile. "Come in," he urged, standing up to warmly pull her into a hug.Claire strode over, relenting to his wish. "Hi, Mr. Stevens. I hope you're doing fine." She was in his arms, and he seemed pleased to have her over."I am. But I told you to call me—""Grandfather!" Claire finished for him, flushing. They both laughed. "I better practice more often," she teased, trying hard to refrain herself from looking at Ryan."Yes, silly girl," Mr. Stevens remarked. "Thank you for coming tonight. I know you don't have any obligation toward this old fella but you've come anyway; and you look beautiful." He smiled at her."No, it's nothing. In fact I'm very grateful for the invitation . . . And for the compliment, too," Claire said calmly, and that's when her gaze shifted toward the other audience in the living room.She received a wriggle of fingers and a plastic smile from Doris, who was seated cross-legged on the couch, holding a glass of red wine

    Last Updated : 2022-05-23
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

    Claire was sitting in the sun lounge near the swimming pool. She was inspecting her bare feet and a few bruises. Her heels lay down on the floor. Despite the cool and relaxing atmosphere outside, she was still mad. There was no way she was ever going to like Doris, she decided."Oh, there you are," announced Bruno, and she lifted her gaze. "What happened to your feet?" He dropped down reflexively and took a close look, frowning."It's nothing. I just had a few blisters yesterday," Claire replied."Nothing? You got to be kidding me! Wait here; I'll go get some band aids." He stood up and left.Her feet were the least of her problems right now.She simply couldn't stand the situation anymore. With Doris breathing under her neck, and Ryan behaving like a total stranger whom she happened to have his house passwords.How stupid was that?Bruno returned and sat down. Slowly he took her feet into his lap. "Does it hurt?" he asked gently, gazing up at her, and slowly took a cotton stick and th

    Last Updated : 2022-05-24
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

    Claire bid Mr. Stevens good night, ready to leave."There's no way I'm letting you leave at this hour while we have enough rooms for everyone in this house," Mr. Stevens said."See? I told you he won't agree," Bruno whispered in her ear."Now I understand where your grandsons have got this obstinacy from. I think it's strictly genetic," Claire said with a smile. The two gentlemen laughed delightfully. "Okay, I guess I don't have a choice." She chose to stay.The rest of the evening went uneventfully, and by the time Claire had retired to her respective room, Ryan wasn't home yet. She got up abruptly, feeling upset, and stood up by the large window. It had the perfect view of anyone who went in and out of the mansion.Claire hadn't any clue on what upset her more. Was it the fact that he wasn't home yet?Or that he'd left with Doris?Or maybe both?She kept pacing hence and forth inside that huge Victorian-style bedroom, that according to Bruno, it used to be their mother's.For a momen

    Last Updated : 2022-05-24
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

    In a few minutes Claire was helping him get settled inside. He was very tipsy, now that she'd seen him walking to the bedroom, and even stumbled by the couch."Aren't you taking your clothes off?" she asked."If I do, I'll end up between your legs. And I hate that you're wearing someone else's pajamas," he uttered, keeping his drunk talk. Claire giggled. "Oh, so I'm a clown now?" He was on the bed, seated, while taking off his shoes with difficulty.Claire knelt down to help him. "Don't be such a baby now. Take off the jeans at least; and you look dashing on them by the way." She eyed him."Oh, do I?" He beamed, his eyes barely holding up."Yes, you do.""But you only had eyes for Bruno earlier," he complained like a child, stroking her hair.Claire smirked. "Is that so? Maybe it's because you're such a jerk who left a defenseless woman alone in the middle of the road." He was done with the shoes.Ryan frowned remorsefully. "No, Claire . . . I didn't . . . mean to—""Sleep, Ryan, you'r

    Last Updated : 2022-05-25
  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

    "Wow!" Jorge gasped aloud. "Is something going on in the office today? Because you look awesome!""Oh please, don't make my head burst so early in the morning," Claire replied, blushing. It was Monday morning, and she was ready for work when she bumped into her stepbrother."But I'm pretty serious," Jorge insisted, gazing at her fondly. "You look amazing. Well, you always do, but you've pushed beyond ordinary today."They headed outside as Claire replied, "Thank you. I have an important presentation today."Indeed she was looking her best, dressed in a tight, milky white dress and burgundy scarpin heels that matched the shade on her lips. She'd tied up her hair into a professional bun, and her neck was encircled with a simple gold necklace that came in handy with its matching watch and little earrings."Hop in, I'll give you a ride." Jorge offered when they reached outside."Thank you," Claire replied and drifted into his dark-grey Ford SUV that he seemed to have much loyalty with cons

    Last Updated : 2022-05-25

Latest chapter

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

    The gym room! It suddenly crossed Claire's mind that she hadn't checked the gym room. Claire's eyes rested straight on Ryan when she entered the gym room. He was drenched in sweat, earphones on his ears, while running frustrated on the treadmill. It was crystal clear to Claire that he'd been doing this for a very good while. Her heart was pounding fast as she looked at him—at his wide back. The room was huge and spacious. It was serenely painted in white and light grey. A few workout machines were installed, including the treadmill near the wide window where Ryan was currently stationed. On the wooden floor lay two yoga mattresses, dumbbells, and medicine balls. Sighing, Claire slowly shut the door behind her and paced towards Ryan, who was extremely absentminded to even discern her presence in the room. She reached the treadmill and took a few steps to announce her presence. And he finally took notice of her. "Ryan," Claire called slowly, carefully, standing before his eyes. A

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

    Being alone with Denis, inside the car, Claire could only think of the rides she'd had with Ryan.This felt different—awkward even— and she had to think twice before responding to whatev er Denis was rumbling about."Okay, I'm hereby dropping you home, safe and sound," he announced sassily once they arrived at Claire's."Are you sure you can't come in? The evil step mom will be very happy to see you," Claire said sarcastically."No, thanks, I'll pass," he replied defensively. Claire managed to laugh heartily. "Thanks for tonight; I had a terrific welcome back dinner." His tone softened, his eyes beaming."Um, pleasure," Claire answered. "I . . .guess I'll see you around. Have a good night?" She had nothing else to say, and the atmosphere was getting tense from the way Denis was staring at her.It was a longing stare."Sure. Be good." He smiled tightly, a wave of sadness crossing his face.When she walked inside the gate it was nearly eight. A sigh escaped her lungs as she stopped by t

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

    Claire was with Denis around six in the evening.While seated across one another in the restaurant, Claire finally spoke after a long uneasy silence. "Do you realize you've been staring at me for minutes now?" she asked, trying to get rid of the small discomfort of his eyes devouring her."I know," Denis replied with a smile. "I guess I'm trying to encode this new you. You have really changed, Claire; you are so beautiful."Here it comes. Claire sighed."Was I ugly back then? Because I think that's what you're insinuating." She took a sip of water from the table.Denis chuckled. "No, you've always been beautiful, trust me. But you look more mature now, and you're glowing in some ways I can't explain." He tried to continue flattering her, but the maître d' interrupted with the menu. Denis looked at Claire and asked, "What would you like to eat?""Anything," Claire replied, her tummy responding with a faint grumble.If Ryan was here, he would definitely have something to say about it. S

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

    Ryan was in his office going through several reports involving the remodeling project.Earlier this morning he had the pleasure of visiting the site, and the progress was visible. Heavy machines and equipment were active all over the place, with all the workers as busy as required."I found another one in Montesby. It's our new target," Ryan said while closing the file he'd been reading.Doris and Harry were also present in his office, and none of the other two seemed surprised by this news. Ryan always had a back-up plum—whether by luck or chance."Oh, finally we're kicking that bastard!" Harry was ecstatic. "Is it great?"Great was an understatement. Fuck, that land was a goldmine! Location itself was to die for—somewhere near the sea—and the look of it was already breathtaking without anything built yet. Ryan wondered if the owner was ready and willing to sell it. If not, he'd move heaven and earth to get the sale, by any means humanly possible."It's perfect for just anything," Ry

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

    Ryan yielded completely into her embrace, and it was something new. He was only human, Claire thought. Right now he was like a baby, afraid to lose his security item."I'll try to be normal," he whispered, hugging her back tightly.Claire regretted mentioning that. Was he always this sensitive?"No, don't," she rebuked. "I want you to be yourself, Ryan. Forget what I said, huh?" Ryan sighed. "Look, I have my demons . . . but you take me as I am. It was very stupid of me to say such a thing, Ryan. Forgive me.""Really now?" Ryan raised his head, amusement evident on his face.Yes, that was her Ryan. Claire smiled."I mean, let's do things naturally. Let's not push beyond limits, and this discussion is over," she said seriously. "Let's take a shower and get in bed.""And then talk like middle school kids?" Ryan finally spoke in the same mocking tone that Claire knew by heart."We can even have a pajama party while at it," she teased.The shower was long and refreshing. Inside the dressi

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

    "Okay, Claire, do you want me to undress your seatbelt or something?" Ryan asked after a long moment of silence.Oh, they were home already! Claire smiled as her eyes met the parking lot."It's okay, I can do it," she muttered."Or we can't just work on your fantasy instead," Ryan teased.Claire rolled her eyes at him. "I'm starting to regret telling you that, Ryan. You're being too sex-driven." She unbuckled her seatbelt."We both are, Claire." Ryan was amused, happy to have her right now."Maybe, but I'd rather use that huge car of yours instead of this," Claire suggested playfully, biting her bottom lip at the thought."The Vogue?""Yeah, that one," Claire said."Well, that's a fair point. It's huge and spacious," Ryan said thoughtfully, and Claire couldn't contain her laugh. "So we're saving for another time?""Yeah, for tonight I want something decent.""Something decent? What is this, Claire? Are you suggesting I've been molesting you all this while?" Ryan laughed heartily sayin

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

    They continued talking about land and real estate until they finished dinner."So, you're really not going to my place?" Ryan asked on their way out."I have work tomorrow, Ryan, and sleeping at your place means no sleeping at all,"Claire said, and it made him laugh amusedly. "Oh, so I'm a clown now?""No, you're just being silly. And clown? Isn't that supposed to be my catchphrase?" Ryan queried while opening the car door for her."You stole Bruno's, why can't I steal yours? And I thought you were drunk last night; you still remember it?" She was baffled, wondering how much he managed to hear last night."I was drunk, but it doesn't mean I lost my mind." Ryan grinned.They arrived at Claire's around nine o'clock. At the same time, Jorge had also arrived.He was exiting from the taxi as she clambered off Ryan's car."Claire. Hi," Jorge greeted, a little surprised that she was brought in a man's car."Hi, Jorge. Why the taxi? Don't tell me your car broke down again," Claire replied, r

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER SIXTY

    Claire was feeling giddy as she exited the building. Her eyes met Ryan's right away. He was leaning casually against his black Mercedes. He beamed boyishly when she rushed his way, and then he chuckled when she catapulted into his arms while smiling like a schoolgirl."God, I missed you," she whispered, her lips on his at the same time, hungry and longing."Me more, baby." Ryan kissed her back, holding her waist possessively."Oh no, we're at my workplace." Giggling, Claire pulled back, apprehensive of her surroundings.Ryan smiled. "The things you make me do, Claire," he said, for he was never acquainted with this public display of affection, either. She flushed, and his eyes were staring at her with daze. "You are still looking lovely even at night.""So are you," Claire replied, smiling with content at the mere sight of him.But suddenly Ryan's face contorted. "Why do you look uncomfortable with the shoes?" He lowered his gaze down to her heels.Oh boy! Time to get scolded. Claire

  • Falling for Mr Charming   CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

    He sighed, and slowly laughter escaped him. "What's this all about, Claire?" he asked, leaning against his desk, arms across the chest.Claire looked vexed. "I simply don't understand why you keep sending me mixed signals," she said.Ryan frowned. "Mixed signals?""Yes. First you ask me . . . no, you beg me to sleep with you, and the next day you treat me like trash. So what is it that you want from me? If you're shutting me out of your life, then do it like a man, and stop this ridiculous and stupid game of yours!" Claire lashed."What about you?" Ryan asked coolly, ignoring her yelling."What about me?" She frowned."What do you want from me? You're the one who wanted me to leave you alone, and it's exactly what I'm trying to do. So then what do you want from me, Claire?" His voice turned louder, menacing even. He uncrossed his arms and stood up once again, just a step or two from her.What did she want from him? Claire asked herself, and the answer was crystal clear by now."I want

DMCA.com Protection Status