Home / Romance / No Way to Win Me Back / Chapter Thirty One

Share

Chapter Thirty One

Author: Anney GW
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-28 12:07:00
Celeste’s POV

I shook my head despondently at Ryan’s question.

“Maximilian hasn’t responded to any of my emails and follow-up messages.” I said, sighing. “I was really hoping this would be my big break.”

He patted my shoulder. “The company is so large, your messages are probably just buried underneath other designers’ proposals.”

“Even after three months?” I asked, unconvinced.

“Crown Luxe didn’t get where they are today by blowing off brilliant designers like you.” He said with an encouraging smile. “I’m sure they’ll respond soon.”

I laughed, swatting his shoulder. “You’re just trying to get on your boss’s good side.”

“Is it working?” Humor danced in his eyes.

I put a hand on my hip but couldn't keep the smile from my lips.

“I think you’ll have better results doing actual work.”

“Touché.” He held up his hands. “What should I get started with today?”

I pointed towards the storeroom.

“Please fetch the materials we need for the next order. They’re on the top shelf.”

“I’m on it, boss.”
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Two

    Damien’s POVI don’t know how I let Vanessa browbeat me into taking the family to dinner at a trendy restaurant across town. It was crowded, overpriced and disappointing–a complete waste of time.Only half my attention was on the road as I tried to block out Bonnie and Vanessa’s bickering in the backseat. My company’s sales had plummeted these past three months, and I was running out of excuses to give the shareholders. I contemplated various strategies and schemes as I drove. My phone rang from the cupholder.It was my assistant.I groaned before answering–she never brought good tidings.“Miss Wilson, this better be important.” I said tersely.“Good evening, Mr. Kent.” Her voice was filled with apprehension. “I apologize for calling so late, but I thought you’d want to hear what I discovered immediately.” “Then spit it out.” “Mr. Brown’s secretary told me that our shareholders were preparing to withdraw funding.” She spoke in a nervous whisper. “It sounds like they’re planning a m

    Last Updated : 2025-03-28
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Three

    Ryan’s POVI scooped a spoonful of souffle into my mouth and glanced at my father. He was reading through a report while taking slow bites of his omelet. The moment his plate was empty, I put down my spoon.“Father, I’d like to discuss a pressing matter.” I said, breaking the silence.He sighed. “Just as I suspected.” “What?” I asked, puzzled.He placed the report and his reading glasses on the exuberant dining table.“When was the last time you joined me for breakfast, son? You bolt out of here first thing in the morning.”I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.He shook his head. “What is it?”I sat straighter. “Father, why have you not responded to Rosemary’s proposals?”“They must have slipped through the cracks.” He said, brushing me off. “I get a lot of emails.”I stood my ground. “You don’t expect me to believe that, do you? It’s been three months.”He watched me with calculating eyes.“I ignored her deliberately.” Anger spiked at his blunt words.“Why would you purposely

    Last Updated : 2025-03-29
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Four

    Celeste’s POVRyan had taken these past two days off to deal with family matters. Besides his divine cappuccinos, I missed his lively attitude and constant teasing–the studio felt too quiet without him. I stood abruptly from my design table, pressing a hand to the small of my back. The familiar ache radiated up my spine—too many hours hunched over gemstones under harsh lights. My brows furrowed as my gaze fell on Celine Mars’ order. Career changing opportunities like this didn’t come around twice.My phone was already pressed to my ear before I realized I'd dialed Rajiv again. The line crackled to life, his voice oozing false sympathy."Market fluctuations, Celeste. You understand how it is—""Don't give me that 'market fluctuations' bullshit, Rajiv," I snapped, pacing behind my worktable. A strand of hair escaped my bun, sticking to the sweat on my neck. "Just because I'm a solo studio doesn't mean you can pawn off second-rate stones on me. I need museum-grade musgravite. The kind y

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Five

    Celeste’s POVRage and heartache hit me like a tsunami. I forced the tidal wave of emotions down and looked over her, concerned.“Let me see how bad it is.” I said, squatting to her level.She took in a shaky breath.“God, I was so stupid, Celeste.” She said bitterly.I gave her a reproving look.“Grace, this was not your fault.”She shook her head. “But I should have seen the red flags.”I lifted her shirt and stifled a flush of fury–a large ugly bruise spread across her side. What if that asshole cracked one of her ribs?“You were right to warn me before.” Her voice fell to a regretful whisper. “God, I wish I listened. This is all my fault.”I lowered her shirt and held her by the shoulders.“Grace, listen to me carefully.” I said, pinning her with a stare that left no room for debate. “The piece of shit bastard who used you as a punching bag is to blame. No matter what you did or didn’t do, this isn’t your fault, okay?”She nodded, grimacing in pain with the movement.“Thanks, Cele

    Last Updated : 2025-03-31
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Six

    Celeste’s POV“Good luck, Vanessa.” I said, sidestepping her to leave the hospital. “You’re going to need it.” She scrambled to block my path again, arms spread wide.“Is that all you have to say?” She asked, huffing. “I’m pregnant with your ex husband’s child.”“Am I supposed to congratulate you?” I asked, annoyed.“Don’t be bitter, Celeste.” She tutted. “We’re old friends and you can’t say one nice thing?”Poor girl didn’t know what she was in for.“My deepest sympathies.” I gave her a plastic smile. “Now beat it. I have an actual future to get to.”Her eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Where’s Damien right now? At work?” I smirked, reveling in her karma. “You’re going to end up raising that baby on your own while he’s off philandering behind your back.”Vanessa floundered, face reddening.“Congratulations.” My voice dripped with sarcasm. “You wanted my life so badly–it’s all yours.”“Damien would never do that to me.” This woman was clueless.“Oh, please.” I laughed

    Last Updated : 2025-04-01
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Seven

    Celeste’s POV“Where’s my kiss, Celeste?” Ryan asked, shooting me a cheeky grin.I groaned internally as Grace and I walked into the studio. I should have known he wouldn’t miss such a juicy opportunity to tease me.But I wasn’t above playing dirty.I dropped my handbag on my workbench and grabbed his face, planting a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Happy now?” I asked, ignoring my somersaulting heart.“I know I am,” Grace said, pecking his other cheek. “You’re a lifesaver, Ryan. We would’ve been screwed without those gemstones.” Ryan stood stock still between us, turning bright red right to the tips of his ears. We burst into laughter. Grace yelped, touching the corner of her mouth gingerly. “Don’t make me laugh–it hurts too much.” She moaned.I hurried to give Grace her medication.“What happened?” Ryan asked as she swallowed the pills. “Your face is covered in bruises.”“Oh, it’s nothing. Just some asshole I’ll never see again.” She said uncomfortably.His face creased with concern.“

    Last Updated : 2025-04-02
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Eight

    Celeste’s POVRyan’s breath fanned hot against my ear in the darkness, his deep voice a velvet rumble against my skin. "That nervous, boss? Your heartbeat’s so loud I can feel it."I tilted my chin up, though I could barely see his face—just the glint of his eyes in the shadows. "Projecting much? You’re the one who’s shaking." My fingers brushed against his—and damn if they weren’t actually trembling.A slow, knowing laugh vibrated through his chest. "Liar." His thumb swept the inside of my wrist, just once, and my breath caught. "Your pulse is racing. Your skin’s gone hot." His lips grazed my earlobe, voice dropping to a whisper. "And if I kissed you right now, you’d melt."I swallowed hard, grateful for the dark hiding the flush on my cheeks. "Try me."He chuckled, the sound rough and promising. "Oh, I will." His hand slid up my arm, slow, possessive, his touch the only anchor in the blackness. "But first, I want to hear you admit it.""Admit what?""That you’re thinking about it."

    Last Updated : 2025-04-02
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Nine

    Celeste’s POV“Were all three times a mistake,” Ryan smiled cockily. “Or just the first?”I glared at him. “Just wipe last night from your mind–nothing happened.”“How could I forget the tantalizing way you screamed my name and begged me not to stop?” There was a dark edge to his teasing. “I don’t have amnesia, Celeste.” How could he be so unabashed?“That was momentary insanity and it won’t happen again.” I said firmly.“We both know that’s not true, Celeste.” He smirked. “You can’t resist me.” I scoffed. “Don’t be so full of yourself, Ryan.”“Then why’d you kiss me?” Something playful and dangerous glinted in his eyes. Mortification filled me as I wondered the same damn thing.What had come over me?“The power went out. I was scared.” I shrugged. “It was a manifestation of panic.”Ryan stood, our improvised blanket falling away–he wasn’t wearing a lick of clothing. The darkness last night didn’t do this walking Greek god any justice. He was playing dirty.I turned around before

    Last Updated : 2025-04-04

Latest chapter

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty Six

    Celeste’s POV“Let go of me, you caveman.” I hissed, yanking my arm free from Damien’s grasp.Only he would have the nerve to insinuate I snuck into this lavish event to seduce Celine’s husband. It took a special cocktail of delusion, arrogance, and crazy.“Frankly, you pathetically trying to cozy up to the elite doesn’t surprise me.” Damien said coldly. “No, it’s the fact that a worthless housewife made it through the front doors that I find astounding. You don’t belong here, Celeste.” He stalked towards me, and I backed away.“But I’m more than happy to rectify that mistake.” His lips curled into a twisted smile.Then Brian stepped in front of me, his tall frame towering over Damien. “That is no way to treat a lady, never mind one of Celine’s honored guests.” The powerful man glowered. “Show some respect to Ms. Rosemary.”Damien froze where he stood, stupefied.“You mean to say that the woman behind you is the rising designer, Rosemary?” He furrowed his eyebrows, incredulous. “No o

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty Five

    Celeste’s POVLight from countless flashing cameras burned my retinas as I stepped out of the cab. They were upon us before Grace could even close the door.Celine Mars’ private party seemed more like the event of the century.We linked arms and pushed through the reporters as they swarmed us, asking questions faster than I could listen. But one made me stumble over my own feet.“Are either of you the mysterious designer, Rosemary?”Grace steadied me and kept walking until we joined the flowing line of runway ready guests entering the mansion. We wore simple yet bold cocktail dresses. I noticed several appreciative glances thrown our way. “How did they know I’d be here?” I whispered.She surveyed the reporters being held back by security and shook her head in amazement.“With this crowd, nothing stays private for long.”I swallowed, steadying my nerves.At the massive doors, a lady asked for our names, eyes scanning a tablet.“Rosemary.” I said, voice even despite my nerves.She stopp

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty Four

    Damien’s POV“Did you just say Rosemary will be there?” I breathed into my phone, bewildered.“Yes, sir. She’s a special guest at Celine Mars’ party tomorrow night.” Miss Wilson responded. “She’s planning to introduce her to her most influential friends.”I’d finally caught a break. If I attended that party, I’d be able to speak to that pain in the ass secretive designer and save my company. But if I didn’t, Rosemary would sign with one of Celine’s wealthy guests.“I need an invitation to that party. Make it happen.” I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the sofa.“Sorry, Bon-Bon.” I ruffled her hair. “Daddy had to take that call, but I’m all yours now.”She shrugged, nibbling a fry. “It’s okay, Daddy. I know you always have to work.”With my company nearing a state of collapse, I’d been too busy to spend any time with her. She seemed withdrawn, so I left work early.“How’s your burger?” I asked, taking a bite of my own.I’d bought an array of junk food–I wasn’t sure which was Bo

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty Three

    Celeste’s POV“Thank you, Molly.” I blinked back tears and smiled at her. “Your parents are very lucky to have you as a daughter. You’re an angel.”I wanted to scream.My daughter couldn’t be lucky, could she? She hated my freaking guts. But Molly looked up at me like she wholly believed what she’d said, and I hoped she was right. Hoped my daughter would come back to me.“But they don’t have time for me.” Her voice was so small.I tilted her chin up.“Hey, they love you, honey.” I smiled warmly. “But if you’re ever bored or lonely, you’re welcome to visit me.”Molly nodded, sniffling.I crouched down and wrapped my arms around her. She squeezed me so tight that I felt comforted and wondered which of us needed the hug more. We were smiling by the time we released each other.Ryan crouched down, booping her nose. “Mols, the bathroom is through that door. You can go look at your hair in the mirror.”He pursed his lips as she ambled away. “Her parents are extremely busy at work and seldo

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty Two

    Celeste’s POVThe girl holding Ryan’s hand peered up shyly, and my heart melted. Aside from her hazel eyes, she was an adorable, tiny version of Ryan. “Who is this angel?” I gushed.“Say hi Molly.” Ryan told her sweetly.She tucked herself behind him and peeked at me under dark lashes. “She’s a bit shy.” He chuckled. “This is Molly, my niece. I’m taking care of her while my sister-in-law and brother are away on business.”My gaze was drawn to his exposed chest as he spoke–he’d left an extra button undone. I glanced away and squatted down to the girl’s level. “Hi, Molly. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Celeste.”“And I’m Grace.” She said, crouching beside me.Ryan smiled encouragingly at her. “Don’t be afraid, Mols.”“Hi.” she said, voice soft and sweet.The girl clutched something in her hands and my eyes brightened when I saw it was an art case.“Do you like drawing Molly?” I asked.She smiled tentatively and nodded.“Really? Can I see your art?” Just like that, she let go of Ryan’s le

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty One

    Celeste’s POV“Call your men off, you coward!” I shouted as the security guards seized me.They escorted me out of the building with practiced efficiency. The closer we got to the entrance, the more my indignation built.Damien had no right to treat people like his playthings.“You’re the most air-headed, selfish asshole I’ve had the displeasure of knowing.” I shouted at the entrance of his company. His jaw clenched as the passing employees eyed us.“Celeste, this is my place of work.” He said through gritted teeth.I couldn’t care less about preserving his reputation. One day, the upstanding businessman facade would shatter and I’d watch with glee.“Make sure you fetch our daughter on Monday or god help you.” I warned coldly before leaving.All too soon, I was in my studio building’s parking garage. Flipping down the sun visor, I gasped at my reflection. An obvious hickey peeked out of the neckline of my blouse and I smacked myself for not seeing it sooner. I covered it with the la

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Forty

    Celeste’s POV“Damien, leaving you was the worst mistake of my life.” I said, voice trembling as I walked towards him. “I’ll do anything for you to take me back.”“I knew it was only a matter of time.” He smiled from ear to ear. I batted my eyes at him. “Life is empty without you. Please let me come back home.”His smirk exuded arrogance. “Lucky for you, I’m feeling generous.”“Really? Oh my god, thank you Damien!” I squealed like a teenage girl. “It’s such an honor to be worthy of you.”Muffled snickers came from outside the door as his staff eavesdropped. His brows furrowed as I burst into derisive laughter and plopped myself into the seat across from him. “Is that what you expected to hear? You seriously need a psych evaluation.” I simmered down, tone sleeping with ridicule. “You can’t separate fantasy from reality.” “Don’t mock me, Celeste. I’ve missed you during our time apart and I’ve been considering letting you come back home.” Damien leaned on the desk between us.“I’ve nev

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Nine

    Celeste’s POV“Were all three times a mistake,” Ryan smiled cockily. “Or just the first?”I glared at him. “Just wipe last night from your mind–nothing happened.”“How could I forget the tantalizing way you screamed my name and begged me not to stop?” There was a dark edge to his teasing. “I don’t have amnesia, Celeste.” How could he be so unabashed?“That was momentary insanity and it won’t happen again.” I said firmly.“We both know that’s not true, Celeste.” He smirked. “You can’t resist me.” I scoffed. “Don’t be so full of yourself, Ryan.”“Then why’d you kiss me?” Something playful and dangerous glinted in his eyes. Mortification filled me as I wondered the same damn thing.What had come over me?“The power went out. I was scared.” I shrugged. “It was a manifestation of panic.”Ryan stood, our improvised blanket falling away–he wasn’t wearing a lick of clothing. The darkness last night didn’t do this walking Greek god any justice. He was playing dirty.I turned around before

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Thirty Eight

    Celeste’s POVRyan’s breath fanned hot against my ear in the darkness, his deep voice a velvet rumble against my skin. "That nervous, boss? Your heartbeat’s so loud I can feel it."I tilted my chin up, though I could barely see his face—just the glint of his eyes in the shadows. "Projecting much? You’re the one who’s shaking." My fingers brushed against his—and damn if they weren’t actually trembling.A slow, knowing laugh vibrated through his chest. "Liar." His thumb swept the inside of my wrist, just once, and my breath caught. "Your pulse is racing. Your skin’s gone hot." His lips grazed my earlobe, voice dropping to a whisper. "And if I kissed you right now, you’d melt."I swallowed hard, grateful for the dark hiding the flush on my cheeks. "Try me."He chuckled, the sound rough and promising. "Oh, I will." His hand slid up my arm, slow, possessive, his touch the only anchor in the blackness. "But first, I want to hear you admit it.""Admit what?""That you’re thinking about it."

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status