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Chapter 23
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Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 24
ELOISE I walked around the main gardens, and just like Nina said, this place was huge, way bigger than my eyes could see. Tall trees clustered together, and grassy lawns seemed to stretch forever, like a massive green carpet. The cool air smelled like a farm and sweet nectar. This could be a good place to relax, especially since dealing with my dad and his wife would be stressful. I didn’t sleep much on the flight, but exploring rather than staying in my room was better. I stopped at the gardens of peonies and roses and took some selfies. I made sure the background didn’t give away that I was at my dad’s place, and then I uploaded a picture on my social media before I kept walking. I saw houses far away. I took more pictures but immediately decided to keep them on my phone. I didn’t want my followers to know where I was, also guessing those houses might be where the workers in the mansion lived. From a distance, I heard horses neighing and saw people riding them, which was new an
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 25
ELOISE My meals were delivered to my bedroom for the rest of the day. Honestly, this way was much better because I had no interest in dining with my father or Davina. It felt kind of lonely whenever I contemplated if this was their everyday life in the mansion. Probably because Malcolm had just passed away, the silence was painfully pronounced. I suppose my actual hellish day starts tomorrow. I checked my phone again before bed. I had messages from my work emails that needed responses, but I figured I could ask Trina to handle those. Fortunately, she was there as my counterpart. Jenna had messaged me this morning to ask how it was going, and there was also an unanswered message from Adam. He hadn’t messaged since. Rolling onto my side in bed, I wondered what I could reply to him, constantly composing and deleting messages. “I’m busy…” I deleted the text. “Just say it here.” I deleted the text again. “You can just call me…” Damn it. I deleted my message again but accidentall
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 26
ELOISE The mansion’s veranda appeared somber, especially under the shade of gray clouds that hung to the sky like a heavy shroud. The early morning air was moist with the scent of rain-soaked soil, and steady showers played a gentle rhythm on the grounds. I was dressed in a casual coral sundress that Nina chose for me. She said it was fitting for the morning meal, but I felt the color didn’t match my mood and the dull ambiance of the place. Nina then ushered me to the table where a traditional Scottish breakfast was served. I hesitated, but my father’s stern gaze urged me to sit. I settled across from him. The atmosphere was tense, as if sitting together was an unfamiliar ritual. Which, of course, it was. I grew up outside his care, with him only fulfilling the responsibilities of a parent from afar. On the table, breakfast consisted of haggis, black pudding, fried eggs, sausages, and baked beans. It was generous, but the weight of my father’s presence made it difficult for me to
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 27
ELOISE When we returned to the mansion, Nina read my schedule in her notes as we selected my evening dress. It felt incredibly tiring to change repeatedly on various occasions in a day. “You’ve got a dress rehearsal with the personal tailor tonight, Mrs. Laurent. Lord Cunningham’s birthday dinner is already on Friday, so we’re tight on time for a custom dress. Instead, you’ll try out her new designs, which she’ll adjust to your size. She’s waiting for you in the drawing room. I’ll give you some basic table manners lessons tomorrow morning during breakfast. “After that, I’ll take you to the hairdresser, shopping, and the spa. You’ll have some free time in the evening, but since Lord Cunningham wants you to meet the baron, I’ll keep you engaged to avoid him. That might also help us postpone meeting him until we’re more prepared. Your father still expects you to attend at least one dinner with him.” I clenched my teeth. “Fine. What else?” “Around afternoon tomorrow, you’ll officiall
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 28
ELOISE “Hello, Eloise,” Adam greeted. God, his voice. It resonated deep within my bones. “Hey, um, are you busy?” “A little. I still have some matters to look into,” he whispered. “Work stuff?” “Yes, I’m reviewing the proposals sent to me by my producers.” “Oh.” I bit my bottom lip. “We can just talk later, then.” “No, it’s alright. This can wait. How are you?” “Mm. Tired?” He chuckled softly. “So you think calling me might make you feel untired?” I laughed. God, he did make me feel good. “That’s not even a word.” “Of course it is. I was waiting for your call.” I lay on the bed with my eyes on the ceiling. “I’ve had a long day.” “Want to tell me about it?” he asked. “Uh, I’d rather not. I would rather escape from all this.” “Try me.” “I’d rather go back to New York.” To see you... “So you’ve admitted you’re somewhere out of the States.” It wasn’t a question but more of a probing statement. “Edinburgh,” I admitted. “I’m here for unavoidable family matters. They’re my
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 29
ELOISE The next morning, we started our activity following our schedule. Nina and I were sitting close to a long, extravagant dining table, surrounded by the family’s shiny and overwhelming wealth. Right in front of us was a neat arrangement of plates, bowls in different shapes, and silverware, all decked out with elegant table mats, candlelight, and floral centerpieces. Our goal for today was to navigate the traditional Scottish dining etiquette, where each utensil had a purpose. “Let’s get into it step by step,” Nina said confidently, squaring her shoulders. “The utensils here have their own roles.” Her movements directed my attention to the organized utensils. “This,” she pointed at the spoon with a deep, round head, “is a soup spoon. Obviously, it is used for consuming soups and broths. Next up, the salad fork,” she explained, focusing on the fork with slightly shorter tines. They also used this for appetizers.” “So fussy,” I murmured. “And then?” She moved to a knife wit
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 30
ELOISE “Lovely! You look like a princess!” Bonnie smiled alongside me in the mirror. Nina gave me a thumbs-up in approval. Then, we went shopping as per our schedule. We selected various designer bags and jewelry based on Nina’s choices, as usual. She mentioned that pearls, stone stud necklaces, and earrings, such as diamonds, would be necessary. I almost had a heart attack seeing the price tags I rarely encountered in my life, but the card my father provided us with was without a spending limit. We also picked out some watches, although I wasn’t sure where I’d use them, as I was fine with the one I already had. Lastly, we bought a couple of coats from Burberry that caught our fancy, even though I already had some in my wardrobe. I offered Nina some garments to take with me. After shopping, we happily dined at a casual seafood restaurant, chatting as if we were lifelong best friends. We laughed over trivial subjects unrelated to the Cunninghams. During our conversation, I discove
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 31
ELOISE “Daddy? Why is it so dark? Please, let me out! Daddy!!” The air is cold, and the smell of dust is entering my nose. I’m coughing because of it. I can’t see anything. Daddy isn’t listening to me. Where is he? Is he drinking again? Where is Mommy? Why is she begging Daddy to leave? That’s why Daddy is cruel to me. I don’t want them fighting. I want my old daddy. My happy daddy. But he has changed. He’s bad now. Bad, just like Mommy. What did she do? Why is she always not home? I scratch my eyes and sniff my dry tears as I pound the door continuously. Please, someone, please… I want my old daddy back… I don’t want my mommy leaving every night… The door is finally opened. Thank God! Daddy still loves me. “You! You little brat!” Daddy grabs my arm and pulls me out. “Where is your mother? You know where she is; why aren’t you telling me? Is she there again? Is she getting fucked again?” Daddy smells like puke and sour liquor again. I cry. I cry hard. He hurts me. “Stop
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Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 101
ELOISEThat evening, while I was showering, Adam joined me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind while his lips placed soft kisses on my shoulder. I moved my hair to the side and looked back at him. Even after everything, it still felt surreal. Adam was my husband now.Just a few weeks ago, I met this man because of a simple mistake on a blind date, and he became someone who supported me. But there was still so much I had to learn about him, many things we needed to resolve and discuss.Under the shower, we stayed silent, savoring each other’s presence. Words became unnecessary with each kiss on my shoulder, neck, and back. I surrendered to the surge of emotions, my body burning with every touch of his fingers on my skin.Adam’s lips traveled down my back to the space between my buttocks. I moaned, arching my back as his tongue slid through. I gripped the wall; the only sounds were the splashing water, my rapid heartbeat, and my heavy breathing. His fingers traced my slit, and my
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 100
ELOISEWhen the doctor left, Adam and I watched Davina sit beside Malcolm’s bed, her hand never leaving his face.The doctor told us he didn’t know when my brother was going to wake up, but he should still be able to from his temporary coma.Davina was the first to speak. “How… how could Callum do this to me? After everything…”Dad was standing by the window with his hands folded across his chest when he finally broke his silence. “Callum did it because I let him. Because my ambition and greed blinded me.” There was a long pause before he turned to face us. “I did this. I did this to our family... to Malcolm. I was too focused on making sure the Cunningham name stayed strong. I was one-sided.”Davina’s eyes flicked, and her lips pressed tightly together. “You can’t blame yourself for this. I asked you to—”“I can blame myself,” Dad cut her off. “I’ve seen the signs. To think that I almost gave away my only daughter.” He waved his hand towards me.My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 99
ADAM Eloise and I continued to move through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well wishes from the guests. I kept glancing around the room, scanning the crowd for any sign of Jonathan, but he had taken the initiative and was now talking to Callum. He had probably slipped away during the ceremony to begin his part of the operation. Now, all I could do was wait for him to make contact. Eloise chatted with her relatives near the buffet table when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped away from the crowd, keeping my movements casual. I checked the message. It was from Jonathan: We spotted the ambulance, but one of my men outside hit a small complication. I glanced around again, making sure Callum wasn’t watching, and I remained calm. I moved toward a secluded reception corner, pressing the phone to my ear as I dialed Jonathan’s number. Jonathan gestured to Callum to wait a moment as he answered my call. “Jonathan, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low but urgent. “I’m sor
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 98
ELOISE The band began to play another slow song, and Callum pulled me close, his hand resting on my lower back as we swayed to the music. His touch felt heavy and awkward, and it stung so painfully that it felt like he’d burn me alive. “You look beautiful tonight, Eloise,” Callum said, his voice low and smooth. “I’m sure Adam feels like the luckiest man in the world. It should've been me.” “I didn’t agree to this dance so that you could flatter me,” I replied, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at me. His eyes squinted. “Are you flattered?” I rolled my eyes. “Hello, no. Where’s Malcolm?” He studied me momentarily, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something. “You know, I’ve always admired your strength. It’s not easy being in your position. But you’ve handled it remarkably well.” “Answer the question, Callum,” I said firmly. He sighed. “He’s safe. He’s right outside the premises, in a private ambulance with a doctor tending to him.” “How are we going to get him b
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 97
ELOISEIn fairness, I was in awe of the garden reception decorated with pastel colors, our color motifs, floral arrangements, and a lengthy buffet for fancy guests under the twinkling fairy lights. The soft mainstream music from the live band filled the air with laughter and conversations.From the outside, despite all the reasons and family drama, it was the perfect evening, just as I had always imagined for my wedding. I couldn’t shake off the thoughts of the challenges that awaited us.I walked through the crowd, exchanging smiles and greetings, but I was especially eager to see the Sebastians. As I approached their table, their presence at the reception meant a lot to me, and I hadn’t had the chance to greet them properly yet. I spotted them gathered under a large oak tree, the soft light making their happy faces glow. Rachel and Benjamin were sitting together, looking engaged in a conversation. Sitting next to them were Rafael and Julian, Adam’s older brothers, each holding one
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 96
ELOISEThe day had finally arrived, and I couldn’t believe it was real—my wedding day. I had always imagined what this day would feel like, but reality had a way of twisting those dreams into something more and less than I had imagined.I couldn’t fully explain what I was feeling. Nerves buzzed under my skin, mixed with a tingling excitement that I could feel on my fingertips and even a bit of fear. This was it. I was really going to get married—to the best, most understanding man I had ever known, not to mention the sexiest man alive.A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Adam—his touch, his voice, the way he had been my rock through everything. But my heart kept pounding in my chest. It wasn’t just the typical wedding day jitters. My mind was also drifting to the idea that Malcolm was alive and that this was the day Callum and I had agreed I would get my brother back, as well as the secrets Adam and I were keeping from Logan and Davina.The soft hum of conversation drifted throu
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 95
ELOISEI returned to my father’s mansion feeling drained and exhausted, as if the spa’s effects had worn off. Everything happened in a flash, and it felt like my brain wanted to stop functioning. Back at the hospital, all that mattered was Malcolm. I kissed his forehead and said my temporary goodbyes with a heavy heart.By the time I entered the grand hall, Nina came running to me for an embrace. She was crying her lungs out, and all I could do was tap her back.“Where have you been? It’s almost midnight. I waited for you until they closed, but you weren’t there. We were so worried about you. What happened?” She stepped back to look into my face.“I was…”Adam suddenly came to me and wrapped me in his arms, tight, as if he had been longing for me. He was breathing hard. He hugged me so tightly I couldn’t breathe. He didn’t say anything for a moment. He was just there, holding me, feeling me with every touch and fingertip.“Adam…” I whispered. Then Mr. Ross approached us.“Miss, I had
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 94
ELOISE My brother lay there unconscious, with oxygen attached to his mouth and other things connected to his body. Tons of questions swirled in my head: How did he get here? What did Callum do to him? How did Callum fake his death? Didn't they bury him? Didn't Dad see his body? We even went to his grave. But those questions didn’t matter now. Malcolm was here, alive, even though he was in a coma. I ran to him and held his warm hand, staring at his skinny face. He looked tired but still handsome. He had been here all this time, kept alive only by these machines. We had mourned him. “What did you do? I knew it. I knew you did this.” I glared at Callum. He rolled his eyes and slipped his hand into his pocket, looking relaxed as if Malcolm wasn't his nephew. “Alright, I did this, did that. I just had to do what I had to because, in the end, I knew your father would ditch me.” He walked closer and casually sat on the bed next to my brother. “Now, are you going to negotiate?” A sur
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 93
ADAM I played pool and had brandy with Logan until evening, and he asked about my relationship with Eloise, just the basics. I was waiting for him to show any sign of the man Eloise used to tell me about, but he remained private and diverted the conversation to something else whenever I tried. I don't despise the man for what he did for his daughter, but I haven’t grown any liking for him; I was only trying to be civilized. He also wanted this business expansion to Las Vegas, implying that he only accepted our engagement because he expected me to invest. I didn’t find any anomaly in their plans for their expansion. Blackwood was actually managing that quite well, not that I praised him (because he was a low-life asshole and a criminal who leeched off the family), but there were still illegal transactions happening inside among their elite members. If I was to invest in such a business, I needed to make sure that fucker wouldn’t touch anything I’d work hard for. “I wanted to hear w
